Coral Reef Survey Question Bank (for selection for all s

Socioeconomics of Coral Reef Conservation

NOAA CSC CRCP Question Bank_ICR Package_11 16 11_v 3_CL edits

CRCP Question Bank with Guam survey questions already selected; adding Florida and American Samoa

OMB: 0648-0646

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SUPPORTING STATEMENT
SOCIOECONOMICS OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION
OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-xxxx

U.S. Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Coastal Services Center
Coral Reef Conservation Program

1

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................... 4
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. ........................ 5
2. Explain how, by whom, how frequently, and for what purpose the information will be used.
If the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to support information that
will be disseminated to the public, then explain how the collection complies with all applicable
Information Quality Guidelines. ..................................................................................................... 6
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques or other forms of
information technology. ................................................................................................................ 10
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. .................................................................................. 10
5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe the
methods used to minimize burden. ............................................................................................... 11
6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not
conducted or is conducted less frequently. ................................................................................... 11
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a manner
inconsistent with OMB guidelines. ............................................................................................... 11
8. Provide information on the PRA Federal Register Notice that solicited public comments on
the information collection prior to this submission. Summarize the public comments received in
response to that notice and describe the actions taken by the agency in response to those
comments. Describe the efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views
on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping,
disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or
reported. ........................................................................................................................................ 12
9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than remuneration of
contractors or grantees. ................................................................................................................. 12
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for
assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy......................................................................... 12
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual
behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private.
....................................................................................................................................................... 12
12. Provide an estimate in hours of the burden of the collection of information. ....................... 13
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to the respondents or record-keepers
resulting from the collection (excluding the value of the burden hours in Question 12 above). .. 14
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14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. ......................................... 14
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments. .............................................. 15
16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and
publication..................................................................................................................................... 15
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information
collection, explain the reasons why display would be inappropriate............................................ 15
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement............................................................ 16
B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS ... 16
1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling
or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g.
establishments, State and local governmental units, households, or persons) in the universe and
the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation must also include
expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has been conducted before,
provide the actual response rate achieved. .................................................................................... 16
2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for
stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy needed for
the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring specialized sampling
procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce
burden. .......................................................................................................................................... 17
Survey Specific Challenges ....................................................................................................... 20
Periodicity.................................................................................................................................. 21
3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse. The
accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for the
intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided if they
will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied. ............................. 21
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as
effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB must
give prior approval. ....................................................................................................................... 23
5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the statistical aspects of
the design, and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will
actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency. ................................................... 23
References ..................................................................................................................................... 24
ATTACHMENT A: QUESTIONNAIRES ............ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
Guam Resident Coral Reef Survey ............................................................................................... 25
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National Coral Reef Monitoring Program Survey ........................................................................ 37
Initial Cover Letter for Mail Survey ............................................................................................. 64
Follow Up Cover Letter for Mail Survey ..................................................................................... 65
Thank You Letter .......................................................................................................................... 66
ATTACHMENT B: FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICE ........... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.

List of Tables

Table 1:National Indicators for the National Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring Program ........... 6
Table 2: Question Bank Categories ................................................................................................ 8
Table 3:Estimates of Burden Hours (3.5-year time frame)........................................................... 14
Table 4: Government Cost Distribution........................................................................................ 15
Table 5: Study Jurisdictions and Reporting Units ........................................................................ 16
Table 6: Sampling Requirements by Geographical Jurisdictions ................................................. 18
Table 7: Survey Methodology by Geographical Jurisdictions ...................................................... 19
Table 8: Internet Usage in Survey Jurisdictions ........................................................................... 20
Table 9: Languages Spoken in Survey Jurisdictions .................................................................... 21

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INTRODUCTION
This request is for a new information collection.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) created the Coral Reef
Conservation Program to safeguard and ensure the welfare of the coral reef ecosystems along the
coastlines of America’s States and Territories. The administration of this program has potential
economic and cultural impacts on the lives of nearby residents and citizens. In accordance with
its mission goals, NOAA has designed a survey to help assess the impacts of the Coral Reef
Conservation Program.
The survey is designed to be repeated every three to four years in order to provide longitudinal
data about the impact of the Coral Reef Conservation Program.
A. JUSTIFICATION
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.
The purpose of this information collection is to obtain information from individuals in the seven
US jurisdictions containing coral reefs. Specifically, NOAA is seeking information on the
behaviors and activities related to coral reefs, as well as information on knowledge and attitudes
related to coral reefs and specific reef protection activities.
The Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP), developed under the authority of the Coral Reef
Conservation Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-562; 16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.) is responsible for programs
intended to enhance the conservation of coral reefs. Under this authority, CRCP works with
local partners in Florida, US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to reduce key threats to coral reefs, including
climate change, land based sources of pollution, and impacts from fishing.
CRCP is embarking on a new National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP), intended to
enhance the conservation of coral reefs. As part of this program, CRCP intends to gather and
monitor a collection of socioeconomic variables, including those related to knowledge, attitudes,
and perceptions of coral reefs and coral reef management of jurisdictional residents.
CRCP intends to use the information collected through this instrument for research purposes as
well as measuring and improving the results of our reef protection programs. Because many of
our efforts to protect reefs rely on education and changing attitudes toward reef protection, the
information collected will allow CRCP staff to ensure programs are designed appropriately at the
start, future program evaluation efforts are as successful as possible, and outreach efforts are
targeting the intended recipients with useful information.

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2. Explain how, by whom, how frequently, and for what purpose the information will be
used. If the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to support
information that will be disseminated to the public, then explain how the collection
complies with all applicable Information Quality Guidelines.
The purpose of the survey is to gather longitudinal information from residents in Florida, US
Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) related to their knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of coral
reefs and coral reef management practices.
As part of the NCRMP, CRCP, in consultation with partners and stakeholders developed a set of
long-term core indicators that will be measured overtime across all coral reef jurisdictions. The
data gathered as part of this information collection request will assist CRCP in tracking these
indicators and improve the results of its existing and future programs. A list with a description
and the relevance of each indicator is shown in Table 1 below.
Table 1: National Indicators for the National Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring Program
National Indicator

Priority

1. Participation in reef
activities (including
snorkeling, diving, fishing,
harvesting)
2. Knowledge of coral reef
rules and regulations

Critical

3. Perceived compliance
with coral reefs rules and
regulations
4. Perceived resource
condition

Critical

5. Knowledge of threats to
coral reefs

Critical

Critical

Critical

6. Attitudes towards coral
Critical
reef management strategies

7. Participation in
behaviors that may

Critical

Importance of Gathering Data to Measure
Indicator
Understand the economic and recreational importance
of coral reefs to local residents; understand level of
extractive and non-extractive pressures on reefs
Tracking this information over time at the
jurisdictional or national level will provide a better
understanding of the effect of investing in education
and outreach
Determine how people are impacting coral reefs and
effectiveness of regulations and enforcement efforts
Complement biophysical information. Key to
understanding public support for various management
strategies
Monitoring this information over time is key to
tracking whether CRCP constituents understand threats
to coral reefs. Data gathered will help inform
management strategies and education and outreach
efforts
Monitoring this information over time will be valuable
to decision-makers. Information collected will assist
decision-makers to evaluate and improve existing
strategies and design new management approaches
Improve existing knowledge and gain a better
understanding on how human behaviors impact coral
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improve coral reef health
8. Cultural importance of
reefs
9. Population trends
change near coral reefs
10. Economic impact of
coral reef fishing to
jurisdiction
11. Economic impact of
dive/snorkel tourism to
jurisdiction 1

reefs positively and negatively
Critical

Understand traditional and cultural significance of
coral reefs to jurisdictional residents and whether their
significance is changing over time
Important Determine how changing population trends increase
pressure on coral reefs and reef-adjacent population
Important Track the economic contributions of coral reefs to reel
fishing and justify government funding of coral reef
protection programs
Important Track the economic contributions of coral reefs to
tourism and justify government funding of coral reef
protection programs

While the indicators to be measured are applicable to all jurisdictions, it is important to note that
there are considerable geographical, cultural and linguistic differences among residents nearby
and tourists to these coral reef areas. In order to provide flexibility in the data collection
instrument to account for those and other differences, CRCP decided to construct a bank of
questions, instead of administering a single survey to all jurisdictions. The question bank will
ensure that specific topics relevant to each of the seven jurisdictions are addressed, and that the
questions asked as part of the surveys will be relevant to the target audiences and the sampled
populations.
The bank of questions (which ultimately contains 138 questions) was created in coordination
with NOAA staff and partners in these jurisdictions, and incorporates questions from former
regional and local surveys, published articles and other information pertaining coral reefs and
coral reef management. In addition, all the questions included in the bank are associated to one
or more national indicators, and therefore, all are relevant to measure these indicators. In
addition to the indicator-related questions, a number of demographic questions were also
included, with the purpose of allowing CRCP to sort the responses into different subgroups and
analyze how demographics relate to question responses.
Table 2 presents a summary of the question categories included in the question bank.

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CRCP will track this information for these indicators (9-11) indirectly through secondary sources and separate data collection
activities. This will reduce the burden on participants.

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Table 2: Question Bank Categories
Question
Number

Category

Description

1-13

Attitude toward /
importance of coral
reefs
Participation in coral
reef activities

Importance of coral reef aspects, including willingness to
pay for coral reef protection, and satisfaction with the state
of coral reefs over time
Frequency of participation in coral reef activities, including
activities conducted at the coral reef jurisdiction and how
deterioration of coral reef conditions could affect
participation in these activities
Perceived threats in coral reef jurisdiction, including
familiarity with common threats to coral reefs and
perception on their potential impact
Familiarity with Marine Protected areas (MPAs), including
perceived purpose, benefits and impact, and effect on coral
reef activities
Perception of the condition of coral reefs over time, and
willingness to accept actions such as limited access,
increased restrictions on coral reef activities (e.g. fishing,
boating), more stringent pollution regulation, and statutes
limiting development
Perceived changes since the introduction of MPAs and
impact of these changes on personal use of coral reef areas

14-28

29-35

Perceived threats to
coral reefs

36-48

Marine Protected
Areas

49-66

Resource conditions
of coral reefs

67-73

Coral reef changes
since establishment
of MPAs
Knowledge of
rules/regulations

74-81

82-85

Compliance with
rules/regulations

86-100

Coral reef
management
processes

101-104

Support for
management
processes and
regulations

Knowledge of applicable regulations and restrictions to coral
reef activities in MPA, and knowledge/perceptions on the
effectiveness of traditional or cultural methods for managing
resources
Perception on level of compliance with regulations related
coral reefs (e.g. by fishers, divers, local population, tourists),
perception of enforcement levels, and rationale to follow
coral reef regulations
Level of support towards environmental causes, including
donations, volunteering activities, and involvement in
activities related to the management of coral reefs.
Perceptions on the success of coral reef strategies and
regulations and the roles of the Federal, local government,
and local communities to protect coral reefs
Perception on the success of different actors and regulation
to address problems in coral reef areas. Level of support
towards specific regulations and measures aimed to
protecting coral reefs.

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105-109

110-119

120-138

Sources of
information
available
Coral reef financial
reliance
Demographic
questions

Identification of most relevant sources of information about
coral reefs (e.g. newspapers, radio, brochures, NOAA
publications, etc.), and level of trust in information sources
Reliability of coral reefs as a personal source of food or
income, including involvement on commercial fishing
activities and their impact on personal income.
Generic demographic information to facilitate the
categorization and analysis of the responses. Information
includes family members, age, gender, education,
occupation, household income, place of residence, race,
languages, religious affiliation, and membership in
community groups

Information on each jurisdiction will be collected at regular intervals every three to four years.
The information will be collected by contractors in close coordination with CRCP in accordance
with the methodology set forth in Part B. For each jurisdiction, CRCP will work with
contractors to define the survey objectives, the data collection strategy, select relevant questions
from question bank and tailor them to the specific jurisdiction. CRCP is planning to use the
following approach to select the questions for each jurisdiction:
1. Identify the categories of questions that are necessary for that jurisdiction. Within each
category, select which questions and answer choices are most are applicable to that
jurisdiction (e.g. questions of tribal affiliation are rarely applicable to residents of
Florida)
2. Prioritize the questions chosen in order to obtain the most critical information while
staying under the 30 minute threshold.
The questions for the Guam interviews have already been selected from the bank, and are
included in this submission as a separate document.
As described in Question 3 below, the information will be collected by using the most efficient
and effective means in the individual jurisdiction. During the three years covered by this
clearance we expect to use face-to-face interviews in American Samoa, phone or internet based
survey techniques in Hawaii, Florida, and Puerto Rico, telephone surveys in Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam, and phone or face to face interviews in the US
Virgin Islands (USVI).
Data collected will not be disseminated to the public in a way which could potentially reveal
personally identifiable information (PII). Aggregate and summary statistics will only be publicly
available for the data which will allow the identities of survey respondents to remain
confidential. CRCP will maintain the data in accordance with the highest standards of
information security and will keep PII data only as long as is absolutely necessary to complete
the survey.

9

CRCP fully acknowledges the possibility of experiencing potential bias during the data
collection, for example, in case of non-response to certain questions or non-truthful answers
(these scenarios are dealt with in Part B’s detailed descriptions of methodology).
The risk associated with these potential biases skewing the analysis will be minimized by the fact
that CRCP will be primarily using the information as indicative parameters to analyze the
effectiveness of its programs. The information collected will not be used by CRCP to conduct
comprehensive evaluations of its programs nor will the data from this survey be used in isolation
be used to make decisions about these programs. Any decisions to modify existing programs and
to create new coral reef initiatives will be made using information collected from a number of
sources, including this survey and other tools such as, such as formal program assessments and
evaluations and CRCP’s strategic plans.
As explained in the preceding paragraphs, the information gathered has utility. NOAA will
retain control over the information and safeguard it from improper access, modification, and
destruction, consistent with NOAA standards for confidentiality, privacy, and electronic
information. See response to Question 10 of this Supporting Statement for more information on
confidentiality and privacy. The information collection is designed to yield data that meet all
applicable information quality guidelines. Prior to dissemination, the information will be
subjected to quality control measures and a pre-dissemination review pursuant to Section 515 of
Public Law 106-554.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques or other forms of
information technology.
We are planning on conducting face to face interviews in America Samoa due to the low density
of internet and phone connections, phone interviews in CNMI and Guam, and depending on
feasibility in each location and advice from local survey firms, phone or face to face interviews
in USVI, and phone or internet interviews in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Florida.
This combination of information collection techniques has been designed with the objective of
selecting the most cost-effective approach depending on the specific conditions in each
jurisdiction, and at the same time, to reduce the burden on respondents.
It is important to mention that the use of internet-based techniques versus phone-based
techniques will be dependent on the percentage of internet users in each jurisdiction. In
jurisdictions with high-internet use rates like Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, most of the
information may be collected using electronic means. However, in jurisdictions with a lower
proportion of internet users like the US Virgin Islands, CNMI, and Guam, a significant
percentage of information may be collected via phone surveys.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.
A literature review was conducted to identify studies analyzing knowledge, attitudes and reef use
patterns and protection activities, including social and economic data related to the communities

10

affected by coral reef conservation programs. There are no published studies that provide this
information.
In addition, there are no currently approved information collections requesting similar
information in the seven jurisdictions containing coral reefs. There is a currently approved
collection (OMB Control Number 0648-0585) to conduct a survey to estimate individuals’
preferences and economic values of the Hawaiian coral reef ecosystem. However, the scope of
this study only includes one jurisdiction, and its focus is only to evaluate a number of specific
management actions provided in the survey.
Finally, this effort is being coordinated by the CRCP’s Social Science Coordinator. Part of her
job is to coordinate survey efforts occurring in the jurisdictions to reduce survey fatigue and
avoid unnecessary expenditure of resources. All efforts will be made to ensure that this data
collection is not redundant with other efforts in the jurisdictions.
5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe
the methods used to minimize burden.
N/A. Only individuals will be interviewed.
6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is
not conducted or is conducted less frequently.
One of the main objectives of this collection is to assist the Coral Reef Conservation Program
(CRCP) to fulfill its mission of enhancing the conservation of coral reefs. The information
requested will allow CRCP to gauge the effects of its existing conservation programs and
improve them accordingly. In addition, the information will allow CRCP to design new
programs and ensure that they are as successful as possible.
Not conducting this investigation could undermine CRCP’s ability to effectively evaluate its
programs, and to ensure that they are helping achieve its mission.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a
manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.
No special circumstances are anticipated. The information requested will be voluntary and the
collection will be conducted in accordance with OMB guidelines.

11

8. Provide information on the PRA Federal Register Notice that solicited public comments
on the information collection prior to this submission. Summarize the public comments
received in response to that notice and describe the actions taken by the agency in response
to those comments. Describe the efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to
obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of
instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data
elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.
A Federal Register Notice was published on July 1, 2011 (76 FR 38618). One public comment
was received. This comment was a request via email for a mailed copy of the question bank.
The question bank and the sampling strategies for this collection were developed in consultation
with key CRCP staff and partners and are modeled on the national indicators for this program.
9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than
remuneration of contractors or grantees.
No payments or gifts are provided to respondents.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for
assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
As stated on the questionnaires, identifying information (name, address, telephone number, email
address) will be used only to administer the survey. This information will be viewed only by the
contractor compiling the data, and will be destroyed at the end of the information collection.
This process will maintain the anonymity of the responses received.
All data received from the surveys will be placed on a secure server and will be password
protected. This website will not be available to the public. All computerized data will be
maintained in a manner that is consistent with NOAA’s IT Security Program. No data files will
contain personal identifiers.
Additionally, all contract staff members working on the survey will be required to sign a
statement pledging to maintain the confidentiality of all data. Access to survey data will be
limited to the staff working on the survey. All respondents will be told their responses will be
kept secure, to the extent permitted by law or government regulations. The data from this
collection will be maintained until the completion of the survey or until no longer required for
the research. Data will be destroyed as required by NOAA Records Management Program.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual
behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered
private.
For this collection, no sensitive questions will be asked. However, certain questions included in
the survey (i.e. religious affiliation) can be considered private.
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A response to this type of question will be completely voluntary and therefore, no-response
options will be added to the menus of possible answers.
The rationale behind the inclusion of religious affiliation questions in the survey is that in certain
jurisdictions, especially in remote areas, coral conservation attitudes and practices may be linked
to religious beliefs and local cultural ideas of nature. The collection of this information will
allow CRCP to better understand the practices attributed to these beliefs, and thus adequately
tailor its programs to these jurisdictions.
To address potential sensitivity issues associated with these questions, personal identifying
information will not be stored and will only be used to administrate the survey. Identifying
information will be viewed only by the contractor compiling the data, and will be destroyed at
the end of the information collection. This process will maintain the anonymity of the responses
received.
In addition, respondents will be told that a response to this or any other questions they view as
sensitive is voluntary. Respondents will also be informed that all survey personnel working on
the collection have signed confidentiality statements to maintain the confidentiality of the data,
and that all information provided will be stored anonymously, in compliance with applicable
laws and regulations.
12. Provide an estimate in hours of the burden of the collection of information.
A variety of instruments and platforms will be used to collect information from respondents. The
annual burden hours requested (1,191) are based on the maximum number of collections we
expect to conduct over the requested period for this clearance, even though we do not expect
100% response. Using average labor rates for the specific jurisdictions and for the nation as a
whole when jurisdictional information is not available, the burden estimate results in expected
labor costs of $20,204.
The response burden is based on an average number of questions asked. Depending on the
jurisdiction the composition of these questions will change to fit the particular circumstances.
For statistical purposes, NOAA will always ask a core set of questions (i.e., demographics).
These types of questions generally have a lower response burden than the more detailed
questions in the survey. The response burden is based on three different components: the survey
administrator explaining the purpose and need to the respondent, demographic questions for
statistical purposes, and programmatic related questions. We estimate that the survey
administrator will take 1 minute to explain the purpose and need of the survey to the respondent
(if the call recipient declines the survey, this time will fall under nonresponse burden). The
remaining number of questions will be determined by NOAA’s research priorities at the time.
The questions have been divided into indicator groups. Of these groups, NOAA will shift its
importance and the number of questions asked from each group to keep the total time needed
within 30 minutes.
We acknowledge that not all respondents contacted will be willing to participate in the survey.
For these negative responses we estimate a non-response burden of 1 minute for the survey
13

administrator to explain the purpose and need for the survey and the respondent to decline. Based
on previous NOAA surveys of the targeted population we expect a 50% response rate for mail
surveys, 80% response rate for in-person surveys and 40% response rate for internet surveys 2.
Table 3: Estimates of Burden Hours (3.5-year time frame)
Requirements

# of
Responses
Total # of
Respondents Per
Responses
Respondent

Response Total
Labor
Time
Burden Cost
(in
hours)

Florida
Guam
Hawaii
American Samoa
Puerto Rico
Commonwealth of
Northern Marianas
Islands
Virgin Islands

2,600
650
975
358
1,625
325

1
1
1
1
1
1

2600
650
975
358
1625
325

30 min.
30 min.
30 min.
30 min.
30 min.
30 min.

1300
325
488
179
813
163

$24,648
$4,657
$10,023
$3,741
$10,034
$3,396

488

1

488

30 min.

244

$4,111

Non response burden
Total Responses
Total Public Burden
Annualized

3,779
10,800

1

3779

1 min.

63

$0

3,573
1,191

$60,611
$20,204

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to the respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection (excluding the value of the burden hours in Question
12 above).
There will be no cost to respondents beyond burden hours.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.
The government will implement two surveys each year, taking three and a half years to complete
all seven surveys. The total cost to the government for these seven surveys is estimated at a total
2

See “Public Perception and Attitudes about the Hawaiian Monk Seal, Survey Results Report”, Sustainable
Resources Group International, Inc., prepared for NOAA Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office, April
2011. “Washington-Oregon-California Purse Seine Survey”, NOAA, 2007, OMB Control #: 0648-0369, Gulf States
Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC). NOAA,“2011 National Marine Recreational Fishing Expenditure Survey”
2011. For internet surveys see “Beach Users Perceptions Concerning Zuma Beach Restoration”, David K. Loomis,
University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2009.
14

of $630,000, which averages to $180,000 each year. Contractor costs are roughly $120,000 per
year or a total of $420,000. These costs include survey design and preparation of the draft OMB
Clearance package.
NOAA staff time and travel required to participate in planning and design activities is estimated
to average $60,000 a year, which is a total of $210,000 for the three and a half years. NOAA
staff will be responsible for fielding the survey (including response tracking, coding and
processing the data, and delivery of final data files), and data analysis and reporting. Fielding
the survey and processing the data activities are estimated at .20 FTE for a GS-09 per survey.
This would result in a cost of roughly of $48,000 per year. Additionally, the travel costs NOAA
staff will include to conduct and deliver the survey will be roughly $12,000 per year. (Table 4)
Table 4: Government Cost Distribution of all 7 surveys

Total Cost for
3.5 years ($)
420,000
210,000

Contractor Costs
NOAA Personnel
Costs (FTE + Travel)
TOTAL
430,000

Cost / Year ($)
120,000
60,000
180,000

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.
Not applicable. This a new information collection request.
16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and
publication.
Data collected under this clearance will only be used for research purposes, to measure and
improve the results of CRCP programs, and to target outreach efforts.
While the agency does not intend to publish its findings, it may receive requests to release some
of its findings through congressional inquiries or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests.
CRCP will disseminate the findings when appropriate, and strictly following NOAA’s
guidelines, and all applicable laws and regulations.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the
information collection, explain the reasons why display would be inappropriate.
Not applicable to this collection.

15

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.
NA.
B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any
sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities
(e.g. establishments, State and local governmental units, households, or persons) in the
universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation
must also include expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has
been conducted before, provide the actual response rate achieved.
The potential respondent universe for this study is adults, eighteen years or older, who live near,
and may use, coral reefs affected by activities related to the NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation
Program. The total population (all individuals) of the potentially impacted area is 11,244,759.
Respondents will be classified into seven geographical jurisdictions and 22 reporting units, as
defined in Table 5. In American Samoa, face-to-face interviews will be conducted and in the
remaining jurisdictions, a combination of internet and phone based interview will occur. Each
of the geographical jurisdictions is expected to be surveyed once every three to four years.
Respondents will be randomly selected from the target audiences. Based on previous NOAA
surveys of the target populations, we anticipate that the response rate will be 50 percent for mail
surveys, 40% for internet surveys and 80 percent for in-person surveys. 3 Dillman et al. (2009)
considers a response rate above 50% a high response rate for mail surveys. 4
Table 5: Study Jurisdictions and Reporting Units
Jurisdiction

Reporting units

Puerto Rico

•
•
•
•

Florida

•

Western Islands
Eastern Islands
Monroe County
Miami-Dade
County
Martin County

3

Population
•
•
•
•

South & West PR
North & East PR
Broward County
Palm Beach
County

3,725,789 5
5,784,043 6

See “Public Perception and Attitudes about the Hawaiian Monk Seal, Survey Results Report”, Sustainable
Resources Group International, Inc., prepared for NOAA Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office, April
2011. “Beach Users Perceptions Concerning Zuma Beach Restoration”, David K. Loomis, University of
Massachusetts Amherst, 2009.
“Washington-Oregon-California Purse Seine Survey”, NOAA, 2007, OMB Control #: 0648-0369, Gulf States
Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC). NOAA,“2011 National Marine Recreational Fishing Expenditure Survey”
2011.
4
Dillman, D., J. Smyth and L. Christian. (2009) Internet, Mail and Mixed‐Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design
Method. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
5
http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml [Census Total Population figure, 2010]
6
http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml [Census Total Population figures for 5 counties,
2010]
16

Jurisdiction

Reporting units

U.S. Virgin Islands

•
•
•

St. Thomas
St. Croix
7 Municipalities

•
•
•
•
•
•

Tutuila Island
•
Ofu County
•
Hawaii County
•
Honolulu County
Rota Municipality
Tinian
Municipality

Guam
American Samoa
Main Hawaiian Islands
Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands
(CNMI)

Population
•

St. John

106,405 7
159,358 8

Olosega County
Tpau County
Kauai County
Maui County
Saian
Municipality

55,070 9
1,360,211 10
53,883 11

11,244,759

Total

2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for
stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy
needed for the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring
specialized sampling procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data
collection cycles to reduce burden.
For each of the jurisdictional populations, we intend to select a random sample of individuals
over the age of eighteen stratified geographically as described in Table 6. The random sample
will be obtained from the selected survey firm using standard sample selection tools. The sample
frame will be developed from telephone directories, mailing lists obtained and maintained by the
survey firms and other sources as needed, depending over the coverage of these sources. These
strata have been designed to account for the differing sizes of the populations in the areas close
to coral reefs. We have used the standard approach to estimating sample size for a stratified
population:
[t2 N p(1-p)] / [t2 p(1-p) + a2 (N-1)]
Where N is the size of the total number of cases, n is the sample size, a is the expected error, t is
the value taken from the t distribution corresponding to a certain confidence interval, and p is the
probability of an event. The final sampling size will be based on available resources.

7

http://2010.census.gov/news/xls/cb11cn180_vi.xls [Three islands only]
http://2010.census.gov/news/releases/operations/cb11-cn179.html
9
http://2010.census.gov/news/xls/cb11cn177_as.xls [Eastern & Western Districts; Ofu, Olosega, Tau Counties,
2010]
10
http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/index.xhtml [Census Total Population figures for Hawai’i,
Honolulu, Kauai, and Maui Counties, 2010]
11
http://2010.census.gov/news/xls/cb11cn178_cnmi.xls [Three municipalities]
8

17

Table 6: Sampling Requirements by Geographical Jurisdictions

Jurisdiction

1. American
Samoa

2. CNMI

3. Guam

4. Hawaii

5. Florida

Total Sample

Sample Size by Strata
400

Tutuila

Island

50

Ta’u

County

50

Olosega

County

50

Ofu

County

400

Saipan

Municipality

50

Tinian

Municipality

50

Rota

Municipality

100

Agat

Municipality

100

Piti

Municipality

100

Asana

Municipality

100

Talafolo

Municipality

100

Merizo

Municipality

250

Tamuning

Municipality

250

Mangilao

Municipality

350

Hawaii

County

750

Honolulu

County

100

Honolulu

County

300

Maui

County

250

Monroe

County

1,250

Miami-Dade

County

500

Martin

County

1,000

Broward

County

1,000

Palm Beach

County

550

500

1,000

1,500

4,000

18

6. Puerto Rico

7. US Virgin
Islands

Total

2,500

750

1,000

South & West

PR

1,000

North & East

PR

250

Western Islands

PR

250

Eastern Islands

PR

350

St. Croix

Island

350

St. Thomas

Island

50

St. John

Island

10,800

In addition to asking the questions regarding the impact of the Coral Reef Conservation
Programs, the surveys will collect information on socioeconomics and demographics. This
additional information will be used to sort and categorize the survey results in order to control
for as many variables as possible. This approach will ensure a large enough respondent pool
(particularly in more populated jurisdictions) to make comparisons between strata where
required.
In each of the jurisdictions, we intend to hire local surveying contractors with databases of
contact information in order to allow for the greatest possible randomization of survey
participants. NOAA will also work with these contractors to select the most cost-effective
survey methodology which will resonate with the population measured. Survey participants will
be selected in American Samoa for face-to-face interviews due to the very low incidence of
either cellular phones or land lines; in other locations, local opinion poll contractors will select
participants at random using a combination of internet and telephone polling. The methodology
to be employed by jurisdiction can be found in Table 7.
Table 7: Survey Methodology by Geographical Jurisdictions
Jurisdiction

Geographic scope

Estimated Response Rate
(based on previous NOAA
surveys)

1. American Samoa

Face to Face (and mail as backup)

50-80%

2. CNMI

Telephone

50-80%

3. Guam

Telephone

50-80%

4. Hawaii

Telephone or Internet

50-80%

5. Florida

Telephone or Internet

50-80%

19

Jurisdiction

Geographic scope

Estimated Response Rate
(based on previous NOAA
surveys)

6. Puerto Rico

Telephone or Internet

50-80%

7. US Virgin Islands

Telephone or Face to Face

50-80%

We do not intend to compare survey results between jurisdictions (though comparisons between
the larger regional strata are possible), so there is no concern about comparability issues between
methodologies.
Survey Specific Challenges
As can be seen from Table 7, we have selected a number of different methods to collect data
from different jurisdictions. Table 8 highlights the percent of population classified as internet
users for the seven jurisdictions. In general we will attempt to collect data using a mixture of
internet and telephone methods. The one exception is American Samoa where an in-person
household survey backed-up by mail surveys will be conducted due to the extremely low level of
internet usage in this jurisdiction (i.e., approximately 6 percent). In addition, the average internet
use in CNMI, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands is 39 percent as compared to 79
percent for Hawaii and Florida. As a result we will support the internet survey in these
jurisdictions with lower internet usage with a telephone survey, or in the case of USVI with face
to face interviews, to capture non-internet users.
Table 8: Internet Usage in Survey Jurisdictions
Jurisdiction

Population

Percent of Population
Classified as Internet Users
1. American Samoa
55,070
6%
2. CNMI
53,883
30%
3. Guam
159,358
56%
79%
4. Hawaii
1,360,211
80%
5. Florida
5,784,043
6. Puerto Rico
3,725,789
40%
7. US Virgin Islands
106,405
28%
Source: Data from Hawaii and Florida US Census 2010. Other data “Internet World
Statistics”, American Samoa data March 2011, CNMI data from August 2010, Guam data from
June 2010, Puerto Rico data from, June 2011, and US Virgin Islands from December 2002 (see
http://www.internetworldstats.com/).
We expect that there will be some language issues. Table 9 shows there are several major
languages spoken beyond English by the populations of each jurisdiction.

20

Table 9: Languages Spoken in Survey Jurisdictions
Jurisdiction
1. American Samoa
2. CNMI
3. Guam
4. Hawaii
5. Florida
6. Puerto Rico
7. US Virgin
Islands

Major Languages Spoken
English, Samoan
English, Chamorro, Carolinian, Tagalog, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
English,Chamorro, Tagalog, Chinese, Korean, Japanese
English, Hawaiian pigin
English, Spanish
English, Spanish
English, Negerhollands, Virgin Islands Creole

This language issue will be ameliorated by the use of polling specialists who speak the local
language. These contractors will also be used to ensure that the questions posed in the survey are
translated into the proper cultural contexts. Responses will be tracked to see if there are
statistically significant differences in the survey results between those who speak English at
home and those who do not. In addition, mail and internet surveys will be translated into local
languages.
We also expect that there is some risk of sample selection bias towards those of higher incomes,
particularly for the telephone and internet surveys. In areas where access to phone and internet
services are not widely available, this bias may be more than minimal. To the greatest extent
possible, we hope that this can be corrected through the use of telephone surveys. If responses
appear to favor high-income groups we will use various weighting procedures in the post-survey
analysis to adjust for bias. Specifically, we will oversample underrepresented groups until
sufficient responses are obtained.
Periodicity
This survey will be conducted every three to four years to minimize the cost burden.
3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse.
The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for
the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be
provided if they will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe
studied.
While the surveys conducted in person are expected to yield standard rates of response (80%
based on previous NOAA surveys of targeted population), 12 there is some concern about the
potential for non-response in the telephone/internet surveys. While response rates for many
surveys have been declining in the United States for years, previous studies have indicated that
the low response rates commonly associated with internet polling can be somewhat improved
12

See “Public Perception and Attitudes about the Hawaiian Monk Seal, Survey Results Report”, Sustainable
Resources Group International, Inc., prepared for NOAA Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Regional Office, April
2011, “Washington-Oregon-California Purse Seine Survey”, NOAA, 2007, OMB Control #: 0648-0369, Gulf
States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC) and NOAA, “2011 National Marine Recreational Fishing
Expenditure Survey” 2011.
21

with the use of pre-poll telephone calls. To accomplish this, polling representatives ask
respondents whether they are willing to participate in the online study and then direct them via a
secure link or email. In addition we will conduct extensive online advertising to encourage
response. Research has shown that under these conditions internet and telephone surveys can
reach similar response rates as those found in mail surveys. 13
A variety of techniques have been incorporated into this study to maximize response rates. The
surveys are user-friendly, with clear, easy to comprehend questions. Each questionnaire is short
and can be completed in a short period of time (see Part A). The survey topic and related
questions were developed to be interesting to respondents. Each survey makes use of listing
options to allow the respondent to answer questions by checking appropriate boxes, which may
aid in recall and analysis.
In person surveys will be conducted at respondent’s homes and participants will be given the
opportunity to receive and /or return the survey by mail if they are unable to complete the
surveys at the time of interview. These individuals who complete the survey by mail will receive
a pre-addressed stamped return envelope.
The implementation of the mail surveys is based on the Dillman Tailored Design Method. 14 This
approach includes multiple steps and points of contact. The initial mailing will include the
questionnaire, a pre-addressed stamped envelope and a detailed cover letter. The cover letter
will explain the project, why a response is important, a statement indicating that all personal
information will be kept confidential, and instructions for completing and returning the
completed survey (via mail/fax/email). Addresses on envelopes will be handwritten, and colored
envelopes will be used to make them stand out. Surveys will be tracked using individual
identification numbers. A follow-up thank you postcard will be sent seven to nine days after the
questionnaire. The postcard will express appreciation for participating and will indicate that if
the completed questionnaire has not yet been mailed, it is hoped that it will be returned soon.
Three weeks after the initial mailing, a second mailing will be sent to all who have not returned
the survey. This follow-up will consist of a different cover letter, another copy of the
questionnaire, and another pre-addressed stamped envelope.
For internet surveys we will use a number of techniques 15 to increase response including:
• Subject lines on contact emails will clearly indicate the purpose of the survey and will
explicitly avoid SPAM language in the subject line or body of the message (I.e. title all
caps)
• Information on how the respondents name was obtained, the survey intention, the use of
the data, guarantees of anonymity
• Personalized messages
• Use of a .gov reply email address
13

See, 2000, “Complementary Methodologies: Internet versus Mail Surveys”, DSS Research, Inc.
Dillman, D., J. Smyth and L. Christian. (2009) Internet, Mail and Mixed Mode Surveys: The Tailored Design
Method. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
15
See Dillman, D. A. (2000). Mail and Internet surveys: The total design method (2nd ed.). New York:
Wiley. Division of Instructional Innovation and Assessment, The University of Texas at Austin. “Guidelines for
Maximizing Response Rates.” Instructional Assessment Resources. 2007.
http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/teaching/gather/method/surveyResponse.php
14

22

•
•
•

Indication of how long the survey takes to complete and the cutoff date.
Use of only clean and updated email lists
Scheduled regular reminders and follow-ups.

Cross-cultural research faces additional methodological challenges that, if not properly
addressed, may considerably increase the risk of inferential errors during the administration of
surveys. 16 Specifically, concepts may entail culture-specific attributes and meanings which need
to be explicitly taken into account to ensure sound interpretation of cross-cultural data. 17 As
discussed above (see Question 2), we will address this cross cultural issue by using polling
specialists who speak the local language to conduct in-person and phone surveys. These polling
specialists’ knowledge of local culture and idioms are anticipated to have a positive impact on
survey response rates.
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as
effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB
must give prior approval.
Contracted polling groups will be asked to demonstrate their survey administration techniques on
nine participants prior to execution of the full survey. This will include participants interviewed
by those speaking their languages. This sample test will allow for the refinement and correction
of any methodological issues that are identified.
5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the statistical
aspects of the design, and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other
person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.
Christy Loper, Ph.D.
Coral Reef Conservation Program
US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
on detail to:
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Conservation and Management
1401 Constitution Avenue, Suite 6224
Washington, DC 20230
202-482-5143 (office)
240-429-7044 (cell)
[email protected]

Individuals consulted on the statistical aspects of the design:

16

Singh, J. (1995). Measurement Issues in Cross-Cultural Research. Journal of International Business Studies,
26(3), 597-619.
17
Peng, T. K., Peterson, M. F., & Shyi, Y.-P. (1991). Quantitative Methods in Cross-National Management
Research: Trends and Equivalence Issues. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 12(2), 87-107.
23

Victoria Adams, Ph.D.
Economist
Booz Allen Hamilton
8283 Greensboro Drive
McLean, VA, 22102
Telephone: (703)-377-4942
The individuals and firms that will collect and analyze the data have not yet been identified.
References
Dillman, D., J. Smyth and L. Christian. (2009) Internet, Mail and Mixed‐Mode Surveys: The
Tailored Design Method. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Dillman, D. A. (2000). Mail and Internet surveys: The total design method (2nd ed.). New York:
Wiley. Division of Instructional Innovation and Assessment, The University of Texas at Austin.
“Guidelines for Maximizing Response Rates.” Instructional Assessment Resources. 2007.
http://www.utexas.edu/academic/diia/assessment/iar/teaching/gather/method/surveyResponse.ph
p
Loomis, David K., “Beach Users Perceptions Concerning Zuma Beach Restoration”, University
of Massachusetts Amherst, 2009.
NOAA, “2011 National Marine Recreational Fishing Expenditure Survey” 2011.
Peng, T. K., Peterson, M. F., & Shyi, Y.-P. (1991). Quantitative Methods in Cross-National
Management Research: Trends and Equivalence Issues. Journal of Organizational Behavior,
12(2), 87-107.
“Public Perception and Attitudes about the Hawaiian Monk Seal, Survey Results Report”,
Sustainable Resources Group International, Inc., prepared for NOAA Fisheries Service Pacific
Islands Regional Office, April 2011.
Singh, J. (1995). Measurement Issues in Cross-Cultural Research. Journal of International
Business Studies, 26(3), 597-619.
“Washington-Oregon-California Purse Seine Survey”, NOAA, 2007, OMB Control #: 06480369, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission (GSMFC).

24

OMB Control No. 0648-xxxx
Expires xx/xx/xxxx
Guam Resident Coral Reef Survey
September 27, 2011
Introduction: Hafa Adai- My name is __________. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration is conducting a survey to find out how Guam residents feel about coral reefs. We
expect that this will take approximately 20 minutes of your time. There is no right or wrong
answers and you don’t have to answer any questions you are not comfortable with. We’ll also be
asking some questions about you, just to be sure that we have a representative sample for our
survey in terms of different age groups, ethnicities, and that kind of thing. However, we will not
ask your name and all responses will be completely anonymous. Would you be willing to
participate? We are happy to provide you with a copy of the results.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
n.

Swimming/wading
Snorkeling
Diving (SCUBA)
Boarding (surfing, kitesurfing,
standup paddleboarding)
Jet-skiing
Power
boating/waterskiing/parasailing
Paddling
Kayaking
Beach BBQ, picnic
Beach clean up
Fishing
Gathering of marine resources
(eg. sea cucumber, trochus)
Hunting
Other activities: Please list
25

No Answer

Every Day

Several Times a
Week

Once a Week

2 to 3 Times a
Month

Once a Month

A Few Times a
Year

Once a Year

How often do you participate in each of the following activities?

Never

1.

2.

If yes to fishing or gathering of marine resources ask:
Why do you fish: [say yes to all that apply]
a.
To feed myself and my family/ household
b.
To sell to make a living
c.
To sell to cover my fishing expenses
d.
To give to extended family members and/or friends
e.
For fun or recreation
f.
For special occasions and cultural events, such as fiestas, lent, weddings, or
baptisms

Not
Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Please say whether you agree or disagree with each of the following statements.
Neither

4.

Disagree

Who in Guam is responsible for managing coral reefs? I’m going to read a list, you can
say all that apply.
a.
Guam Environmental Protection Agency
b.
Guam Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Guam Coastal Management Program
c.
Guam Department of Agriculture, Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources
d.
University of Guam Marine Lab
e.
Federal Government
f.
Community groups
g.
Other

Strongly
Disagree

3.

a. Coral reefs protect the island from erosion
and natural disasters.
b. Coral reefs are a critical ecosystem in Guam
c. Coral reefs are only important if you fish or
dive
d. Healthy coral reefs attract tourists to Guam
e. Coral reefs are important role to our culture
5.

What the three main threats to Guam’s coral reefs? [ask open ended; do not provide
examples to respondents]

6.

How much of a threat are the following issues to Guam’s coral reefs?

26

Not Sure

Minor
threat
Not a
threat at
all

Major
threat
a. Climate change
b. Increased construction for military buildup
and private sector development
c. Poor construction practices
d. Pollution and sedimentation from upland
e. Dredging
f. Trash/littering
g. Damage from ships and boats
h. Irresponsible scuba diving
i. Too many recreational users
j. Irresponsible recreational use
k. Illegal fishing and gathering
l. Too much fishing and gathering
m. Increasing population size
n. Man-made fires
o. Off-roading
p. Invasive species
q. Other: Please list

What do you think are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th most important causes of the change in the
quality of the marine environment in Guam? (you may also check less than 4 boxes)
1st most
important
Sedimentation due to intentionally set fires
Sedimentation due to poor development
practices
Increased runoff and stormwater
Increased pesticides/fertilizer from golf
courses and hotels
Leakage from broken sewage pipes
Use of improper fishing techniques
(gillnets, night scuba)
Too many fishermen
Too many jet skis, banana boats
Too many divers and snorkelers
Other (specify:
)
Don’t know

27

2nd most
important

3rd most
important

4th most
important

Don’t
Know

Very
Good

Good

Neither
Bad nor
Good

Bad

In your opinion, how are Guam’s marine resources doing? Please rank these categories
from very bad to very good.

Very
Bad

7.

Water Quality
Corals
Amount of reef fish to eat
Size of reef fish to eat
Sandy beaches
Crowding (too many people)
In your opinion, how has the quality of the following components of the marine
environment in Guam changed during your lifetime?
Increased
Increased
Remained Decreased Decreased
Don’t
significantly somewhat stable
somewhat significantly know
Live coral
abundance
Fish
abundance
Fish size
Fish species
diversity
Algae growth
Sedimentation
Water
pollution

8.

In general, have marine resources in Guam gotten better or worse over the last 10 years?
a.
Significantly Worse
b.
Worse
c.
No Change
d.
Better
e.
Significantly Better
f.
Not Sure

9.

How do you expect the condition of marine resources in Guam to change in the next 10
years?
a.
Significantly Worse
b.
Worse
c.
No Change
d.
Better
e.
Significantly Better
28

Not Sure

Why or why not [open ended]?

13.

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements.

a. Marine preserves protect coral reefs
b. There should be fewer marine preserves in
Guam
c. The number of fish inside the marine preserves
has increased since the marine preserves were
enforced in 2001.
d. Marine preserves have increased conflicts
between different user groups in Guam
e. There has been a net economic benefit to the
Guam’s coastal economy from the
establishment of the marine preserves
f. Local fisherman’s livelihoods have been
negatively impacted from the establishment of
marine preserves in Guam
g. Marine preserves help increase tourism in
Guam
h. I would support adding new marine preserves
in Guam if I knew that the ones we have are
improving Guam’s marine resources

29

Strongly
Agree

12.

Agree

Do you support Guam’s marine preserves?

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

11.

Disagree

How familiar are you with marine preserves in Guam? Guam has five marine preserves
which limit the types of fishing that can be done and are located at Tumon Bay, Sasa
Bay, Piti Bay, Achang Reef, and Pati Point.
a.
Very Unfamiliar
b.
Unfamiliar
c.
Neither Familiar nor Unfamiliar
d.
Familiar
e.
Very Familiar
f.
Not Sure

Strongly
Disagree

10.

Not Sure

f.

Increase enforcement of existing
rules/regulations
Prohibiting driving on the beach
Establish new marine preserves
Have seasonal and openings and closures
of certain fisheries
Establish catch limits per person for certain
fish species
Establish size limits for certain fish species
Establish licensing program for Guam’s
fishermen
Ban gill nets in Guam’s waters
Opening marine preserves to hook and line
fishing from shore and talazya- or throw
net- fishing from shore
Increase community participation in coral
reef management
30

Don’t
Know

Rules/Regulations

Strongly
Support

What do you think would be the best ways to protect coral reefs for the future?, Please
remember that Guam’s population is expected to increase. Which of the following
changes would you support?

Support

15.

Neither
Support
nor
Oppose

h.
i.
j.
k.
l.

Oppose

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

The Guam military buildup is expected to increase Guam’s population by 30,000 people
over the next 5 to 10 years. How concerned are you about the following issues?
Very
Moderately Not
concerned
concerned
concerned
at all
Increases in traffic
Increases in construction and development
Loss of coral reefs from Apra Harbor dredging
Loss of cultural resources
Loss of local cultural values
More invasive species
Damage to Guam’s coral reefs from increased
recreational use
My favorite beach getting too crowded
My favorite reef spot getting to crowded
Fewer fish because more people are fishing
Overload of sewage system
Other:

Strongly
Oppose

14.

Stricter controls on construction runoff
from land to the ocean
Require vessels to remove nonnative
species from hulls before entering Guam’s
waters
More stringent control of pollutants to
preserve water quality
More restrictions on development (permit
requirements)
Limits on recreational use
Require vessels use mooring buoys near
coral reefs
Reduce the number of research permits
allowed on coral reefs
Other: Please list

Next, we’d like to get your opinion on two specific laws that have been proposed.
16.

Legislation has been proposed that would prohibit scuba spear fishing in Guam waters.
The purpose of this legislation would be to help protect fish stocks in Guam. However,
prohibiting scuba spear fishing would impact the income of some of Guam’s fishermen.
Spear fishing not using scuba gear would still be allowed. Would you support or oppose
this legislation?
a.
Strongly oppose
b.
Oppose
c.
Neutral
d.
Support
e.
Strongly support
f.
Don’t know

17.

Legislation called the Guam Coral Reef Protection Act has been proposed. This
legislation would require boats that cause damage to coral reefs to pay a fine to pay for
coral reef restoration. This legislation would provide funding for coral reef restoration in
case of a damage event but could limit reef access by some boats. Would you support or
oppose this legislation?
a.
Strongly oppose
b.
Oppose
c.
Neutral
d.
Support
e.
Strongly support
f.
Don’t know

18.

In the past year, have you heard of or seen people doing the following things in Guam?
Yes
31

No

Littering on or near the beach
Burning for hunting
Illegally fishing in the marine protected areas
Catching or eating sea turtles or sea turtle eggs
Catching fish that are too small
Breaking or standing on coral
Off-roading
Leaving gill nets on the reef
Bringing non-native species to Guam
Great; thanks. Now I just have a few questions about you.
19.

Are you male or female?
a.
Male
b.
Female

20.

May I ask your age?

21.

How long have you lived in Guam?
a.
1 year or less
b.
2-5 years
c.
6-10 years
d.
more than 10 years
e.
all my life

22.

What village do you live in?

23.

Which language do you mainly speak at home? [check all that apply]
a.
Chamorro
b.
Carolinian
c.
Other Micronesian
d.
Japanese
e.
English
f.
Korean
g.
Chinese
h.
Russian
i.
Tagalog
j.
Other: _____________________________

24.
What race/ethnicity do you consider yourself?
Please select all that apply.

32

1. American Indian or Alaskan Native
2. Asian
3. Black or African American
4. Japanese
5. Carolinian
6. Chamorro
7. Chinese
8. Filipino
9. White
10. Korean
11. Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
12. Yapese
13. Chuukese
14. Pohnpeian
15. Palauan
16. White
17. Hispanic or Latino
18. Other/Mixed
19. No response
25.

What is the highest level of education you have completed?
a.
8th Grade or Less
b.
9th to 11th Grade
c.
12th Grade, High School Grad, GED
d.
Some community college or AA
e.
College Graduate
f.
Graduate School, Law School, Medical School
g.
No Response

26.

What is your occupation?

27.

What is your annual household income?
1. Under $10,000
2. $10,000 to $19,999
3. $20,000 to $29,999
4. $30,000 to $39,999
5. $40,000 to $49,999
6. $50,000 to $59,999
7. $60,000 to $74,999
8. $75,000 to $99,999
9. $100,000 to $149,999
10. $150,000 or More
11. No Response

OPTIONAL
33

28.

Is your occupation affiliated with the marine environment/industry in ?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Not sure

29.

If YES, please circle the industry that best fits your primary profession.
1. Commercial fishing
2. Charter fishing
3. Dive/snorkel operation
4. Marina/boat operation
5. Other watersports
6. Eco-tour operation
7. Ecological research
8. Ocean and coastal management and government
9. Artisan
10. Education
Beach hotel
Other_____________________

How often does your family eat fish/seafood?
a. Every day
b. Every 2 days
c. Twice a week
d. Once a week
e. Every 2 weeks
f. Once a month
g. Once in 2 months
h. Never
Please indicate the main sources of the fish/seafood you consume (percentage-wise)
a. Fish caught by myself or someone in my immediate family: ____ %
b. Fish caught by an extended family member (eg. uncle) or friend: ____ %
c. Purchase it from the road side : ____ %
d. Purchase it at a flea market: ____ %
e. Purchase it at a store/restaurant: ____ %
f. Other, specify: ____ %
In general, where dose the fish/seafood you consume come from (where is it caught)?
a. Reef fish and other species from inside Guam’s reef: ____ %
b. Fish caught outside Guam’s reefs (e.g deepwater, pelagic) : ____ %
c. Imported fish/seafood from the mainland (e.g. canned from US) : ____ %
d. Imported fish/seafood from other Pacific islands (e.g. Chuuk) : ____ %
e. Other [added] : ____ %
34

f. Not sure [added] : ____ %
Did you family’s fish/seafood diet change over the last 10 years? (check one only)
a. Eat much less fish
b. Eat somewhat less fish
c. No change
d. Eat somewhat more fish
e. Eat much more fish
f. Don’t know
Can you indicate the 1st most, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th most important reason why your family’s diet of fish
seafood has changed? (unless answered “no change” above) you may also check less than 4 boxes
1st most
important

2nd most
important

3rd most
important

4th most
important

We fish less/more
We fish the same amount but catch
less/more
There is more/less sharing of fish
between family, friends, etc
Change to other food (eg. spam)
The price of fish has
increased/decreased
Availability of certain local species
changed
Scared of ciguatera/polluted fish
Preference for fish has changed (don’t
like fish as much)
Other: specify
Don’t know

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering
and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send
comments regarding this burden estimate or any other suggestions for reducing this burden to
(name), NOAA Line office, (address).
As stated on the questionnaires, identifying information (name, address, telephone number, email
address) will be used only to administer the survey. This information will be viewed only by the
contractor compiling the data, and will be destroyed at the end of the information collection. This
process will maintain the anonymity of the responses received.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any
person be subjected to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information subject to the
35

requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a
currently valid OMB Control Number.

36

OMB Control No. 0648-xxxx
Expires xx/xx/xxxx
National Coral Reef Monitoring Program Survey
Attitude Toward/Importance of Coral Reefs

The reef is not too far from my access point
The reef is near a breakwater
Getting to reefs is safe
Reefs are large
The reef is in deep water
The reef is in shallow water
Reefs are of good quality
Large amount of live coral at the reefs
Low amount of algae cover at the reef
Clear water is readily available (i.e., high visibility)
Low level of pollution near the reefs
Fish are abundant at the reefs
Reef has a variety of types of fish (i.e., diversity)
Reef has a variety of sizes of fish
Invertebrates (e.g., lobster, conchs, sea cucumbers) are
abundant
Reef has a variety of invertebrates
Other sea life (e.g., manatees, whales, dolphins, sea
turtles) is abundant
That reefs are in designated protected area
It is safe to swim near reef
37

Not Sure

How important are the following aspects of coral reefs?

Very Important

Q1.

Important



Neither Important
nor Unimportant



Unimportant



Very Unimportant



Not Sure

Very Important

Important

Neither Important
nor Unimportant

Unimportant

Very Unimportant
The reef is not too overcrowded with people
No boating restrictions at the reef
Stringent fishing regulations at the reef
Environmental protection of coral reefs
Environmental protection of mangroves
Environmental protection of seagrasses
Protection of endangered species
Other, not mentioned, specify:

Q2.

To what degree would you be willing to do to each of the following in order to protect and
maintain the coral reefs in ?
Would
Not Do

Would
Would Not
Consider Do
Sure

Pay more to participate in reef related activities like
snorkeling and diving
Donate money or items (e.g. used boat, computer) to
an organization working to protect the reef
Pay higher local  taxes
Pay higher state taxes
Pay higher federal taxes
Volunteer with an organization once a year that is
working to protect the reefs (e.g. participate in coastal
clean up)
Volunteer with an organization more than once a year
that is working to protect the reefs

Q3.

Would you be willing to donate money in order to protect the reefs?
1. Yes
2. No

Q4.

How much money would you be willing to donate at least once in order to protect the reefs?
1. Nothing
38

2. Less than $50
3. $50 – $100
4. $101 - $250
5. $251 - $500
6. More than $500
7. Not sure

Coral reefs are important for protecting the coast
from erosion and natural disasters.
Coral reefs are critical components of our
natural ecosystem
Mangroves are not important for protecting the
coast from erosion.
Coral reefs are only important if you fish or
dive.
We should restrict fishing in certain areas to
allow the fish and coral to grow.
We should restrict development in certain areas
to protect the natural environment.
Establishing size restrictions to regulate fishing
is a good management practice.
There are no problems with water quality at
coral reefs.
Diving and snorkeling are not harmful to coral
reefs.
39

Not
Sure

Please rate the extent to which you agree/disagree with each of the following statements.
Strongly
Agree

Q7.

Agree

How much money would you be willing to donate annually in order to protect the reefs?
1. Nothing
2. Less than $50
3. $50 – $100
4. $101 - $250
5. $251 - $500
6. More than $500
7. Not sure

Neither

Q6.

Disagree

How often would you be willing to donate in order to protect the reefs?
1. Once
2. Once a year
3. More than once a year

Strongly
Disagree

Q5.

Not
Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly
Disagree
Mooring buoys that reduce the use of anchors
have a positive effect on the marine
environment.
Coral reefs provide coastal protection from
storm surge associated with tropical hurricanes
and typhoons.
Large coral reef barrier systems can help reduce
the impacts of tsunamis.
Coral reefs cannot be restored once damage
occurs
Coral reefs provide sustainable resources that
support the development of coastal communities
Sediment runoff from land activities such as
construction and development can harm coral
reefs
Pesticides and herbicides used in commercial
and residential activities can be carried by runoff
and affect coral reefs
Coral reefs have an important role in our culture
Effects from climate change can severely affect
coral reefs
Pathogens, like some type of fungus, can affect
the health of coral reefs
Eliminating some species, like sea urchins, can
affect the ecological dynamics of coral reefs
Oil spills can affect or destroy coral reefs
Grounding of ships on coral reef can cause long
term damage
Offshore aquaculture farms located in coral reefs
are harmful to the coral reefs
Coral reefs can be a source of new substances
that may be used to develop new medicines

Q8.

Please indicate how important each of the following factors is in terms of deciding whether
or not you would choose to visit a specific coral reef.

40

Quality of the reef
Abundance of fish at the reef
Types of fish at the reef (i.e., diversity)
Size of fish at the reef
Amount of live coral at the reef
Size of the reef
Abundance of other sea life (e.g., manatees, whales,
dolphins, sea turtles, invertebrates)
Whether the reef is a specially protected area
Amount of algae cover on the reef
Difficulty of the conditions for participating in recreational
activities on the coral reef
Distance from my shore access point to the reef
Ease of getting to the reef
Adequacy of my boat to get to the reef
Mooring buoys near coral reefs
Level of crowding at the reef
Seasonal or rotational closures at desirable reef locations
Restrictions on fishing
Presence of other groups that I don’t like
Amount of pollution near the reef
Safety of swimming near reef
Fish catch per trip to reef
Whether or not a particular commercial charter boat goes
to the reef
Ease of finding a charter/ company to go to the reef
Cost to get to the reef
Opportunities to participate in coral reef activities at the
reef
41

Not Sure

Very Important

Important

Neither Important
nor Unimportant

Unimportant

Very
Unimportant
Clear water (high visibility)

Not Sure

Very Important

Important

Neither Important
nor Unimportant

Unimportant

Very
Unimportant
The information available about the reef
Availability of protected calm waters
Availability of shore-side support facilities (e.g. dive
shops, piers, hospitals, recompression chambers)
Absence of dangerous animals (e.g., sharks, jellyfishes)
Water at the reef is deep
Occurrence of unusual features (e.g., underwater caves,
ship wrecks)
Opportunities to do other aquatic activities (e.g. surfing)
Other: Please list

Clear water (high visibility)
Quality of the reef
Abundance of fish at the reef
Types of fish at the reef (i.e., diversity)
Size of fish at the reef
Amount of live coral at the reef
Size of the reef
Abundance of other sea life (e.g., manatees, whales,
dolphins, sea turtles, invertebrates)
Whether the reef is a specially protected area
Amount of algae cover on the reef
42

Not Sure

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied
nor Unsatisfied

Unsatisfied

How satisfied were you with the each of the following items on your last trip to ?

Very Unsatisfied

Q9.

Ease of getting to the reef
Adequacy of my boat to get to the reef
Mooring buoys near coral reefs
Level of crowding at the reef
Seasonal closures at desirable reef locations
Presence of other groups that I don’t like
Amount of pollution near the reef
Safety of swimming near reef
Fish catch per trip to reef
Whether or not a particular commercial charter boat goes
to the reef
Ease of finding a charter/ company to go to the reef
Cost to get to the reef
Opportunities to participate in coral reef activities at the
reef
The information available about the reef
Availability of protected calm waters
Availability of shore-side support facilities (e.g. dive
shops, piers, hospitals, recompression chambers)
Absence of dangerous animals (e.g., sharks, jellyfishes)
Water at the reef is deep
Occurrence of unusual features (e.g., underwater caves,
ship wrecks, overhangs, walls)
Opportunities to do other aquatic activities (e.g. surfing,
windsurfing)
Other: Please list
Q10.

Where was your last trip to ? [Open Ended]

43

Not Sure

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied
nor Unsatisfied

Unsatisfied

Very Unsatisfied
Difficulty of the conditions for participating in recreational
activities on the coral reef
Distance from my shore access point to the reef

Clear water (high visibility)
Quality of the reef
Abundance of fish at the reef
Types of fish at the reef (i.e., diversity)
Size of fish at the reef
Amount of live coral at the reef
Size of the reef
Abundance of other sea life (e.g., manatees, whales,
dolphins, sea turtles)
Whether the reef is a specially protected area
Amount of algae cover on the reef
Difficulty of the conditions for participating in
recreational activities on the coral reef
Distance from my shore access point to the reef
Ease of getting to the reef
Adequacy of my boat to get to the reef
Mooring buoys near coral reefs
Level of crowding at the reef
Seasonal closures at desirable reef locations
Presence of other groups that I don’t like
Amount of pollution near the reef
Safety of swimming near reef
Fish catch per trip to reef
Whether or not a particular commercial charter boat
goes to the reef
Ease of finding a charter/ company to go to the reef
Cost to get to the reef

44

Not Sure

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied
nor Unsatisfied

Unsatisfied

Very Unsatisfied

In thinking about a trip to that same reef <# of years> years ago, how satisfied were you then
with the same items.
This was my First
Trip

Q11.

Availability of protected calm waters
Availability of shore-side support facilities (e.g. dive
shops, piers, decompression chambers)
Absence of dangerous animals (e.g., shark,
jellyfishes)
Water at the reef is deep
Occurrence of unusual features (e.g., underwater
caves, ship wrecks)
Opportunities to do other aquatic activities (e.g.
surfing)
Other: Please list
Q12.

How important are coral reefs to your culture?
1. Very Unimportant
2. Unimportant
3. Neither Important nor Unimportant
4. Important
5. Very Important
6. Not Sure

Q12a. Please explain [Open Ended]
Q13.

How important are coral reefs to your way of life?
1. Very Unimportant
2. Unimportant
3. Neither Important nor Unimportant
4. Important
5. Very Important
6. Not Sure

Participation in Coral Reef Activities







45

Not Sure

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Neither Satisfied
nor Unsatisfied

Unsatisfied

Very Unsatisfied

This was my First
Trip
Opportunities to participate in coral reef activities at
the reef
The information available about the reef

Invertebrate harvesting
Harvesting of mangrove
resources
Coral harvesting
Seaweed harvesting
Spear fishing
Fish collecting
Sport fishing
Cast net-fishing
Gillnet, surround net and drag
net-fishing
Trap fishing
Pole/line fishing
Other kind of fishing: Please list
Interacting w dolphins
Swimming/wading
Snorkeling
Outrigging
Paddling
Beach sports
Diving (SCUBA)
Boarding (surfing, kitesurfing,
SUP, body-surfing, bodyboarding)
Jet-ski/thrill-craft
Water sports/water skiing/wake
boarding
Pleasure boating
Sailing
Kayaking
Canoe/wa‘a
Glass bottom boating
Underwater photography
Waterside camping
Beach recreation, BBQ, picnic
Walking/Hiking/Running around
46

No Answer

Every Day

Several Times a
Week

Once a Week

2 to 3 Times a
Month

At Least Once
a Month

A Few Times a
Year

Once a Year or
Less

How often do you participate in each of the following activities?

Never

Q14.

the reef
Collecting herbal medicines
Bird watching
Beach clean up
Hunting
Mountain biking
Other activities: Please list
Q15.

Which of the following activities did you participate in at ? (Please check all you
have done)
17. Pleasure boating
18. Sailing
19. Kayaking
20. Canoe/wa‘a
21. Glass bottom boating
22. Underwater photography
23. Waterside camping
24. Beach recreation, BBQ, picnic
25. Walking/Hiking/Running
26. Collecting Herbal Medicines
27. Bird watching
28. Beach Clean up
29. Hunting
30. Seaweed harvesting
31. Other activities: Please list.
32. None

1. Invertebrate harvesting
2. Harvesting of mangrove resources
3. Spear fishing
4. Fish collecting
5. Sport fishing
6. Net-fishing
7. Trap fishing
8. Other kind of fishing: Please list
9. Sand/coral extraction
10. Interacting w dolphins
11. Swimming/wading
12. Snorkeling
13. Diving (SCUBA)
14. Boarding (surfing, kitesurfing,
SUP, body-surfing, body-boarding)
15. Jet-ski/thrill-craft
16. Water sports/water skiing
Q16.

To what extent do you do these activities on natural and/or artificial reefs?
1. Always on natural reefs
2. Mostly natural reefs, but some on artificial reefs
3. Varies between both natural and artificial reefs
4. Mostly on artificial reefs, but some on natural reefs
5. Always on artificial reefs
6. Not sure

Q17.

How many other people participated in  with you? ____#

Q18.

In which of the coral reefs in the area did you do these activities?
List reef options for the specific location

Q19.

Which coral reefs do you visit most often to participate in each of activities selected?
List reef options for the specific location

47

Q20.

Please select which (if any) activity was the main reason for your visit to . (Please
select no more than 2).
17. Pleasure Boating
1. Invertebrate harvesting
2. Harvesting of Mangrove resources
18. Sailing
19. Kayaking
3. Spear fishing
4. Fish collecting
20. Canoe/wa‘a
5. Sport fishing
21. Glass bottom boating
6. Net-fishing
22. Underwater photography
7. Trap fishing
23. Waterside camping
8. Other kind of fishing: Please list
24. Beach recreation, BBQ, picnic
9. Sand/coral extraction
25. Walking/Hiking/Running
10. Interacting w dolphins
26. Collecting Herbal Medicines
11. Swimming/wading
27. Bird watching
28. Beach Clean up
12. Snorkeling
13. Diving (SCUBA)
29. Hunting
14. Boarding (surfing, kitesurfing,
30. Seaweed harvesting
SUP, body-surfing, body-boarding)
31. Other activities: Please list.
15. Jet-ski/thrill-craft
32. None
16. Water sports/water skiing

Q21.

To what extent do you think your coral reef related activities affect the coral reefs?
1. No impact on the reefs
2. Significantly helps the reefs
3. Helps the reef somewhat
4. Both helps and hurts the reefs
5. Hurts the reef somewhat
6. Significantly hurts the reefs
7. Not sure

Q22.

Please explain why you think your activities help/hurt the coral reefs? [Open Ended]

Q23.

How do you participate in ?
1. Use my own boat and equipment (or that of a member of my group)
2. Rent a boat that my group uses, but use our own equipment
3. Rent a boat and equipment that my group uses
4. Use a service that provides transportation and all equipment for the activity
5. Other: Please list
6. I do not participate in any activities that require a boat
7. Not Sure

Q24.

Please indicate how important each of the following factors is in terms of deciding where you
would like to participate in coral reef related activities at .

48

Quality of the reef
Abundance of fish at the reef
Types of fish at the reef (i.e., diversity)
Size of fish at the reef
Amount of live coral at the reef
Size of the reef
Abundance of other sea life (e.g., manatees, whales,
dolphins, sea turtles)
Whether the reef is a specially protected area
Amount of algae cover on the reef
Difficulty of the conditions for participating in recreational
activities on the coral reef
Distance from my shore access point to the reef
Ease of getting to the reef
Adequacy of my boat to get to the reef
Mooring buoys near coral reefs
Level of crowding at the reef
Seasonal closures at desirable reef locations
Presence of other groups that I don’t like
Amount of pollution near the reef
Safety of swimming near reef
Fish catch per trip to reef
Whether or not a particular commercial charter boat goes
to the reef
Ease of finding a charter/ company to go to the reef
Cost to get to the reef
Opportunities to participate in coral reef activities at the
reef
The information available about the reef

49

Not Sure

Very Important

Important

Neither Important
nor Unimportant

Unimportant

Very
Unimportant
Clear water (high visibility)

Availability of shore-side support facilities (e.g. dive
shops, piers, recompression chambers)
Absence of dangerous animals (e.g., sharks, jellyfishes)
Water at the reef is deep
Occurrence of unusual features (e.g., underwater caves,
ship wrecks)
Opportunities to do other aquatic activities (e.g. surfing)
Other: Please list

Clear water (high visibility)
Quality of the reefs
Abundance of fish at the reefs
Types of fish at the reefs (i.e., diversity)
Size of fish at the reefs
Amount of live coral at the reefs
Size of the reefs
Abundance of other sea life (manatees, whales,
dolphins, sea turtles, etc.)
Whether reefs are in specially protected area
Difficulty of the conditions on coral reef
Distance to coral reefs
Mooring buoys near coral reefs
Level of crowding
Area closures at desirable reef locations

50

Not Sure

Very
Important

Important

Neither
Important nor
Unimportant

Unimportant

Please indicate how important each of the following factors is in terms of deciding whether
or not you would choose to do coral reef related activities at a reef other than the one you
visit most often.
Very
Unimportant

Q25.

Not Sure

Very Important

Important

Neither Important
nor Unimportant

Unimportant

Very
Unimportant
Availability of protected calm waters

Presence of other groups that I don’t like
Amount of pollution near the reefs
Safety of swimming near reefs
Fish catch per trip to reefs
Whether or not a particular outfit goes to the reef
Ease of finding a charter/ company to go to the
reefs
Cost to get to the reefs
Quality of the beaches
Availability of parking
Presence of active conservation/management
Presence of surfing contests
Maps, brochures and other tourist information
Customer service and friendliness of people
Value for the price
Safety of the location/Amount of crime
Ease of getting to location
Number of activities to do at the locations
Quality of accommodations
Ease of finding a company that provides the
activity
Price companies charge to do the activity
Level of crowding at the reefs
Other: Please list
Q26.

Assuming each of the following conditions, how would that affect the amount of time you
would spend on outdoor recreation activities in  during a 12-month period?
Same
Amount of
Time

Slightly
Less
Often

About
Half as
Often

Much
Less
Often

Almost
Never

Not
Sure

Less living coral cover than
it currently has
Very little living coral cover
No living coral cover
Q27.

How would the disappearance of live coral cover in  affect the amount of time you
would spend on outdoor recreation activities outside ?
1. No change in the amount of time I spend in 
2. I would visit other locations slightly more often
3. I would visit other locations about half the time
4. I would visit other locations much more often
5. I would visit other locations almost exclusively (and would rarely if ever return to
[location])
6. Not Sure
51

Q28.

How many times have you participated in a coral reef related activity in [location] in the last
12 months, that is, since (date last year)?
1. None
2. 1
3. 2
4. 3-5
5. 6-8
6. 8-12
7. More than 12
8. No Response

52

Perceived threats to coral reefs








Q29.

To what degree do you think any problems or threats exist to the coral reefs in
?
1. None
2. Minimal
3. Moderate
4. Large
5. Extreme
6. Not sure

Q30.

What do you see as the greatest threats to the reefs in ? [Open Ended]

Q31.

How familiar are you with each of the following potential threats facing the coral reefs in
?

53

Not Sure

Very Familiar

Familiar

Neither
Familiar nor
Unfamiliar

Unfamiliar

Very
Unfamiliar
Q32.

Climate change
Coral bleaching
Ocean acidification
Sand Extraction/Mining
Erosion
Increased coastal/urban development
Stormwater and wastewater runoff
Chemical runoff (pesticides, herbicides,
fertilizers, detergents, phosphates)
Dredging
Taking coral or live rock from beaches
Taking coral or live rock from the sea
Coral bashing (damaging the reef)
Trash/littering
Marine pollution (e.g. sewage/
dumping/ trash/ sedimentation)
Poor water quality
Cruise ship traffic
Ships and boats grounding on reefs
Scuba divers
Irresponsible diving
Too many divers
Number of tourists
Overuse for recreation
Illegal fishing
Illegal harvesting
Harmful Fishing practices
Overfishing
Other illegal activities
Invasive species, e.g. lion fish
Introduced species
Increasing Population size
Hurricanes
Natural disasters
Other: Please list
How important do you consider the following potential threats facing the coral reefs in
?

54

55

Not Sure

Very
Important

Important

Neither
Important
nor
Unimportant

Unimportant

Very
Unimportant
Climate change
Coral bleaching
Ocean acidification
Sand Extraction/Mining
Erosion
Increased coastal/urban development
Stormwater and wastewater runoff
Chemical runoff (pesticides, herbicides,
fertilizers)
Sedimentation
Dredging
Taking coral and live rock from beaches
Taking coral and live rock from the sea
Coral bashing
Trash/littering
Pollution (e.g. sewage/ dumping/ trash/
sedimentation)
Poor water quality
Cruise ship traffic
Ships and boats grounding on reefs
Scuba divers
Irresponsible diving
Too many divers
Too many divers
Number of tourists
Overuse for recreation
Illegal fishing
Illegal harvesting
Harmful Fishing practices
Overfishing
Other illegal activities
Invasive species, e.g. lion fish, Roi, Taape,
etc.
Introduced species
Increasing Population size
Hurricanes
Other natural disaster
Other: Please list

Q33.

Of the following list, what do you think are the greatest threats to the reefs in ?
(Please check up to 4)
37. Not sure

1. Climate change
2. Coral bleaching
3. Ocean acidification
4. Sand Extraction/Mining
5. Erosion
6. Increased coastal/urban
development
7. Stormwater and wastewater runoff
8. Chemical runoff (pesticides,
herbicides, fertilizers)
9. Sedimentation
10. Dredging
11. Taking coral and live rock from
beaches
12. Taking coral and live rock from
the sea
13. Coral bashing
14. Trash/littering
15. Pollution (e.g. sewage/ dumping/
trash/ sedimentation)
16. Poor water quality
17. Cruise ship traffic
18. Ships and boats grounding on
reefs
19. Scuba divers
20. Irresponsible diving
21. Too many divers
22. Number of tourists
23. Overuse for recreation
24. Illegal fishing
25. Illegal harvesting
26. Harmful Fishing practices
27. Destructive fishing
28. Overfishing
29. Spear fishing
30. Other illegal activities
31. Invasive species, e.g. lion fish
32. Introduced species
33. Increasing Population size
34. Hurricanes
35. Other Natural Disasters
36. Other: Please list
56

Q34.

How familiar are you with coral bleaching?
1. Very Unfamiliar
2. Unfamiliar
3. Neither Familiar nor Unfamiliar
4. Familiar
5. Very Familiar
6. Not Sure

Q35.

In your opinion, what is the primary cause of coral bleaching? Ask only if they are at least
moderately familiar with coral bleaching (per Q36)
1. Local factors exclusively
2. Non-local factors such as climate change, exclusively
3. Non-local factors aggravated by local factors
4. Local factors aggravated by non-local factors
5. I don’t know

57

Marine Protected Areas




Q36.

How familiar are you with Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)? A Marine Protected Area is a an
area whose boundaries include some area of ocean and typically restricts human activity for
the purpose of protecting living, non-living, cultural, and/or historic resources.
1. Very Unfamiliar
2. Unfamiliar
3. Neither Familiar nor Unfamiliar
4. Familiar
5. Very Familiar
6. Not Sure

Q37.

Please indicate which each of the following statements are true for  MPA.
False



True



 MPA is closed to all human
activities
 MPA exists for conservation
 MPA exists for cultural use
 MPA exists for subsistence use
 MPA allows specific recreation
and commercial uses
 MPA encompasses a variety of
conservation and management methods
 MPA enables research and
education on coral reefs and the
environment
 MPA restricts fishing practices
within its boundaries
 MPA has routine closings
 MPA has boating restrictions
 MPA restricts the use of the
coral reef for certain recreational activities
Q38.

Which of the following are considered Marine Protected Areas (MPA)? (please check all that
apply)
1. Marine Sanctuary
2. National Monument
3. Marine Reserve
4. Commercial Port
5. National Park
58

6. None
7. Not Sure
Q39.

Which of the following do you believe represents the primary purpose(s) of MPAs? (Please
check all that apply)
1. Increasing overall fish stocks and biomass within the zones
2. Increasing overall fish stocks and biomass outside the zones
3. Conserving and protecting corals, fish, and other marine life inside the zones
4. Resolving user group conflicts
5. Supporting scientific research
6. Food security
7. Protecting a sacred place
8. Cultural heritage
9. Educating the public
10. Recreational use
11. Building resiliency for future natural disasters,
12. Shoreline protection
13. Other: Please list

Q40.

How knowledgeable are you with the rules and regulations governing [name] MPA?
1. Not at all knowledgeable
2. Somewhat knowledgeable
3. Moderately knowledgeable
4. Knowledgeable
5. Extremely knowledgeable
6. Not Sure

Q41.

How has  MPA impacted your livelihood?
1. Very positive impact
2. Somewhat positive impact
3. Both positive and negative impacts
4. Somewhat negative impact
5. Very negative impact
6. No impact
7. Not sure

Q42.

How have MPAs impacted the livelihoods of people from your community that you are
aware of?
1. Very positive impact
2. Somewhat positive impact
3. Both positive and negative impacts
4. Somewhat negative impact
5. Very negative impact
6. No impact
7. Not sure

59

MPAs protect the ocean environments
MPAs protect coral reefs
MPAs improve the environment
MPAs have been effective in restoring
coral reefs in 
There should be more MPAs zones in

MPAs increase the number of fish
within their boundaries
MPAs increase the number of fish
outside of their boundaries
MPAs have reduced conflicts between
different user groups in 
MPAs have increased conflicts between
different user groups in 
I support the establishment of MPAs as
they are currently established
I support the establishment of MPAs in

I generally support the establishment of
MPAs
I support the establishment of a research
only area in 
A research only area in the 
60

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements.
Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Q44.

Disagree

In your opinion, which groups have most benefited from  MPAs? (Please select no
more than 3)
1. Commercial fishers
2. Local subsistence fishers
3. Recreational/sport fishers
4. Commercial fish and dive operators
5. Local dive operators
6. Recreational (local and tourist) divers
7. Conservation groups
8. Local communities
9. Local government
10. Other: Please list

Strongly
Disagree

Q43.

MPA would have a positive impact on
the marine environment
Research only areas protect and improve
coral reefs
I support boundary expansion of the
 MPA
Boundary expansion of the 
MPA would have a positive impact on
the marine environment
 has benefited
environmentally from establishment of
the  MPA
There has been a net economic benefit to
the  coastal economy from
the establishment of the  MPA
There should be more than one reef
location set aside as a research only area
in the  MPA
Commercial fisheries have benefited
from the establishment of the 
MPA
Local fisherman have benefited from the
establishment of the  MPA
Recreational/sport fisherman have
benefited from the establishment of the
 MPA
 MPA regulations have had no
effect on my business
The establishment of MPAs in
 will increase the likelihood
that I will vacation there
I have visited  because of the
establishment of MPAs
MPAs help increase tourism
Having all the waters surrounding
 in an MPA makes the area a
more attractive destination
Boating regulations should exist to
protect coral reef systems

Q45.

How has the  MPA been most successful? (Please check all that apply)
1. Protecting specific species of concern or of commercial value
2. Protecting the whole coral reef ecosystem
3. Protecting the environment of the entire region, not only the coral reef system
61

4. Increasing the public environmental awareness
5. Increasing the opportunities to use the resources
6. Increasing tourism
7. Increasing security (i.e., reduction in criminal activity)
8. Increasing scientific research
9. Improving the water quality of the area/reducing contamination
10. Reducing user conflicts
11. Protecting cultural artifacts or traditions
12. Other: Please list
13. None
Q46.

Least successful?
1. Protecting specific species of concern or of commercial value
2. Protecting the whole coral reef ecosystem
3. Protecting the environment of the entire region, not only the coral reef system
4. Increasing the public environmental awareness
5. Increasing the opportunities to use the resources
6. Increasing tourism
7. Increasing security (i.e., reduction in criminal activity)
8. Increasing scientific research
9. Improving the water quality of the area/reducing contamination
10. Reducing user conflicts
11. Protecting cultural artifacts or traditions
12. Other: Please list
13. None

Q47.

Has your use of < Name> MPA increased, decreased, or stayed the same since its
establishment?
1. Increased significantly
2. Increased a little
3. Stayed the same
4. Decreased a little
5. Decreased significantly

Q48.

Why has your use changed? (Please check all that apply)
1. Doing activities other places by choice
2. New regulations prevent doing former activities
3. Crowding has become a problem
4. Doing the activities less
5. The activities are less enjoyable since the implementation of the regulations
6. Other: Please list
7. Has not changed

62

Resource Conditions of Coral Reefs

Fish on the Reef Flat
Fish on the Reef Slope
Pelagic Fish
Invertebrates on the Reef Flat
Invertebrates on the Reef Slope
Spawning Stocks
Reef Flat Habitat
Reef Slope Habitat
Water Quality
Mangrove Crab
Mangrove Trees
Sea Shells
Corals
Seagrasses
Abundance of fish
Size of fish
Types of fish (i.e., diversity)
Abundance of Invertebrates
Diversity of Invertebrates
Number of sea urchins and sea
cucumbers
Number of Lobsters
Number Octopus
Abundance of Living Coral
Diversity of Living Coral
Turtle Nesting Sites
Presence of other sea life
(manatees, whales, dolphins, sea
turtles, sharks, etc.)
Abundance of other sea life
(manatees, whales, dolphins, sea
turtles, sharks, etc.)
Land-based pollution/sewage
Sea-based pollution/marine debris
Fisheries
63

Don’t
Know

What is the current condition of each of the following at ?

Very
Good

Q49.

Good



Neither
Bad nor
Good



Bad



Very
Bad



Sandy beaches
Mooring buoys
Fewer vessel groundings
Other bottom habitat
Overgrowth of algae
Sedimentation of reefs
Crowding (too many people)

Q53.

How has the condition of each of the following in  changed over the last XX
years? (Years to vary depending on location)

Fish on the Reef Flat
Fish on the Reef Slope
Pelagic Fish
64

Not Sure

Has the condition of marine resources in  gotten better or worse over the last 20
years?
1. Significantly Worse
2. Worse
3. No Change
4. Better
5. Significantly Better
6. Not Sure

Significantly
Better

Q52.

Better

Has the condition of marine resources in  gotten better or worse over the last 5
years?
1. Significantly Worse
2. Worse
3. No Change
4. Better
5. Significantly Better
6. Not Sure

No Change

Q51.

Worse

How are the current conditions of the marine resources in ?
1. Very Bad
2. Bad
3. Neither Good nor Bad
4. Good
5. Very Good
6. Not Sure

Significantly
Worse

Q50.

Invertebrates on the Reef Flat
Invertebrates on the Reef Slope
Spawning Stocks
Reef Flat Habitat
Reef Slope Habitat
Water Quality
Mangrove Crab
Mangrove Trees
Sea Shells
Corals
Seagrasses
Abundance of fish
Size of fish
Types of fish (i.e., diversity)
Abundance of Invertebrates
Size of Invertebrates
Number of sea urchins and sea
cucumbers
Number of Lobsters
Number Octopus
Abundance of Living Coral
Turtle Nesting Sites
Other sea life (manatees, whales,
dolphins, sea turtles, etc.)
Abundance of other sea life (manatees,
whales, dolphins, sea turtles, etc.)
Any other large scale changes over time
like changes in weather patterns, water
temperature, or fishing seasons
Large scale changes due to natural
disasters
Overgrowth of algae
Sedimentation of reefs
Other bottom habitat

Q54.

Please describe any changes you have observed in the questions above. [Open Ended]

Q55.

To what degree have the changes you have observed affected your  practices?
1. Not At All
2. Very Little
3. A Moderate Amount
4. Large
5. Significant
6. Not Sure
65

Q59.

To what extent would you be willing to accept more limited access to  MPA to
have…

Not Sure

Please describe those changes. [Open Ended]

Strongly
Agree

Q58.

Agree

To what degree have you noticed any other large scale changes over time like changes in fish
populations, weather patterns, water temperature, or fishing seasons?
1. Not At All
2. Very Little
3. A Moderate Amount
4. Large
5. Significant
6. Not Sure

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Q57.

Disagree

Which of these change have affected your  practices and how? [Open Ended]

Strongly
Disagree

Q56.

More fish in reef
More living coral
More invertebrates
More turtle nesting grounds
More seagrass
More mangroves
More other sea life (manatees,
whales, dolphins, sea turtles,
etc.)
Cleaner water
Less algae overgrowth
Other: Please list

More fish in reef
More living coral
66

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Disagree

To what extent would you be willing to accept increased fishing regulations in 
MPA to have…

Strongly
Disagree

Q60.

More invertebrates
More turtle nesting grounds
More seagrass
More mangroves
More other sea life (manatees,
whales, dolphins, sea turtles,
etc.)
Cleaner water
Less algae overgrowth
Other: Please list

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Disagree

To what extent would you be willing to accept increased restrictions on invertebrate
harvesting to have…

Strongly
Disagree

Q61.

More fish in reef
More living coral
More invertebrates
More turtle nesting grounds
More seagrass
More mangroves
More other sea life (manatees,
whales, dolphins, sea turtles,
etc.)
Cleaner water
Less algae overgrowth
Other: Please list

More fish in reef
More living coral
More invertebrates
More turtle nesting grounds
More seagrass
More mangroves
67

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Disagree

To what extent would you be willing to accept increased pollution regulations to have…
Strongly
Disagree

Q62.

More other sea life (manatees,
whales, dolphins, sea turtles,
etc.)
Better water transparency
Less algae overgrowth
Other: Please list

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Disagree

To what extent would you be willing to accept more limited construction and development,
particularly near the seashore, to have…

Strongly
Disagree

Q63.

More fish in reef
More living coral
More invertebrates
More turtle nesting grounds
More seagrass
More mangroves
More other sea life (manatees,
whales, dolphins, sea turtles,
etc.)
Better water transparency
Less algae overgrowth
Less sediment on reef
Other: Please list

More fish in reef
More living coral
More invertebrates
More turtle nesting grounds
More seagrass
More mangroves
More other sea life (manatees,
68

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Disagree

To what extent would you be willing to accept increased regulation of coral reef activities to
have…

Strongly
Disagree

Q64.

whales, dolphins, sea turtles,
etc.)
Better water transparency
Less algae overgrowth
Other: Please list

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Disagree

To what extent would you be willing to accept increased boating restrictions in 
MPA to have…

Strongly
Disagree

Q65.

More fish in reef
More living coral
More invertebrates
More turtle nesting grounds
More seagrass
More mangroves
More other sea life (manatees,
whales, dolphins, sea turtles,
etc.)
Better water transparency
Less algae overgrowth
Less anchor damage to reefs
Less marine–based pollution
Other: Please list


jurisdictional coral reef
program
NOAA/National Coral Reef
Conservation Program
Micronesia Challenge
International Coral Reef
69

Not Sure

Very
Familiar

Familiar

Neither
Familiar
nor
Unfamiliar

Unfamiliar

How familiar are you with each of the following conservation local, national, and
international coral reef conservation programs?
Very
Unfamiliar

Q66.

Initiative
Caribbean Challenge

70

Coral Reefs Changes Since Establishment of MPAs

To what degree have you seen changes in the following within the  MPA since it was
established?

More

Not Sure

Q67.

Significantly
More



No Change



Fewer



Significantly
Fewer



Fish (used for food)
Mangrove crab
Mangrove trees
Round clam (popol)
Conch and other sea shells
Corals
Seagrasses
Invertebrates
Turtle nesting grounds
Sandy beaches
Sea urchins
Octopus
Lobsters
Sea birds
Other sea life (manatees,
whales, dolphins, sea turtles,
etc.)
Other bottom habitat
Specific species to be added as
determined by location

Fish on the Reef Flat
Fish on the Reef Slope
71

Not Sure

Significantly
Better

Better

No Change

Worse

To what degree have you seen changes in the abundance/condition of each of the following
since  MPA was established?
Significantly
Worse

Q68.

Pelagic Fish
Invertebrates on the Reef Flat
Invertebrates on the Reef Slope
Spawning Stocks
Reef Flat Habitat
Reef Slope Habitat
Water Quality
Mangrove Crab
Mangrove Trees
Sea Shells
Corals
Seagrasses
Number of fish
Size of fish
Types of fish (i.e., diversity)
Abundance of Invertebrates
Abundance of Living Coral
Turtle Nesting Sites
Other sea life (manatees, whales,
dolphins, sea turtles, etc.)
Abundance of other sea life (manatees,
whales, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks etc.)
Any other large scale changes over time
like changes in weather patterns, water
temperature, or fishing seasons
Other bottom habitat

Food fish
Aquarium fish
Mangrove crab
Mangrove trees
Round clam (popol)
Conch and other sea shells
Corals
Seagrasses
Invertebrates
72

Not Sure

Significantly
More

More

No Change

Fewer

To what degree have you seen a change in the amount of each of the following directly
outside the  MPA now versus XX years ago? (Years to vary depending on location)
Significantly
Fewer

Q69.

Turtle nesting grounds
Sea urchins
Octopus
Lobsters
Sea birds
Other sea life (manatees, whales,
dolphins, sea turtles, sharks etc.)
Other bottom habitat

Fish on the Reef Flat
Fish on the Reef Slope
Pelagic Fish
Invertebrates on the Reef Flat
Invertebrates on the Reef Slope
Spawning Stocks
Reef Flat Habitat
Reef Slope Habitat
Water Quality
Mangrove Crab
Mangrove Trees
Sea Shells
Corals
Seagrasses
Number of fish
Size of fish
Types of fish (i.e., diversity)
Abundance of Invertebrates
Abundance of Living Coral
Turtle Nesting Sites
Other sea life (manatees, whales, dolphins,
sea turtles, etc.)
Abundance of other sea life (manatees,
whales, dolphins, sea turtles, etc.)
Any other large scale changes over time like
changes in weather patterns, water
temperature, or fishing seasons
73

Not Sure

Significantly
Better

Better

No Change

Worse

To what degree have you seen changes in abundance/condition in each of the following
directly outside the  MPA now versus 5 years ago?
Significantly
Worse

Q70.

Other bottom habitat

Not Sure

Significantly
Better

Better

No Change

Worse

Please rate the change in status/condition of the following since the implementation of the
 MPA.
Significantly
Worse

Q71.

Land-based pollution/sewage
Sediment runoff in the reef area
Sea-based pollution/marine debris
Sea water quality
Coral reef fisheries
Pelagic fisheries
Mooring buoys
Fewer vessel groundings
Crowding (too many people)
Incidence of harmful algal blooms (e.g.,
red tides)
Number of shark sightings
Improvement in reef-related livelihoods
Access to reefs

Land-based pollution/sewage
Sediment runoff in the reef area
Sea-based pollution/marine debris
Sea water quality
Coral reef fisheries
Pelagic fisheries
Mooring buoys
Fewer vessel groundings
Crowding (too many people)
Incidence of harmful algal blooms (e.g.,
74

Not Sure

Completely

To A Large
Degree

Somewhat

Slightly

To what degree do you feel the  MPA is responsible for the status/condition of these
resources?

Not At All

Q72.

red tides)
Number of shark sightings
Q73.

To what degree has your use of  MPA changed since the zone was established?
1. Rarely or never used and still do not
2. Decreased significantly
3. Decreased some
4. Has not changed
5. Increased some
6. Increased Significantly
7. Not sure

75

Knowledge of Rules/Regulations








Q74.

Here in [jurisdiction], do regulations exist for participating in each of the following activities
in or near a coral reef in / MPA?
Yes
Coral Harvesting
Invertebrate Harvesting
Harvesting of Mangroves
Harvesting of mangrove species
Fishing with Rod & Reel
Sport / Recreational fishing
Net-fishing
Trap fishing
Talakhaya (Throw Net) Fishing
SCUBA Spearfishing
Freedive Spearfishing
Gillnet Fishing
Spear Fishing
Live Fish Collecting
Commercial Fishing
Subsistence Fishing
Collecting Trochus
Collecting Sea Cucumbers
Size of fish that can be removed
Number of fish catch per trip
Driving on Beach
Burning
Trash Dumping
SCUBA diving
Snorkeling/swimming
Boating
Water sports
Sea Turtle Harvesting
Taking Sea Turtle Eggs
Taking Bird Eggs
Residential / Commercial
Development
Sand Extraction
Anchoring
Using chemicals for fishing
76

No

Don’t
know

Using explosives for fishing
Q75.

When you were planning your recent trip to , were you aware that there were
special zones where certain activities are restricted or not allowed?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Not Sure

Q76.

Did you know before your recent visit to  that all  is a Marine
Protected Area?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Not Sure

Q77.

Which of the following restrictions exist in  MPA? (Please check all that apply)
1. No fishing
2. Designated no take areas
3. Seasonal fishing restrictions
4. Species restrictions
5. Fish size restrictions
6. No anchoring
7. Prohibited discharge of sewage or graywater from vessels
8. Restrictions on coastal construction/development
9. Vessel transit restrictions (e.g., no transit of oil tankers)
10. Restrictions on types of fishing gear used
11. Diving restrictions
12. Restrictions on tourist activities
13. Permits required for use
14. Cultural use only
15. Bag limits
16. Limits on gear types
14. Other: Please list

Q78.

How familiar are you with more traditional or cultural methods for managing marine
resources and coral reefs in [Location]?
1. Very unfamiliar
2. Unfamiliar
3. Neither familiar nor unfamiliar
4. Familiar
5. Very Familiar
6. Not Sure

Q79.

Does your village have a local, traditional, or cultural method for managing marine resources
and coral reefs?
1. Yes
2. No
77

3. Not Sure
Q79a. Please describe. [Open Ended]
Q80. How effective are the more traditional or cultural methods for managing marine resources and
coral reefs?
1. Very ineffective
2. Ineffective
3. Neither effective nor ineffective
4. Effective
5. Very effective
6. Not Sure
Q80a. Please explain [Open Ended]
Q81. How effective are the more traditional or cultural methods for managing marine resources and
coral reefs as compared to more “modern” rules and regulations for governing marine resources
and coral reefs?
1. Traditional methods are much less effective
2. Traditional methods are less effective
3. No difference between the traditional and modern methods
4. Traditional methods are more effective
5. Traditional methods are much more effective
6. Not Sure

78

Compliance with Rules/Regulations

How often do you believe fishers do not
comply with regulations?
How often do you believe that a fisher who is
not complying with fisheries regulations
would be seen or detected by enforcement
agents?
How often do you believe that fishers who do
not comply with fisheries regulations are
caught and penalized?
How often do you believe that people fish
inside the  MPA no-take zones?
Based on your observations, how often would
you say that commercial fishers do not
comply with fisheries regulations?
Based on your observations, how often would
you say that non-commercial fishers do not
comply with fisheries regulations?
How often do people from  not
comply with MPA regulations?
How often do people from outside 
not comply with MPA regulations?
How often do you believe commercial or
recreational divers do not comply with
regulations?
How often do you believe that a commercial
or recreational diver who is not complying
with regulations would be seen or detected by
the enforcement agencies?
How often do you believe commercial or
recreational divers who do not comply with
regulations are caught and penalized?
79

Not Sure

Always

Please rate the extent to which you believe each of the following occur.
76-99%
Most of the Time

Q82.

51-75%
About Half of the
Time



26-50%
Sometimes



1-25%
Rarely



Never



Based on your observations, how often would
you say that commercial dive operators do not
comply with regulations?
Based on your observations, how often would
you say that recreational divers do not comply
with regulations?

People from  respect the MPA
regulations.
People from outside  respect the
MPA regulations.
Commercial diving operations respect
MPA regulations.
Local diving operations respect MPA
regulations.
Commercial fishing operations respect
MPA regulations.
Local fishing operations respect MPA
regulations.
Tourists respect MPA regulations.
Tourists are knowledgeable of MPA
regulations.
Local people are knowledgeable about
MPA regulations
Commercial and local fisheries are treated
differently by authorities for violating
regulations.
Commercial and local diving operations are
treated differently by authorities for not
complying with regulations.
Enforcement of regulations is fairly carried
out.
Enforcement of regulations is adequate.
Penalties are fair and in line with the
violation.
No specific groups are singled out in
enforcement of regulations.
No specific groups are singled out in
allocating penalties.
80

Not
Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither
Agree
nor
Disagree

Disagree

Please rate the extent to which you agree/disagree with each of the following.
Strongly
Disagree

Q83.

Not
Sure

Not a
reason

Sort of a
reason

Why do you think some people do not follow the regulations?
Strong
Reason

Q84.

It is easy to do- not likely to get caught
They don’t know it’s illegal
They don’t know it can harm the environment
They don’t know it can harm wildlife and the
coral reef ecosystem
They need to earn a living and feel they have
no other option
They don’t care
People are lazy
They think it’s fun
They want to fish/dive in a less populated area
MPAs have more fish/coral to see/catch
People do not appreciate how much of an
impact violating regulations has on the
environment/coral reef ecosystem
The MPA is easier to get to (or safer) than
other fishing areas
There is not enough enforcement
Other, please specify

Enforcement officers
Administrative hearings
Legal and trial process

81

Not Sure

Very
Confident

Confident

Moderately
Confident

Slightly
Confident

Please rate your confidence level that each of the following is accurately and fairly enforcing
coral reef related rules and regulations.

Not at all
Confident

Q85.

Coral Reef Management Processes

Q88.

How much money did you donate over the last 12 months? (if yes to prior question)
1. Less than $20
2. $20 - $50
3. $50 - $100
4. $100 - $200
5. More than $200
6. No response

Q89.

To what extent do you participate in any of the following activities to help protect the
environment?

Coastal Cleanup (beach clean
up)
Community watch
Volunteer as a docent (school,
visitor center, etc)
Volunteer with a nongovernmental organization
Develop or maintain a coral
reef blog, web site, or other
Internet presence
45

Not Sure

How much time did you donate over the last 12 months? (if yes to previous question)
1. Less than 5 hours
2. 5-25 hours
3. 25-50 hours
4. 50-75 hours
5. More than 100 hours
6. No response

Every Day

Q87.

Several Times
a Week

Have you donated any money or time towards an environmental cause in the last 12 month?
1. Time
2. Money
3. Both
4. Neither

Several Times
a Month
At Least Once
a Week

Q86.

At least once a
month



Several times
a year



Once a year or
Less



Not At All



Fish monitoring/fish counts
Community-based creel
survey
Local education/awareness
initiatives
Other: Please list

Restricting use of anchors and or
designate mooring areas
Limiting shoreside/streamside activities
(e.g., agriculture or construction) to
reduce pollution
Fishing restrictions (e.g., fish size class,
number of fish, fishing seasons,
locations)
Species restrictions
Catch shares
Traditional management methods
Controlling access to coral reefs
46

Not Sure

How effective are each of the following management strategies or regulations in the 
MPA/Jurisdiction?
Very Effective

Q92.

Effective

How satisfied are you with the current management strategies for coral reefs in ?
1. Very unsatisfied
2. Unsatisfied
3. Neither
4. Satisfied
5. Very Satisfied
6. Not sure

Neither
Effective Nor
Ineffective

Q91.

Ineffective

To what degree are you involved in making decisions related to the management of coral
reefs in ?
1. Not at all involved
2. Slightly involved
3. Moderately involved
4. Involved
5. Very involved

Very
Ineffective

Q90.

Limiting construction maritime facilities
(piers, waterfronts, boat ramps)
Dive tourism restrictions
Seasonal/rotational closures
Distributing coral reef educational
materials to visitor
Conducting outreach activities to educate
public
Marine zoning
Other: Please list

Fishing
Beach Use
Littering or dumping
Illegal burning
Road Maintenance
Watershed issues (e.g. pollution,
nutrient runoff, sediment, coastal
development)
No-take MPAs
Restricted use MPAs
Gear restrictions
47

Don’t Know

Very
Effective

Management of:

Effective

How effective do you think [regulation] of each of the following are at [location]?
Neither
Effective nor
Ineffective

Q94.

Ineffective

What, if any, management strategies or regulations do you think should be changed in the
 MPA?
1. Restricting use of anchors and or designate mooring areas
2. Limiting shoreside/streamside activities (e.g., agriculture or construction) to reduce
pollution
3. Fishing restrictions (e.g., fish size class, number of fish, fishing seasons, locations)
4. Controlling access to coral reefs
5. Limiting construction maritime facilities (piers, waterfronts, boat ramps)
6. Dive tourism restrictions
7. Seasonal/rotational closures
8. Distributing coral reef educational materials to visitor
9. Conducting outreach activities to educate public
10. Marine zoning
11. Other: Please list

Very
Ineffective

Q93.

Size restrictions on fishing
Species restrictions on fishing
Seasonal and/or rotational closures
Dive tourism
Other tourist activities
Sand mining
Other: Please list
Q95.

How successful is the Federal government in protecting coral reefs?
1. Not at all successful
2. Somewhat successful
3. Moderately successful
4. Successful
5. Extremely successful
6. Not sure

Q96.

How successful is the local government in protecting coral reefs?
1. Not at all successful
2. Somewhat successful
3. Moderately successful
4. Successful
5. Extremely successful
6. Not sure

Q97.

How involved is the local community in protecting and managing coral reefs?
1. Not at all involved
2. Somewhat involved
3. Moderately involved
4. Involved
5. Very involved
6. Not sure

Q98.

How effective is the local community in protecting and managing coral reefs?
1. Not at all effective
2. Somewhat effective
3. Moderately effective
4. Effective
5. Very effective
6. Not sure

Q99.

In your opinion, who has primary decision making authority over the coral reefs (and
associated species)?
1. Residents of 
2. A particular family
3. Village leadership
48

4. Village residents
5. Community group
6. No one
7. Residents of [territory]
8. The local government
9. The federal government
10. Other: Please list
Q100. In your opinion, who is primarily responsible for management activities to protect coral reefs
(and associated species)?
1. Residents of 
2. A particular family
3. Village leadership
4. Village residents
5. Community group: _____________
6. No one
7. Residents of 
8. The local government
9. The federal government
10. Other: Please list

49

Support for Management Processes and Regulations








The process that the government has used to develop
rules and regulations for  MPA was open and
fair to all groups
It has not mattered whether the average person
participated in the workshops and meeting on the
 MPA because the average person could not
influence the final decisions
The government agency responsible for designating the
 MPA has not addressed the concerns of local
and state (or other federal) governments in developing
rules and regulations for the MPA
The government has not addressed the concerns of
individual citizens in developing rules and regulations for
 MPA
Once  MPA regulations have been in effect,
there has been no way that the average person to voice
his/her opinion on the usefulness of the regulations
The procedures that the government has established to
deal with violations of  MPA regulations have
been fair and just
 has benefited environmentally from 
MPA
 has benefited socially from  MPA
 has benefited culturally from  MPA
 has benefited financially from 
MPA
Sufficient resources and staff are available to enforce
current regulations
I know where to go to find information about regulations
When developing regulations, the government takes the
needs of the local community affected by the regulations
into consideration
50

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Disagree

Strongly
Disagree

Q101. Please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following.

Boating regulations are too stringent
Fishing regulations are too stringent
Construction regulations are too stringent
Recreational activity regulations are too stringent
Pollution regulations are too stringent
Harvesting regulations are too stringent
Access regulations are too stringent
Boating regulations hurt the local economy
Fishing regulations hurt the local economy
Construction regulations hurt the local economy
Recreational activity regulations hurt the local economy
Pollution regulations hurt the local economy
Harvesting regulations hurt the local economy
Access regulations hurt the local economy
Q102. To sufficiently protect the coral reefs, do you believe stronger, weaker, or no change to
the existing regulations in  is warranted?
1. Significantly weaker regulations
2. Weaker regulations
3. No change
4. Stronger regulations
5. Significantly stronger regulations
6. Not Sure

Ban commercial harvesting
Ban commercial fishing
Create area for traditional fishing
Allow more types of resource use in
reserve
Prohibit Scuba-spear fishing
Prohibit destructive gear-types
Prohibit [specific gear types]
Create more no-catch (no-take) fishing
zones
Create more restricted use zones
Bag limits
Minimum size limits on fish that can
51

Don’t
Know

Strongly
Support

Support

Neither
Support
nor
Oppose

Oppose

Fishing and Harvesting Practices

Strongly
Oppose

Q103. To what extent would you support each of the following possible changes to existing
rules and regulations or to existing management processes to improve the protection of
the coral reefs in ?

Increase enforcement of existing
rules/regulations
Expand boundaries of MPA
Expand no-take area
Decrease size no-take area
Seasonal and/or rotational
openings/closures
Increase community participation in
reserve management
Stricter controls on sediment and nutrient
runoff from land to the ocean
More stringent control of pollutants to
preserve water quality
Stricter regulations on discharging of
pollutants in  MPA
Restrictions on coastal development
Banning commercial/recreational activities
Limiting dive tourism
Limiting other tourist activities
Enforced training/certification of scuba
divers and snorkelers

52

Don’t
Know

Strongly
Support

Support

Neither
Support
nor
Oppose

Other Rules/Regulations

Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

be taken
Maximum size limits on fish that can
be taken
Species restrictions
Slot limits (fish take is allowed above
or below a certain size)
Seasonal/spawning periods
Fishing activities must be approved by
the existing reef boards
Catch shares
No harvesting of bottom formations
inside  MPA
No taking of invertebrates inside
 MPA
The hook-and-line only fishing
regulation in  MPA

Dive/snorkel operations should have
limited entry in 
Implement/enforce monetary fines for
violation
Stronger shipping regulations
Ban anchoring in MPA
Limit vessel size for mooring use in the
MPA
Require vessels use mooring buoys within
the MPA
Regulations on minimum distance and
speed from vessels flying a dive flag
The requirement that all dive vessels fly a
dive flag
Other: Please list

I support the  MPA as it is currently established
I support the no anchoring regulation in the MPA
I support the prohibition on disturbing the sea bed
including all mining and oil & gas activities
I support the prohibition of commercial fishing use of
wire fishing traps
I support the prohibition commercial fishing using
bottom trawls
I support the prohibition on the damage or removal of
bottom formations (e.g. corals and rock)
I support the prohibition on the use of explosives for
fishing
I support the prohibition on the discharge of pollutants
in  MPA waters
I support the prohibition on spear fishing in the MPA
The process that  MPA used to develop its rules
and regulations was open and fair to all groups
It has not mattered whether the average person
participated in the workshops and meeting of the
 MPA because the average person could not
influence the final decisions
53

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Disagree

Strongly
Disagree

Q104. Please rate the extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the following
statements.

 MPA has not addressed the concerns of other
federal and state governments in developing its rules and
Regulations
 MPA has not addressed the concerns of
individual
citizens in developing its rules and regulations
Once the  MPA regulations have been in effect,
there has been no way that the average person to voice
his/her opinion on the usefulness of the regulations
The procedures that  MPA has established to
deal with violations of its regulations has been fair and
just
 MPA does a good job of enforcing its
regulations
 MPA does a good job of educating the public
about its rules and regulations

54

Sources of Information Available








Q105. Which of the following sources would you consider to be your primary sources of
information about coral reefs in ? (Please check up to 5). List region specific
sources as well
15. [
] Website
1. Newspaper
16. [
] Staff
2. Radio
17. Sanctuary Advisory Council
3. Television
18. People who participate in coral
4. Brochures
5. Informational Signs
reef related activities
19. Magazines
6. Community Members
20. Government agency publications
7. Community/club Meeting
21. Conservation organization
8. Work
publications
9. Friends
22. NOAA sponsored Publications or
10. Family
websites
11. Teachers
23. Other: Please list
12. Religious Leaders
24. None
13. Workshop
14. Word of mouth
Q106. Which of the following sources would you consider to be your primary sources of
information on participating in coral reef related activities you enjoy and its impact on
coral reefs? (Please check up to 5). List region specific sources as well
15. [
] Website
1. Newspaper
16. [
] Staff
2. Radio
17. Sanctuary Advisory Council
3. Television
18. People who participate in coral
4. Brochures
reef related activities
5. Informational Signs
19. Magazines
6. Community Members
20. Government agency publications
7. Community/club Meeting
21. Conservation organization
8. Work
publications
9. Friends
22. NOAA sponsored Publications or
10. Family
websites
11. Teachers
23. Other: Please list
12. Religious Leaders
24. None
13. Workshop
14. Word of mouth

Q107. Which of the following sources would you consider to be your primary sources of
information on government rules and regulations of coral reefs in ? (Please
check up to 5). List region specific sources as well
1. Newspaper
3. Television
2. Radio
4. Brochures
55

5. Informational Signs
6. Community Members
7. Community/club Meeting
8. Work
9. Friends
10. Family
11. Teachers
12. Religious Leaders
13. Workshop
14. Word of mouth
15. [
] Website
16. [
] Staff

17. Sanctuary Advisory Council
18. People who participate in coral
reef related activities
19. Magazines
20. Government agency publications
21. Conservation organization
publications
22. NOAA sponsored Publications or
websites
23. Other: Please list
24. None

Q108. Which of the following sources would you consider to be your primary sources of
information about coral reefs management processes in ? (Please check up to
5). List region specific sources as well
15. [
] Website
1. Newspaper
16. [
] Staff
2. Radio
17. Sanctuary Advisory Council
3. Television
18. People who participate in coral
4. Brochures
reef related activities
5. Informational Signs
19. Magazines
6. Community Members
20. Government agency publications
7. Community/club Meeting
21. Conservation organization
8. Work
publications
9. Friends
22. NOAA sponsored Publications or
10. Family
websites
11. Teachers
23. Other: Please list
12. Religious Leaders
24. None
13. Workshop
14. Word of mouth

Newspaper
Radio
Television
56

Not Sure

Very
Trustworthy

Trustworthy

Neither
Trustworthy
nor
Untrustworthy

Untrustworthy

Very
Untrustworthy

Q109. To what degree do you trust each of the following sources of information to provide you the
most accurate information on coral reefs and coral reef related topics in ? List
region specific sources as well

Brochures
Informational Signs
Community Members
Community/club Meeting
Village leaders
Village council
Work
Friends
Family
Teacher
Religious Leaders
Workshop
Word of mouth
[
] Website
[
] Staff
Sanctuary Advisory Council
People who participate in
coral reef related activities
Magazines
Government agency
publications
Conservation organization
publications
Government sponsored
publications or websites
Other: Please list

57

Coral Reef Financial Reliance








Q110. To what degree do you rely on coral reefs as a source of food for yourself and your family?
1. Not at all
2. For a small part of the food we consume
3. For about half of my food we consume
4. For the majority, but not all of my food we consume
5. For my all of my food we consume
6. Not sure
Q111. To what degree do you rely on coral reefs for a source of income?
1. Not at all
2. For a small part of my income
3. For about half of my income
4. For the majority, but not all of my income
5. For my all of my income
6. Not sure

No
Response

Frequently

Often

Sometimes

Rarely

Never

Q112. How often do you fish or harvest marine resources for each of the following reasons?

To feed myself and my family/ household
To sell for profit
To give to extended family members and/or
friends
For fun
For special occasions and cultural events
To donate to charities
Other: Please list
Q113. Is your occupation affiliated with the marine environment/industry in ?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Not sure

Q114. If YES, please circle the industry that best fits your primary profession.
58

1. Commercial fishing
2. Charter fishing
3. Dive/snorkel operation
4. Marina/boat operation
5. Other watersports
6. Eco-tour operation
7. Ecological research
8. Ocean/coastal management
9. Artisan
10. Education
Other_____________________
Q115. Do you belong to a fishery cooperative?
1. Yes
2. No
3. No Response
Q116. If yes, which one?
List fish house options for specific location
Q117. What approximate percentage of your TOTAL household income is derived from fishing?
1. Less than 10%
2. 10 – 25%
3. 26 – 50%
4. 51 – 80%
5. 80 – 100%
Q118. What is your primary launch location or access point to the water?
List options specific to 
Q119. Do you have a secondary launch location or access point to the water, from which you port
part of the year? If so, please check.
1. I do not have a launch location or access point to the water
List options specific to 

59

Demographic Questions








Q120. How many family members do you support (including yourself)?
1. Myself Only
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5
6. 6
7. 7
8. Greater than 7
9. No Response
Q121. What is your age? [Open Ended]
Q122. What is your sex?
1. Male
2. Female
3. No Response
Q123. What is the highest level of education you have completed?
1. 8th Grade or Less
2. 9th to 11th Grade
3. 12th Grade, High School Grad, GED
4. 13 to 15 Years (some community college or vocational training)
5. College Graduate
6. Graduate School, Law School, Medical School
7. No Response
Q124. What is your current employment status?
1. Unemployed
2. Student
3. Employed full-time
4. Homemaker
5. Employed part-time
6. Retired
7. None of the above (Please specify)
8. No Response
Q125. What is your occupation? [Open Ended]
Q126. In which sector are you employed? (Ask only for those who check employed full or part
time) (check all that apply)
1. Management, professional etc.
2. Service & Tourism
60

3. Retail Sales
4. Fishing/ Aquaculture
5. Fish Processing/Cannery
6. Construction & Maintenance
7. Transportation
8. Government (Federal)
9. Government (Local)
10. Agriculture

11. Education
12. Manufacturing /Oil Refinery
13. Law Enforcement
14. Health / Medical
15. Communications
16. Textiles
17. Other: Please list
18. No Response

Q127. What is your annual household income?
1. Under $10,000
2. $10,000 to $19,999
3. $20,000 to $29,999
4. $30,000 to $39,999
5. $40,000 to $49,999
6. $50,000 to $59,999

7. $60,000 to $74,999
8. $75,000 to $99,999
9. $100,000 to $149,999
10. $150,000 or More
11. No Response

Q128. Please list the city, state, and postal code of your primary residence [Open end]
Q129. For how many years have you lived at this location?
1. Less than 1 year
2. 1 – 5 years
3. 5 – 10 years
4. 10 – 20 years
5. 20 – 30 years
6. More than 30 years
Q130. Do you have direct access to the water from your residence?
1. I can get to the water from my property
2. My residence is a short walk to the water
3. My residence is a short drive to the water
4. My residence does not have direct access to the water
5. No Response
Q131. What race/ethnicity do you consider yourself?
Please select all that apply
1. American Indian or Alaskan
Native
2. Asian
3. Black or African American
4. Puerto Rican
5. Carolinian
6. Chamorro
7. Chinese
8. Cuban
9. Filipino
61

10. Japanese
11. White
12. Korean
13. Mexican
14. Native Hawaiian or other Pacific
Islander
15. Samoan
16. Taino
17. Thai
18.Tongan

19. Vietnamese
20. White
21. Other/Mixed

22. No response
23. Hispanic or Latino

Q132. How proficient are you in English?
1. I speak no English
2. I speak very little English
3. Conversational
4. Completely Fluent
5. Not sure
Q133. What language(s) do you speak, including your primary language? (Please check each
language you speak).
13. Hawaiian
1. English
14. Hawaii Pidgin English
2. Spanish
15. Sāmoan
3. French
16. Chamorro
4. German
17. Carolinian
5. Italian
18. Creole
6. Portuguese
19. Crucian
7. Arabic
20. Tongan
8. Chinese
21. Other: Please list
9. Japanese
22. No Response
10. Korean
11. Tagolog
12. Hindi
Q134. What religion do you consider yourself?
1. Episcopal
2. Presbyterian
3. Baptist
4. Methodist
5. Lutheran
6. Christian Congregational
7. Assembly of God
8. Pentecostal
9. Seventh Day Adventist
10. Other Protestant/Nondenominational Christian

11. Mormon (LDS)
12. Catholic
13. Jewish
14. Muslim
15. Hindu
16. Bhuddist
17. Bahai
18. Atheist/Humanist
19. Other: Please list
20. None
21. No Response

Q135. Do you have a particular title, leadership, or cultural status in your community? If so,
please list. [Open Ended]
Q136. Do you hold the Samoan title of matai?
Q137. Please check each group of which you a member?
1. Chamber of Commerce
62

2. Environmental Group
3. Conch Coalition
4. MCCF
5. OFF
6. NAUI
7. PADI
8. KADO
9. FADO
10. SSI
11. Last Stand
12. Reef Relief
13. Sanctuary Friends of the Florida Keys
14. Local religious or community organization
Which one? ___________________
15. Other, please specify
16. No response
Include other groups in list relevant to location.
Q138. Do you own a boat?
1. Yes
2. No
3. No response

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per
response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of
information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other suggestions for
reducing this burden to (name), NOAA Line office, (address).
As stated on the questionnaires, identifying information (name, address, telephone number, email
address) will be used only to administer the survey. This information will be viewed only by the
contractor compiling the data, and will be destroyed at the end of the information collection.
This process will maintain the anonymity of the responses received.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of the law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall
any person be subjected to a penalty for failure to comply with, a collection of information
subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of
information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

63

Initial Cover Letter for Mail Survey

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Coral Reef Conservation Program
Date
Dear Participant:
Purpose of Study: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) created the Coral
Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) to safeguard and ensure the welfare of the coral reef ecosystems
along the coastlines of America’s States and Territories. CRCP is embarking on a new National Coral
Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP), intended to enhance the conservation of coral reefs. The purpose of
this survey is to better understand your attitudes and behaviors related to coral reefs in order to ensure this
new program is designed appropriately from the start.
Description of survey procedures and approximate duration: We would greatly appreciate you
completing the attached survey and returning it either in the pre-addressed stamped envelope, email it to
[email protected].
Your participation is crucial to the success of this study. The survey should take approximately 30
minutes to complete.
Confidentiality: Your specific responses will not be disseminated to the public in a way which could
potentially reveal personally identifiable information (PII). Aggregate and summary statistics will only
be publicly available for the data which will allow the identities of survey respondents to remain
confidential. CRCP will maintain the data in accordance with the highest standards of information
security and will keep PII data only as long as is absolutely necessary to complete the survey.
Thank you very much for your participation.
Sincerely,
Christy Loper, Ph.D.
Coral Reef Conservation Program
US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

64

Follow Up Cover Letter for Mail Survey

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Coral Reef Conservation Program
Date
Dear Participant:
Three weeks ago the attached questionnaire was sent to you seeking your views on coral reef
conservation. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is embarking on a new
National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP), intended to enhance the conservation of
coral reefs. The purpose of this survey is to better understand your attitudes and behaviors
related to coral reefs in order to ensure this new program is designed appropriately from the start.
If you have already submitted your response, we greatly appreciate your contribuation. If not,
please do so at your earliest convenience and return it in the pre-addressed stamped envelope, or
by email to [email protected].
.
Your specific responses will not be disseminated to the public in a way which could potentially
reveal personally identifiable information (PII). Aggregate and summary statistics will only be
publicly available for the data which will allow the identities of survey respondents to remain
confidential. CRCP will maintain the data in accordance with the highest standards of
information security and will keep PII data only as long as is absolutely necessary to complete
the survey.
Thank you very much for your participation.
Sincerely,
Christy Loper, Ph.D.
Coral Reef Conservation Program
US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

65

Thank You Letter

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Coral Reef Conservation Program
Date
Dear Participant:
Thank you very much for participating in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Coral Reef Conservation Program survey. Your responses will be reviewed and analyzed as we
move forward in creating our new National Coral Reef Monitoring Program.
If you have not yet had the chance to complete the survey, please do so at your earliest
convenience as your participation is crucial to the success of this program.
Sincerely,
Christy Loper, Ph.D.
Coral Reef Conservation Program
US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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File Typeapplication/pdf
File TitleSUPPORTING STATEMENT
AuthorRichard Roberts
File Modified2011-11-17
File Created2011-11-17

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