Poster by: Edward Hibsch and Craig Miller, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission
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Background: NMFS review of each Pacific state’s recreational survey and sampling methodology identified a desire for electronic data capture, as it would enhance data accuracy, timeliness and efficiency.
Solution: PSMFC conducted a pilot study to test the feasibility of using a mobile application to collect angler survey data in the field. A multi-platform approach was programmed by technology vendor, Vitasys that utilizes PhoneGap. Initial testing indicated a preference for using an iOS application to be deployed on iPads protected by a Lifeproof case. The survey application functions without an internet connection and data is electronically transferred to a PSMFC server when a wireless connection is established upon conclusion of sampling. Currently, ten iPads are being field tested in California, and four more will begin testing in Washington in Spring 2014.
Conclusion: Electronic survey data collection via a mobile application appears to be a viable alternative to traditional paper and pencil forms.
