Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Participant

Marine Mammal Health and Stranding
Response Program Survey
Introduction
This survey is part of a program evaluation of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)
National Marine Fisheries’ (NMFS) Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program’s (MMHSRP)
Southeast Region (SER) and Southwest Region (SWR) Stranding Networks. An important component of this
study is to gather input regarding the SER and SWR Stranding Networks’ current performance, organizational
structure, objectives, and needs for the purpose of determining future program directions and enhancing
program management and implementation.
You have been identified as a participant in the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Network. Please take
the time to complete this survey to the best of your knowledge. Your responses will help develop future plans
for the direction and management of the program.
Please be candid; your answers are completely protected and will not be associated with your name or your
organization in any way.
Please return the completed survey by [INSERT DATE HERE], 2008, by mail or fax.
Mailing Address:
Fax:
Responsive Management
(540) 432-1892
130 Franklin Street
Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Reasons for Participation and Organization Contact
1.

In which region of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network do you participate?
9 Southeast Region
9 Southwest Region
9 Northeast Region
9 Northwest Region
9 Alaska Region
9 Pacific Islands Region

2.

What are the major reasons for your participation in the Marine Mammal Stranding Network?

PLEASE TURN THE PAGE TO CONTINUE THE SURVEY
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3.

How often ould you say your organization is contacted for response assistance?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 A great deal
9 A moderate amount
9 A little
9 Not at all

9 Don’t know

4.

How many times in the past year would you estimate that your organization was contacted for response
assistance?

5.

How often would you say your organization is able to respond to calls for assistance?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Always
9 Often
9 Sometimes
9 Rarely
9 Never
9 Don’t know

Network Participant Training Levels and Experience
6.

Which of the following best describes you or your organization’s authority as a participant in the
Marine Mammal Stranding Network?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employee
9 Other federal employee
9 State or local employee
9 Authorized for dead / live response (Section 112c of MMPA)
9 Authorized for rehabilitation (Section 112c of MMPA)
9 Designee of Stranding Agreement holder
9 Other:

9 Don’t know
7.

2

How did you receive your Level A training?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Through NMFS-approved training / NMFS workshop
9 Through present organization of employment
9 Through previous organization of employment
9 Through an educational institution
9 Other:

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8.

How would you describe your level of experience with regard to the scope of work and primary duties
involved with your role in the Marine Mammal Stranding Network?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 A great deal of experience
9 A moderate amount of experience
9 A little experience
9 No experience at all

9a. Do you agree or disagree that you personally feel adequately trained to fulfill the duties expected of you?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree (SKIP TO QUESTION 10a)
9 Moderately agree (SKIP TO QUESTION 10a)
9 Neither agree nor disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 9b)
9 Moderately disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 9b)
9 Strongly disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 9b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 10a)
9b. What are the reasons you do not feel adequately trained to fulfill the duties expected of you?

10a. Do you agree or disagree that gaps or discrepancies exist in the training and educational backgrounds of
some regional Network participants?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 10b)
9 Moderately agree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 10b)
9 Neither agree nor disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 11)
9 Moderately disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 11)
9 Strongly disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 11)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 11)
10b. Do you consider gaps and discrepancies in the training and educational backgrounds of some regional
Network participants to be problematic to the overall effectiveness of the Marine Mammal Stranding
Network?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very problematic
9 Somewhat problematic
9 Not at all problematic
9 Don’t know
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Funding and Support Among Network Participant
Organizations
11.

Do you agree or disagree that your organization is currently being funded at a level adequate to fulfill the
duties of a Stranding Network participating organization?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree
9 Moderately agree
9 Neither agree nor disagree
9 Moderately disagree
9 Strongly disagree
9 Don’t know

12.

How is your organization currently funded?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Prescott Grant
9 Grants, excluding Prescott Grant
9 Private donations / private funding
9 Endowed chair(s)
9 Merchandise sales
9 Registration / membership fees
9 Other:
9 Don’t know

Ø IF CHECKED MORE THAN ONE SOURCE OF FUNDING, PLEASE CONTINUE TO QUESTION 13
Ø IF CHECKED “PRESCOTT GRANT” AS ONLY SOURCE OF FUNDING, PLEASE SKIP TO
QUESTION 14a ON PAGE 5
Ø IF CHECKED ONLY ONE SOURCE OF FUNDING OTHER THAN “PRESCOTT GRANT,” PLEASE
SKIP TO QUESTION 16 ON PAGE 6
13.

What is your organization’s primary source of funding?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Prescott Grant
9 Grants, excluding Prescott Grant
9 Private donations / private funding
9 Endowed chair(s)
9 Merchandise sales
9 Registration / membership fees
9 Other:
9 Don’t know

Ø IF CHECKED “PRESCOTT GRANT” AS A SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR QUESTION 12, PLEASE
CONTINUE TO QUESTION 14a ON PAGE 5
Ø IF DID NOT CHECK “PRESCOTT GRANT” AS A SOURCE OF FUNDING FOR QUESTION 12,
PLEASE SKIP TO QUESTION 16 ON PAGE 6
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14a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the funding opportunities made available through the Prescott
Grant?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 15a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 15a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 15a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 14b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 14b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 15a)
14b. Why are you dissatisfied with the funding opportunities made available through the Prescott Grant?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Not enough funds to cover organization needs
9 Funds do not arrive in time / are awarded late
9 Prescott priorities fail to encompass scope of work
9 Prescott review process is unfair / inadequate
9 Prescott award process is influenced too much by favoritism / politics
9 Prescott award process is influenced by region(s) / favors certain regions
9 Prescott award process is influenced by certain areas of the country / favors certain areas of the country
9 Other:
9 Don’t know
15a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the application process for the Prescott Grant?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 16)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 16)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 16)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 15b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 15b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 16)
15b. Why are you dissatisfied with the application process for the Prescott Grant?
9 Grant requirements / guidelines are unclear
9 Application / award process based too much on politics / favoritism
9 Application / award process favors certain regions / disproportionate spreading of funds throughout
Network
9 Application / award process timeline is too short
9 Application / award process requires too much information
9 Application / award process does not allow for enough information / inadequate room to express
relevant information
9 Other:
9 Don’t know
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Ø ALL RESPONDENTS CONTINUE HERE
16.

Does your organization participate in post-release monitoring of marine mammals?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Yes (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 17)
9 No (SKIP TO QUESTION 18)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 18)

17.

Do you agree or disagree that your organization has adequate funding with which to conduct post-release
monitoring of marine mammals? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree
9 Moderately agree
9 Neither agree nor disagree
9 Moderately disagree
9 Strongly disagree
9 Don’t know

18.

What resources do you need in order to improve the effectiveness of your organization?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Funding
9 Staff
9 Equipment / technology
9 Packing / shipping materials for carcasses, tissues, etc.
9 Training
9 Regulations / guidelines
9 Other:

19a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the National Marine Fisheries Service’s ability to provide your
organization with the resources necessary to it? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 20a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 20a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 20a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 19b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 19b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 20a)
19b. Why are you dissatisfied with the National Marine Fisheries ability to provide your organization with the
resources necessary to it?

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Opinions On Network Management and Administration
20a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the current structure and organization of the regional Marine
Mammal Stranding Network? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 21a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 21a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 21a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 20b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 20b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 21a)
20b. Why are you dissatisfied with the current structure and organization of the regional Marine Mammal
Stranding Network? (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)

9 Too restrictive
9 Too disorganized / lack of clear structure
9 Too much bureaucracy
9 Can’t get clear answers to duty / priority questions
9 Structure / organization allows too much room for politics / favoritism
9 Inconsistency between regions
9 Structure / organization moves too slowly / hinders efficient responses
9 Other:
21a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the current structure and organization of the national Marine
Mammal Stranding Network? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 22a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 22a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 22a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 21b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 21b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 22a)
21b. Why are you dissatisfied with the current structure and organization of the national Marine Mammal
Stranding Network? (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Too restrictive
9 Too disorganized / lack of clear structure
9 Too much bureaucracy
9 Can’t get clear answers to duty / priority questions
9 Inconsistency between regions
9 Structure / organization allows too much room for politics / favoritism
9 Structure / organization moves too slowly / hinders efficient responses
9 Other:

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22a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the current management and accessibility of data within the
regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 23a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 23a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 23a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 22b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 22b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 23a)
22b. Why are you dissatisfied with the current management and accessibility of data within the regional
Marine Mammal Stranding Network? (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Lack of organization / management
9 Lack of accessibility
9 Not enough data / limited availability
9 Poor cooperation among participants with regard to data sharing
9 Risk of losing proprietary data
9 Unclear distinction between Level A and Level B data
9 Inconsistency between regions
9 Other:
23a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the Marine Mammal Stranding Network’s National Database?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 24a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 24a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 24a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 23b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 23b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 24a)
23b. Why are you dissatisfied with the Marine Mammal Stranding Network’s National Database?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Lack of accessibility / cannot log in to the Database
9 Lack of organization / management
9 Not enough data / limited availability
9 Database requires too much information
9 Poor cooperation among participants with regard to data sharing
9 Risk of losing proprietary data
9 Difficulties with query system / interface
9 Unresponsiveness by NMFS to requests made concerning database
9 Changes made by NMFS to database without notice
9 Inconsistency between regions
9 Other:
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24a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the Stranding Agreements issued by the National Marine
Fisheries Service to Network participant organizations, in terms of their ability to effectively
communicate authority, priorities, responsibilities, and overall purpose of involvement?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 25a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 25a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 25a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 24b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 24b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 25a)
24b. Why are you dissatisfied with the Stranding Agreements issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service
to Network participant organizations?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Unclear / ambiguous wording
9 Too detailed
9 Not detailed enough
9 Fail to cover key / necessary information
9 Too much information required to reapply or renew
9 Criteria too restrictive
9 Stranding Agreements too restrictive
9 Inconsistency between regions
9 Other:
25a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the disposition determinations issued by the National Marine
Fisheries Service? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 26a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 26a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 26a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 25b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 25b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 26a)
25b. Why are you dissatisfied with the disposition determinations issued by the National Marine Fisheries
Service?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Unclear / ambiguous wording
9 Too detailed
9 Not detailed enough
9 Fail to cover key / necessary information
9 Inconsistency between regions
9 Other:
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26a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the parts authorizations issued within the regional Marine
Mammal Stranding Network?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 27a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 27a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 27a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 26b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 26b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 27a)
26b. Why are you dissatisfied with the parts authorizations issued by the regional National Marine Fisheries
Service office?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Unclear / ambiguous wording
9 Too detailed
9 Not detailed enough
9 Fail to cover key / necessary information
9 Process within regions to get authorization letters too cumbersome / bureaucratic
9 Inconsistency between regions
9 Other:

27a. Do you agree or disagree that Regional Stranding Agreements limit your operations?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 27b)
9 Moderately agree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 27b)
9 Neither agree nor disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 28)
9 Moderately disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 28)
9 Strongly disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 28)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 28)
27b. In what ways do the Regional Stranding Agreements limit the operations of your organization?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Prevent responses to certain species
9 Limit the amount of attention allowed for a certain species
9 Do not take into account local ecosystems / local indigenous species
9 Prevent best-suited organization / facility from responding to stranded mammals
9 Other:

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Satisfaction with Protocols and Response Activities Among
Network Participant Organizations

Don’t know

Not at all
informed

Somewhat
informed

Area

Very
informed

Please indicate how well informed you feel regarding current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines,
protocols, and procedures relating to each of the following areas in the table below.

28. Stranding responses
29. Disentanglement responses
30. Large whale responses
31. Humane treatment
32. Rehabilitation of marine mammals
33. Unusual Mortality Events

34a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols,
and procedures relating to stranding responses?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 35a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 35a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 35a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 34b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 34b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 35a)
34b. Why are you dissatisfied with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols, and
procedures relating to stranding responses?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures allow for poorly coordinated responses
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not ensure timeliness in responses
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not plan for / take into account irregular circumstances
(mass strandings)
9 Other:

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35a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols,
and procedures relating to disentanglement responses?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 36a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 36a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 36a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 35b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 35b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 36a)
35b. Why are you dissatisfied with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols, and
procedures relating to disentanglement responses?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures allow for poorly coordinated responses
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not ensure timeliness in responses
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not adequately define responder criteria / roles
9 Dissatisfaction associated with the inclusion of outside specialists and non-local expert assistance
9 Other:

36a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols,
and procedures relating to large whale stranding events?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 37a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 37a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 37a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 36b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 36b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 37a)
36b. Why are you dissatisfied with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols, and
procedures relating to large whale stranding events?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures allow for poorly coordinated responses
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not ensure timeliness in responses
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures place too much emphasis on right whales
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not place enough emphasis on right whales
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not adequately define whale responder criteria / roles
9 Dissatisfaction associated with the inclusion of outside specialists and non-local expert assistance
9 Other:

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37a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols,
and procedures relating to large whale entanglements?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 38a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 38a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 38a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 37b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 37b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 38a)
37b. Why are you dissatisfied with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols, and
procedures relating to large whale entanglements?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures allow for poorly coordinated responses
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not ensure timeliness in responses
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures place too much emphasis on right whales
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not place enough emphasis on right whales
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not adequately define whale responder criteria / roles
9 Dissatisfaction associated with the inclusion of outside specialists and non-local expert assistance
9 Other:

38a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols,
and procedures relating to humane treatment?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 39a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 39a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 39a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 38b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 38b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 39a)
38b. Why are you dissatisfied with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols, and
procedures relating to humane treatment?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not adequately define humane treatment
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures allow for disproportionate focus on terminal mammals
9 Inadequate support from NMFS regarding humane treatment decision-making
9 Other:

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39a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols,
and procedures relating to rehabilitation of marine mammals?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 40a)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 40a)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 40a)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 39b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 39b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 40a)
39b. Why are you dissatisfied with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols, and
procedures relating to rehabilitation of marine mammals?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 The role of display / entertainment / educational facilities in determining which species are priorities
for rehabilitation
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not provide adequate resources for successful rehabilitation
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not take into account all necessary resources, funds necessary
for rehabilitation of marine mammals
9 Other:

40a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols,
and procedures relating to Unusual Mortality Events?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 41)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 41)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 41)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 40b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 40b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 41)
40b. Why are you dissatisfied with current National Marine Fisheries Service guidelines, protocols, and
procedures relating to Unusual Mortality Events? (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures contain inadequate criteria for determining Unusual Mortality
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures allow for inadequate procedural advice provided by Unusual
Mortality Working Group
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures do not allow for adequate management of Marine Mammal
Unusual Mortality Event Fund
9 Guidelines, protocols, and procedures allow for too much bureaucracy
9 Funding is too restrictive
9 Dissatisfaction associated with the inclusion of outside specialists and non-local expert assistance
9 Other:

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41.

How does your organization determine its policies on euthanasia?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Organization does not euthanize marine mammals
9 Based on the extent of sickness / injuries of mammal
9 Based on amount of available room at facility for mammal
9 Based on availability of appropriate rehabilitation space within the region
9 Based on the extent of the mammal’s suffering
9 Based on the commonness / abundance of the species
9 Other:

Don’t know

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Recognizing that initial response assessments may not
always accurately determine whether or not a cetacean
will be releasable after rehabilitation, how often would
you say your organization takes in cetaceans that are
initially deemed to be:

Always

42a. Does your organization participate in rehabilitation?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Yes (CONTINUE TO QUESTIONS 42b-d IN THE TABLE BELOW)
9 No (SKIP TO QUESTION 43 ON PAGE 16)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 43 ON PAGE 16)

42b. releasable
42c. conditionally releasable
42d. non-releasable
42e. How important should the age class of a mammal be in terms of determining a candidate for evaluation?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very important
9 Somewhat important
9 Not at all important
9 Don’t know
42f. How important should the species of a mammal be in terms of determining a candidate for evaluation?
Should species be a very important, somewhat important, or not at all important factor in determining a
candidate for evaluation?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very important
9 Somewhat important
9 Not at all important
9 Don’t know
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43.

Do you agree or disagree that your individual safety is taken into consideration by your organization when
participating in field work for the Marine Mammal Stranding Network?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree
9 Moderately agree
9 Neither agree nor disagree
9 Moderately disagree
9 Strongly disagree
9 Don’t know

44.

Do you agree or disagree that your individual safety is taken into consideration by the National Marine
Fisheries Service when participating in field work for the Marine Mammal Stranding Network?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree
9 Moderately agree
9 Neither agree nor disagree
9 Moderately disagree
9 Strongly disagree
9 Don’t know

45.

Do you support or oppose Network use of the Incident Command System to outline specific duties under
certain circumstances, such as responses to oil spills or mass strandings?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly support
9 Moderately support
9 Neither support nor oppose
9 Moderately oppose
9 Strongly oppose
9 Don’t know
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Please indicate how prepared you would say your organization is regarding response to each of the events listed
in the far left column in the table below. For each event that you indicate your organization is not at all
prepared, please indicate the reasons why you think your organization is not at all prepared on the right side of
the table below.

Other
(Please specify.)

Don’t know

Limited experienced in
responding to this type
of event

Knowledge of proper
guidelines, protocols,
and procedures

Training

Staff

Funding

Don’t know

Not at all prepared

Somewhat prepared

How prepared
would you say your
organization is
regarding response
to a/an:

Very prepared

(IF NOT AT ALL PREPARED)
Why do you think your organization is unprepared
regarding response to this event? (CHECK ALL THAT
APPLY.)

46. Mass stranding

47. Oil spill

48. Unusual Mortality
Event

49. Large whale
stranding

50. Right whale
stranding

51. Disentanglement
event (such as
large cetacean or
pinniped)
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17

Communication, Evaluation, and Assessment Among Network
Participants and NMFS
52.

What is your perception of the role of the regional Stranding Coordinator?

53.

What is your perception of the role of the national Stranding Coordinator?

54.

How does your organization assess its communications with the National Marine Fisheries Service?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Organization does not communicate with NMFS (SKIP TO QUESTION 56)
9 Communicate with NMFS through regional coordinator
9 Communicate with NMFS through state coordinator
9 Communicate with NMFS through national coordinator
9 Communicate with NMFS through regional conferences / meetings
9 Communicate with NMFS through national conferences / meetings
9 Other:

55.

How frequently does your organization communicate with the National Marine Fisheries Service, either
directly or through a regional or state coordinator?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 A couple times a week
9 Once a week
9 A couple times a month
9 Once a month
9 Once every three months
9 Once every six months
9 Once a year
9 Less than once a year
9 Don’t know

18

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56.

On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is poor and 10 is excellent, how would you rate the expertise and quality of
information provided by National Marine Fisheries Service staff?
(CIRCLE ONE)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

57.

On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is poor and 10 is excellent, how would you rate the quality of
communication and ability of the National Marine Fisheries Service to effectively provide your
organization with information and assistance?
(CIRCLE ONE)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

58.

Overall, how would you describe communication between the National Marine Fisheries Service and your
organization?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor
9 Don’t know

59.

How would you describe communication between the National Marine Fisheries Service and your
organization during responses to strandings?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor
9 Don’t know

60.

How would you describe communication between the National Marine Fisheries Service and your
organization after responses to strandings?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor
9 Don’t know

61a. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the decision-making and support provided by the National
Marine Fisheries Service during stranding events?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 62)
9 Somewhat satisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 62)
9 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (SKIP TO QUESTION 62)
9 Somewhat dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 61b)
9 Very dissatisfied (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 61b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 62)
61b. Why are you dissatisfied with the decision-making and support provided by the National Marine Fisheries
Service during stranding events?

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PAGE 20
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19

62.

How confident do you feel about the decision-making abilities of the regional Network during various
stranding responses?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Very confident
9 Somewhat confident
9 Not at all confident
9 Don’t know

Ø IF YOU ARE A PARTICIPANT IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION, PLEASE CONTINUE QUESTION 63
Ø IF YOU ARE NOT A PARTICIPANT IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION, PLEASE SKIP TO QUESTION 65
63.

How would you describe communication between the state coordinator and your organization?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor
9 Don’t know

64.

How would you describe communication between National Marine Fisheries Service area representatives
and your organization?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor
9 Don’t know

(ALL RESPONDENTS CONTINUE HERE)
65. How would you describe communication between your organization and other Network participant
organizations in your region?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor
9 Don’t know
66.

How would you describe communication between your region and other regions throughout the national
Marine Mammal Stranding Network?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor
9 Don’t know

67.

How would you describe the regional Network’s efforts to keep Network participants informed of the
latest trends, developments, and information regarding the operations of the Network?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor
9 Don’t know

68a. Do you agree or disagree that the National Marine Fisheries Service actively listens to Network
participants when developing its various products and services?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree (SKIP TO QUESTION 69)
9 Moderately agree (SKIP TO QUESTION 69)
9 Neither agree nor disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 69)
9 Moderately disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 68b)
9 Strongly disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 68b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 69)
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68b. Why do you feel that the National Marine Fisheries Service does not actively listen to Network
participants when developing its various products and services?

69.

What would be the best way for the National Marine Fisheries Service to provide your organization with
news, updates and relevant information regarding the Network and its operations?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Direct mail
9 Telephone notification
9 Press releases
9 Web site / Internet
9 E-mail
9 Organization newsletters
9 Other:
9 Don’t know

Ø IF ANSWERED YES TO QUESTION 42a THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATES IN
REHABILITATION, CONTINUE TO QUESTION 70)
Ø IF ANSWERED NO TO QUESTION 42a THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION DOES NOT PARTICIPATE
IN REHABILITATION OR YOU DO NOT KNOW, SKIP TO QUESTION 71)
70a. Do you agree or disagree that the National Marine Fisheries Service is doing enough to work with your
organization to assess rehabilitation success rates?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree (SKIP TO QUESTION 71a)
9 Moderately agree (SKIP TO QUESTION 71a)
9 Neither agree nor disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 71a)
9 Moderately disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 70b)
9 Strongly disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 70b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 71a)
70b. How can the National Marine Fisheries Service improve the assessment of rehabilitation success rates at
your organization?

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21

Opinions On Outreach, Publicity, and NMFS Support
71a. Does your organization currently offer outreach?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Yes (COTINUE TO QUESTION 71b)
9 No (SKIP TO QUESTION 72)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 72)
71b. Which types or methods of outreach does your organization currently offer?
(CHECK ALL THAT APPLY)
9 Websites
9 Listservs
9 Newsletters / e-newsletters
9 Member / employee directory
9 Educational classes / seminars
9 Training programs
9 Other:

71c. Is the outreach offered by your organization funded or otherwise supported by the National Marine
Fisheries Service? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Wholly funded or otherwise supported by NMFS
9 Partially funded or otherwise supported by NMFS
9 Not funded or otherwise supported by NMFS
9 Don’t know
72.

How would you rate your organization’s efforts to provide feedback to the public regarding strandings
and other Network information? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor
9 Don’t know

73.

How would you rate the National Marine Fisheries Service’s efforts to provide feedback to the public
regarding strandings and other Network information? Would you say excellent, good, fair, poor, or do
you not know? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor
9 Don’t know

74.

Do you agree or disagree that your organization feels public pressure to respond to and / or to save every
marine mammal?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree
9 Moderately agree
9 Neither agree nor disagree
9 Moderately disagree
9 Strongly disagree
9 Don’t know

22

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75.

76.

How would you rate your organization’s efforts to handle media and publicity?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Excellent
9 Good
9 Fair
9 Poor

9 Don’t know

How would you rate the efforts of the National Marine Fisheries Service to assist your organization with
media and publicity (such as during major stranding events, etc.)? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)

9 Excellent

9 Good

9 Fair

9 Poor

9 Don’t know

77a. Do you agree or disagree that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National
Marine Fisheries Service adequately engage communities and respect the cultural traditions and practices
of Network areas? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree (SKIP TO QUESTION 78a)
9 Moderately agree (SKIP TO QUESTION 78a)
9 Neither agree nor disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 78a)
9 Moderately disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 77b)
9 Strongly disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 77b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 78a)
77b. Why do you feel that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Marine
Fisheries Service do not adequately engage communities and respect the cultural traditions and practices
of Network areas?

78a. Do you agree or disagree that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration should be working
more closely with neighboring nations to provide training, enhanced communication or collaboration with
other countries? (CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 78b)
9 Moderately agree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 78b)
9 Neither agree nor disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 79)
9 Moderately disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 79)
9 Strongly disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 79)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 79)
78b. With which other nations should the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration work to provide
training, enhanced communication or collaboration?

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PAGE 24
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23

Attitudes Toward Network Improvement
79.

Do you agree or disagree that you personally have noticed an improvement in the day-to-day operations of
the Marine Mammal Stranding Network since the last program review in 1989?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree
9 Moderately agree
9 Neither agree nor disagree
9 Moderately disagree
9 Strongly disagree
9 Don’t know

80a. Would Marine Mammal Stranding Network policies be most effective if they were established and
enacted on the national level, the regional level, or a combination of the two?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 National level (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 80b)
9 Regional level (SKIP TO QUESTION 80c)
9 Combination of national and regional (SKIP TO QUESTION 80d)
80b. Why do you think Network policies would be most effective if enacted on the national level?

80c. Why do you think Network policies would be most effective if enacted on the regional level?

Ø IF YOU ANSWERSED QUESTION 80c, SKIP TO QUESTION 81a ON PAGE 25
80d. Why do you think Network policies would be most effective if enacted on both the national and regional
levels?

24

NOAA Form XX-XXX; OMB Control No. 0648-XXXX; Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX

81a. Do you agree or disagree that your organization is currently operating at the full potential of its
conservation and scientific values by responding to stranded marine mammals?
(CHECK ONLY ONE ANSWER)
9 Strongly agree (SKIP TO QUESTION 82)
9 Moderately agree (SKIP TO QUESTION 82)
9 Neither agree nor disagree (SKIP TO QUESTION 82)
9 Moderately disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 81b)
9 Strongly disagree (CONTINUE TO QUESTION 81b)
9 Don’t know (SKIP TO QUESTION 82)
81b. Why do you think your organization is not operating at the full potential of its conservation and scientific
values?

82.

Excluding funding, how can Network participants enhance the capacity to produce more scientific
information?

83.

What are the constraints to implementing the Marine Mammal Stranding Network in your region?

84.

Including financial resources, what additional resources are needed in your region to improve the
efficiency of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network?

85.

Excluding financial resources, what additional resources are needed in your region to improve the
efficiency of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network?

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PAGE 26
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25

86.

What should the priorities be for the Marine Mammal Stranding Network in your region over the course
of the next 5 years?

Demographics of Network Participants
87.

What is the name of your organization? (Your answers to this survey will not be associated with the name
of your organization in any way.)

88.

Which of the following best describes your organization?
9 Federal agency
9 State agency
9 Non-profit organization
9 For-profit business
9 Educational institution
9 Other:
9 Don’t know

89.

What is your title or position?

90.

Which of the following best describes your type of employment?
9 Full-time paid employee
9 Part-time paid employee
9 Full-time volunteer
9 Part-time volunteer
9 Other:

91.

How many years have you been a participant in the Marine Mammal Stranding Network?

92.

In the past 2 years, how many stranding events have you personally attended?

years
events

That is the end of the survey. Thank you for answering our questions. Please return your completed survey by
[DATE], 2008 to Responsive Management. If you have any additional comments, please write them below.

26

NOAA Form XX-XXX; OMB Control No. 0648-XXXX; Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX

Paperwork Reduction Act Statement
Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour 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: Chief, Marine Mammal and
Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, NOAA Fisheries, 1315 East-West
Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. 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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Control
Number.

NOAA Form XX-XXX; OMB Control No. 0648-XXXX; Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX

27