Just received a fishing survey from NOAA

[glenniesan]

Being the cynic that I am, I can't help be suspicious about the true intent of the "Southern California Sportfishing Survey" that I recently received from NOAA. The 17-page booklet covers everything from species & locations to opinions on bag limits, and personal income and fishing expeditures. I've never seen one of these surveys before and it seems to me the timing is tied to the MLPA process? NOAA states in their letter:

"This is your chance to help fishery managers better understand:

- Your fishing experiences, species, demographics, and expenditures.
- Your preferences as they relate to bag limits and fishing costs.
- Any other personal comments that you may have regarding the survey, fishery management, or other topics relevant to fishing."

Anyone have any thoughts or knowledge on how the survey data will be used? Did you get one? What would/did you do? Thanks.