BISC Fishing Survey

OMB Control # 1024-XXXX
Expiration date:

BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK
FISHING QUESTIONNAIRE

East Carolina University
Human Dimensions of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
Institute for Coastal Science and Policy
Greenville, NC

Note: The text in the shaded boxes below will not be included in the survey (the visitors will not read this as a part of the survey
process). This text is used to annotate the questions in response to Part A question 2 of the PRA Supporting Statement

In the following questions, please tell us about your use history of Biscayne National Park.
[Park Use History] – in this section we would like to understand how people use BISC and how those use levels have changed over
time. A map will be provided that will depict the geographical boundaries of BISC. The respondent will be asked to refer to the
map to answer Q1; 26-28

1.

Please look at the enclosed map and examine the boundaries of Biscayne National Park. On your
most recent trip to the park, were you aware you were entering Biscayne National Park?

1 Yes
2 No

2.

In which year did you make your first visit to Biscayne National Park?
_____ Year

3.

Over the past twelve months, how many visits have you made to Biscayne National Park?
_____ Number of Visits

4.
On your most recent visit to Biscayne National Park, how many people, including yourself, were in

your party?
______Number of People
5.
On the day of your most recent visit to Biscayne National Park, how many miles did you travel to the

marina/dock/boat ramp?
______ Miles
6.

Since your first visit to Biscayne National Park, how has your annual visitation rate to Biscayne
National Park changed over time? (Please circle one response)

1
2
3
4
5
6

7.

How familiar are you with the Biscayne National Park Boundaries?

1
2
3
4
5

Far fewer visits
Fewer visits
Remained about the same
More visits
Many more visits
This is my first visit to Biscayne National Park

Not at all familiar
Somewhat familiar
Moderately familiar
Very familiar
Extremely familiar

2

[Activity Information and History] – in this section we would like to understand the level of participation in fishing and
motivations for fishing as an overall activity. Specialization theory is incorporated into these questions to allow the respondent
population to be segmented into meaningful subgroups for analysis. The exact wording for Questions 14-18 was used in an OMB
approved, NOAA sponsored survey effort in the Florida Keys in 2008 (OMB # 0648-0572)

In the following questions, please tell us about your saltwater fishing experience, in general.
8.

What skill level angler would you consider yourself to be? (Please circle one).

1 Beginner
2 Novice
3 Intermediate
4 Advanced
5 Expert

9.

If you had to replace the fishing equipment that you currently own with similar equipment of
similar value, how much would it cost to replace? (Include only equipment that is directly
used during saltwater fishing; exclude supplemental items like boats, trailers, etc.)

$____________ Amount to replace saltwater fishing equipment

10.
Over the past twelve months, how many days did you participate in saltwater fishing, in any
location?

______ Number of Days

11.

Of all of the recreational activities you participate in, overall, what percentage of your recreation
time during the past 12 months did you spend saltwater fishing?

12.

How many years have you been fishing in saltwater?

______ Years

Percent of time saltwater fishing _______%

13.

Below is a list of seven factors that can contribute to a successful fishing experience. Please rank the
factors in order of importance (1 being the most important, 7 being the least important). If an item
is not important at all, please enter “0”.

Rank
______
______
______
______
______
______
______

Factor
Size of fish caught
Number of fish caught
Type/species of fish caught
Number of legal sized fish you brought home
Number of other fishermen encountered while fishing
Boat ramp/launching conditions (degree of crowding, etc.)
Other (Specify:_________________________________________________________)
3

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Below is a list of reasons why people fish in saltwater in general. Please circle the number that
indicates how important each item is to you as a reason for going saltwater fishing.

(Please circle one number for each of the following items)
t

14.

a.
b.
c.
d.

For family recreation.....................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
To be outdoors.................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
For relaxation...................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
To experience new and different things................................................................1 2 3 4 5

i.
j.
k.
l.

To develop my skills.......................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
To get away from the regular routine.....................................................................1 2 3 4 5
To catch a trophy fish....................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
For the challenge of the catch....................................................................................1 2 3 4 5

e.
f.
g.
h.

m.
n.
o.
p.
q.

To obtain fish for eating, not for sport...................................................................1 2 3 4 5
To get away from the demands of other people................................................1 2 3 4 5
For the experience of the catch.................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
To be with friends...........................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5

For the sport of fishing, not to obtain food to eat.............................................1 2 3 4 5
For the fun of catching fish.........................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
To experience excitement............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
To experience natural surroundings......................................................................1 2 3 4 5
For solitude........................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5

15.

When I participate in saltwater fishing, I feel like:

1
2

3
4

a beginner. I don’t really feel like I am part of the saltwater fishing scene.
an occasional or irregular participant in the saltwater fishing. Sometimes it is fun, entertaining or
rewarding to fish in saltwater.
a habitual and regular participant in the saltwater fishing.
an insider to the sport. Saltwater fishing is an important part of who I am.

16.

When saltwater fishing, I can best be described as:

1

2

3

4

having little understanding of saltwater fishing. I am often unsure about how to do certain things
when I go.
having some understanding of saltwater fishing, but still in the process of learning more about the

sport. I am becoming more familiar and comfortable with the saltwater fishing.
being comfortable with saltwater fishing. I have a good understanding of what I can do,
and how to do it.
a knowledgeable expert in the sport. I encourage, teach and enhance opportunities for others who are
interested in saltwater fishing.

4

17. My relationships with others who fish in saltwater are:

1 not established. I really don’t know any other people who fish in saltwater.
2 very limited. I know some others in saltwater fishing by sight and sometimes talk with them, but I don’t
know their names.
3 one of familiarity. I know the names of others who fish in saltwater, and often speak with them.
4 close. I have personal and close relationships with others in saltwater fishing. These friendships often
revolve around saltwater fishing.
18.

My commitment to saltwater fishing is:

1

2

3

4

very slight. I have very little connection to the saltwater fishing. I may or may not continue to

participate in the sport in the future.
moderate. I will continue to fish in saltwater as long as it is entertaining and provides the benefits I

want.
fairly strong. I have a sense of being a member in the saltwater fishing community, and it is likely that I
will continue to do it for a long time.
very strong. I am totally committed to saltwater fishing. I encourage others to participate in the sport
and seek to ensure the activity continues into the future.

Although you may fish in a variety of different locations, in the following questions we are specifically
interested in your saltwater fishing experience in Biscayne National Park.

[Activity Information and History] – in this section we would like to understand the respondent’s fishing experience with specific
reference to BISC. The exact wording for Question 23 was in the OMB # 0648-0572 collection. Substitution theory is included in
this questions to try and understand displacement of users

19.

How many hears have you been saltwater fishing in Biscayne National Park? (In adding up the total
number of years, please exclude years that you did not go fishing in Biscayne National Park.)

_____ Years

20.

Please list the three species of fish you typically fish for when fishing inside Biscayne National Park.

__________________________________

21.

Please list the three species of fish you prefer to catch when fishing inside Biscayne National Park.

__________________________________

22.

Consider your most recent saltwater fishing trip to Biscayne National Park. Overall, how satisfied
were you with this experience?

1
2
3
4
5

Not at all satisfied
Somewhat satisfied
Moderately satisfied
Very satisfied
Extremely satisfied

__________________________________

__________________________________

5

__________________________________

__________________________________

So
useme

Al
i
usettle

No
at use
all

Al
o
uset of

To what extent do you make use of the following for current information about saltwater fishing in
Biscayne National Park?
Alm
no ost
use

23.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Talking with other anglers.........................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Recreational fishing magazines...............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Government agency publications...........................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Conservation organization publications..............................................................1 2 3 4 5
Newspapers......................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5

k.
l.
m.
n.

Talking with park personnel.....................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Participating in an interpretive activity led by park personnel.................1 2 3 4 5
Visiting an information/interpretive center......................................................1 2 3 4 5
Fisheries Awareness Program..................................................................................1 2 3 4 5

f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

ble

lica

N
a ot
pp

Ex
t
usereme
ful ly

Ve
r
usey
ful

Sli
useghtly
ful

Mo
usedera
ful tely

Below is a list of information sources you may have used to gather information about saltwater

fishing in Biscayne National Park. Please tell us how useful each source you used was. If you didn’t
use a source, select “not applicable”(n/a).
No
uset at a
ful ll

24.

Bait and tackle shops/companies...........................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Club meetings..................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Television..........................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Radio....................................................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Online/internet resources.........................................................................................1 2 3 4 5

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Talking with other anglers......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Recreational fishing magazines............................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Government agency publications........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Conservation organization Publications ............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Newspapers...................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a

k.
l.
m.
n.

Talking with park personnel..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Participating in interpretive activities led by park personnel.... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Visiting an information/interpretive center...................................... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Fisheries Awareness Program.................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 n/a

f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

Bait and tackle shops/companies........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Club meetings.................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Television.......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Radio.................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Online/internet resources......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 n/a

6

25.

Is there sufficient information about the areas in Biscayne National Park about where you can fish?

1 Yes
2 No

26.

Over the past twelve months, how many days did you fish in each of the following zones?

Zone A
Zone B
Zone C
Zone D

27.

Which zone is your most preferable fishing location?

______ Zone

28.

If you could not fish in your preferred area, are there any other zones in Biscayne National Park that
offer a similar fishing experience?

1 Yes, If Yes, which zone(s) __________________________________________________________________________
2 No, If No, why not? _________________________________________________________________________________

29.

Consider all of the days you fished in Biscayne National Park in the past twelve months. Please

rate your satisfaction level with these days of fishing, by zone. If you did not use a zone in the past
twelve months, please select “not applicable”(n/a).

In this section, we would like to know more about the locations where you typically fish in Biscayne
National Park in which you fish. Please use the enclosed map of Biscayne National Park when answering
these questions.

M
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Ex
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N
a ot
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lica
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Sl
s ightl
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N
s ot at
ati all
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______ # of Days
______ # of Days
______ # of Days
______ # of Days

a.
b.
c.
d.

Zone A................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Zone B................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Zone C................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 n/a
Zone D................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 n/a

[Crowding and visitor behavior norms] – in this section we would like to understand the level of crowding that is acceptable,
as well as types of acceptable behavior during a visit to BISC. Normative theory is incorporated into these questions to allow
acceptability analysis to be conducted. Questions 30-33 and 36-37 are replicates of questions used on other survey instruments
in the Florida Keys. Maintaining the same language will ensure comparability across data collections.

7

In the following questions you will be presented with several saltwater fishing scenarios. Your responses
should be based on a typical saltwater fishing trip to your most preferred zone (from Question 27, page 7)
in Biscayne National Park.

30.
During a trip to your most preferred zone (from Question 27, above) in Biscayne National Park,

what is the maximum number of each of the following you find acceptable to see at any one
moment?

31.

During your time actively saltwater fishing in Biscayne National Park, how acceptable is if for you to
see the following number of recreational fishing boats at any one time while actively fishing?

(Please circle one number for each of the following items).
E
axtrem
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Sl
a ightl
cce y
pta
b

E
axtrem
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le
Mo
a der
cce ate
pta ly
ble

Sl
a ightl
cce y
pta
b

ble
Mo
u der
na ate
cce ly
pta
ble
Sli
g
u htl
na y
cce
pta
ble
No
tS
ure

During your time actively saltwater fishing in Biscayne National Park, how acceptable it is for you to
see the following number of commercial fishing boats at any one time while actively fishing?

(Please circle one number for each of the following items).

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

Zero recreational fishing boats................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
5 recreational fishing boats.......................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
10 recreational fishing boats.....................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
15 recreational fishing boats.....................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
20 recreational fishing boats.....................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
25 recreational fishing boats.....................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
More than 25 recreational fishing boats...............................1 2 3 4 5 6 7

E
uxtrem
na el
cce y
pta

32.

E
uxtrem
na el
cce y
pta

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

maximum number of private fishing boats ....................................... ______ boats
maximum number of commercial fishing boats ............................. ______ boats
maximum number of dive/snorkel boats (private or public)..... ______ boats

le
Mo
a der
cce ate
pta ly
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a.
b.
c.

ble
Mo
u der
na ate
cce ly
pta
ble
Sli
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u htl
na y
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pta
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No
tS
ure

Zero commercial fishing boats.................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
5 commercial fishing boats........................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
10 commercial fishing boats......................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
15 commercial fishing boats......................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
20 commercial fishing boats......................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
25 commercial fishing boats......................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
More than 25 commercial fishing boats................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8

During your time actively saltwater fishing in Biscayne National Park, how acceptable is it for you to
see the following number of dive/snorkel boats at any one time while actively fishing? (Please circle
one number for each of the following items).
E
axtrem
cce el
pta y
ble

Zero dive/snorkel boats..............................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
5 dive/snorkel boats.....................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
10 dive/snorkel boats...................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
15 dive/snorkel boats...................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
20 dive/snorkel boats...................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
25 dive/snorkel boats...................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7
More than 25 dive/snorkel boats............................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Please indicate the extent to which you believe all saltwater anglers have an obligation to either do
or not do the following while fishing.
Str
to ong o
ne bl
ver iga
do tion
Mo
to dera
no te
t d ob
o liga
tio
n
Sli
gh
to t ob
no lig
t d at
o ion
No
eit oblig
he at
r w ion
ay
Sli
o ght
bli
gat
ion
to
do
Mo
d
o er
bli ate
gat
ion
to
do
Str
o
n
to g o
alw bl
ays igat
do ion

34.

Sl
a ightl
cce y
pta
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Mo
a der
cce ate
pta ly
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a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

E
uxtrem
na el
cce y
pta
ble
Mo
d
u er
na ate
cce ly
pta
ble
Sli
u ghtl
na y
cce
pta
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No
tS
ure

33.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Contact coral reef with their fishing gear........................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Motor boats in shallow reef areas.......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Feed fish (includes chumming)............................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Retrieve floating garbage........................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Anchor on a reef............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

k.
l.
m.
n.

Take fish or shellfish from designated no take zones.... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Venting the swim bladder on bottom fish........................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Use circle hooks.............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Not contribute to floating debris............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

Motor boats at least 100 feet from dive flags.................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Throw back fish caught outside legal size limits............. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Keep fish caught in excess of bag limits............................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Motor close to fishing lines of other boats......................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Take fish or shellfish during a closed season.................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

9

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emt at a
ba ll
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d
Alm
o
em st
ba no
rra
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en
t
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t
em ly
ba
rra
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d
So
me
em wh
ba at
rra
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d
Mo
emdera
ba tely
rra
sse
d
Ve
r
emy
ba
rra
sse
d
Ex
tre
em me
ba ly
rra
sse
d

35.
Imagine that you did the following while fishing and others saw you. How embarrassed would you
feel?

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Contacted coral reef with their fishing gear...................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Motored boats in shallow reef areas..................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Fed fish (includes chumming).................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Retrieved floating garbage......................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Anchored on a reef........................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

k.
l.
m.
n.

Took fish or shellfish from designated no take zones.... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Not venting the swim bladder on a bottom fish............... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Not using circle hooks.................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Contributed to floating debris.................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

Motored boats at least 100 feet from dive flags................ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Threw back fish caught outside legal size limits.............. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Kept fish caught in excess of bag limits................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Motored close to fishing lines of other boats..................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Took fish or shellfish during a closed season.................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

In the following section, we are interested in learning more about your most recent visit to Biscayne
National Park during which you went saltwater fishing. Please think of that experience while answering
each question below.

36.

On your most recent saltwater fishing trip in Biscayne National Park, about how many other boats
did you expect to see at any one moment while you were actively fishing.

______ Number of fishing boats

37.

On your most recent saltwater fishing trip in the Biscayne National Park, about how many other
boats do you remember actually seeing at any one moment while you were actively fishing?

______ Number of fishing boats

38.

On the scale below, please indicate how crowded you felt while actively fishing during your most
recent trip to Biscayne National Park. (Circle one number on the scale).

 I didn’t know what to expect

______ Number of dive/snorkel boats

______ Number of dive/snorkel boats

1

2

Not at all Crowded

3

 I didn’t know what to expect

4

5

Slightly Crowded

6
Moderately Crowded

10

7

8

9

Extremely Crowded

[Performance/satisfaction, expectations] – in this section we would like to understand the satisfaction with respondents’
experience in BISC. Importance/satisfaction theory is incorporated into these questions to allow importance-performance
analysis to be conducted.

t
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im dera
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Ve
r
im y
po
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nt
Ex
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im me
po ly
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g
im htly
po
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No
imt at a
po ll
rta
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t

39. How important was it to you to do each of the following on your most recent trip to Biscayne

National Park?

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

To experience easy fishing (catch) conditions.................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
To catch large fish.......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
To catch a large number of fish................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
To catch a certain species of fish............................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
To experience natural surroundings..................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
To develop my skills...................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
To experience solitude................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
To interact with nature................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
To relax............................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
To spend time with friends........................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
To spend time with family.......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Adventure.......................................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5

______ Number of fish per hour

41.

How satisfied were you with each of the following during your most recent saltwater fishing trip in
Biscayne National Park?

g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.

Sl
s ightl
ati y
sfi
ed

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

Experiencing easy fishing (catching) conditions............................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Catching large fish......................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Catching a large number of fish............................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Catching a certain species of fish............................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Experiencing natural surroundings....................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Developing my skills..................................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Experiencing solitude.................................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
Interacting with nature............................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Relaxing ............................................................................................................................ 1 2 3 4 5
Spending time with friends....................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Spending time with family......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Experiencing adventure.............................................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
11

M
s oder
ati ate
sfi ly
ed
Ve
s ry
ati
sfi
ed
Ex
s trem
ati el
sfi y
ed

On your most recent fishing trip to Biscayne National Park, how many fish did you expect to catch
per hour of fishing?

N
s ot at
ati all
sfi
ed

40.

42.

On your most recent fishing trip to Biscayne National Park, to what extent did your actual catch
meet your expectations for how many fish you caught?

1
2
3
4
5

Far below my expectations
Below my expectations
Met my expectations
Above my expectations
Far above my expectations

[Perceptions of resource conditions] – in this section we would like to understand knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of
environmental conditions within BISC. Attribution theory is incorporated into these questions to better understand conflict
dynamics

St
a rong
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e

Sl
a ightl
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Ne

utr
al

Sl
d ightl
isa y
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e

a.

b.

St
d rong
isa ly
gre
e

43.
Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements about fish
populations.

Fish populations in Biscayne National park are able to easily
recover from any impacts from diving/snorkeling
without any long-term damage.......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Fish populations in Biscayne National Park are able to easily
recover from any impacts from commercial fishing
without any long-term damage.......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5

c.

d.

Fish populations in Biscayne National Park are able to easily
recover from any impacts from recreational fishing
without any long-term damage.......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Fish populations in Biscayne National Park are able to easily
recover from any impacts from spearfishing
without any long-term damage.......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5

g.

h.

Commercial fishermen cause some damage to fish populations in
Biscayne National Park, which has long-lasting
effects fish populations........................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Recreational anglers cause some damage to fish populations in
Biscayne National Park, which has long-lasting
effects fish populations.......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5

e.

f.

i.

j.

Fish populations in Biscayne National Park are
generally in a healthy condition......................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Divers/snorkelers cause some damage to fish populations in
Biscayne National Park, which has long-lasting
effects on fish populations.................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5

Spearfishermen cause some damage to fish populations in
Biscayne National Park, which has long-lasting
effects fish populations.......................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5
Biscayne National Park fish populations where I typically
recreate are in a healthy condition.................................................................. 1 2 3 4 5
12

len

Ex
cel

Ve
g ry
oo
d

Go
od

Av
era
ge

Water clarity.................................................................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Size of fish that can be caught.................................................. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Variety of fish that can be caught............................................ 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Number of fish that can be caught.......................................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Presence of my preferred species to catch.......................... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Presence of fishing debris (discarded line, lures, etc)... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Overall, do you feel the following are having a positive or negative impact on the ecological health of
marine resources in Biscayne National Park?

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

E
nxtrem
ega el
tiv y
e im
pa
ct
Mo
n der
ega ate
tiv ly
e im
pa
ct
Sli
g
n htl
ega y
tiv
e im
pa
No
ct
n pos
ega iti
tiv ve o
e im r
pa
Sli
ct
p ghtl
y
osi
tiv
e im
pa
ct
M
p oder
osi ate
tiv ly
e im
pa
ct
Ex
p trem
osi el
tiv y
e im
pa
ct

45.

Po
or

Ve
r
po y
or

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

t

Below is a list of characteristics that you may notice on fishing trips. Consider your most recent
saltwater fishing experience in Biscayne National Park and rate the quality of the following items.
Ex
t
po reme
or ly

44.

Water quality...................................................................................1 2 3 5 4 6 7
SCUBA diving...................................................................................1 2 3 5 4 6 7
Commercial fishing.......................................................................1 2 3 5 4 6 7
Hurricanes........................................................................................1 2 3 5 4 6 7
Snorkeling.........................................................................................1 2 3 5 4 6 7
Recreational fishing......................................................................1 2 3 5 4 6 7
Global climate change..................................................................1 2 3 5 4 6 7
Marine debris/trash.....................................................................1 2 3 4 5 6 7

46.

Overall, how would you rate the current health of fish populations in Biscayne National Park?

1 Very poor
2 Poor
3 Fair
4 Good
5 Very good

47.

Do you feel that the current health of fish populations in Biscayne National Park is improving,
declining or staying the same?

1
2
3
4
5

Declining substantially
Declining somewhat
Staying the same
Improving somewhat
Improving substantially

13

48.

Overall, how would you rate the current ecological health of Biscayne National Park?

1 Very poor
2 Poor
3 Fair
4 Good
5 Very good

49.

Do you feel that the ecological health of Biscayne National Park is improving, declining or staying
the same?

1
2
3
4
5

50.

The following is a list of potential management actions for saltwater fisheries. Please indicate the
extent to which you support or oppose each of these management actions.

Ne

utr
al

Sli
g
op htly
po
se

e.

f.

g.

h.

i.

Sli
g
suphtly
po
rt
Str
supongly
po
rt

Declining substantially
Declining somewhat
Staying the same
Improving somewhat
Improving substantially

Str
opongly
po
se

a.
b.
c.
d.

“No fishing” zones .........................................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Exclusion zones (can’t enter the zone) . ...............................................................1 2 3 4 5
Fishing zones that are open to catch-and-release only..................................1 2 3 4 5
Seasonally restrict zones to limit take of
spawning fish and shellfish...................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Release of fish and/or shellfish below a certain length
(minimum size limit)...............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Release of fish and/or shellfish above a certain length
(maximum size limit)...............................................................................................1 2 3 4 5
Releasing fish within a certain length range but keeping
the fish below and above this range (slot limit)..........................................1 2 3 4 5
Being able to keep only a certain number of fish you
catch in a day (daily bag limit).............................................................................1 2 3 4 5
A species is restricted to catch and release
only at all times (you cannot possess it).........................................................1 2 3 4 5

51.

Have you ever heard of the Fisheries Awareness Program at Biscayne National Park?

1 Yes (If Yes; go to Question 52, page 15)
2 No (If No; skip to Question 54, page 15 )

14

52.

Have you ever participated in the Fisheries Awareness Program at Biscayne National Park?

1 Yes (If Yes; go to Question 53, below)
2 No (If No; skip to Question 54, below)

53.

How useful did you find the Fisheries Awareness Program at Biscayne National Park?

1
2
3
4
5

Not at all useful
Somewhat useful
Moderately useful
Very useful
Extremely useful

The following questions will help us improve our understanding of users of Biscayne National Park.
The information you provide us will remain strictly anonymous. Your name will never be
associated with your answers.
Demographics] – This information is needed to check the representativeness of our sample against the population. Variables such
as age, gender and income are included since they are often good predictors of demand and visitation behavior.

54.

What is your age?

______ Years

55.

Are you:

1 Male
2 Female

56.

Which of the following do you consider yourself to be?

1 A permanent resident of South Florida
2 A seasonal resident of South Florida (you reside in South Florida for less than half of the year)
3 A non-resident (visitor) to South Florida

57.

Would you classify yourself as Hispanic or Latino?

1 Yes
2 No

58.

Which of the following is the primary language used to communicate in your household?

1 English
2 Spanish
3 Creole
4 Other (Specify:__________________________)

15

59.

Which category best describes your race? (Please circle one).

60.

1 American Indian or Alaskan Native
2 Asian
3 Black or African American
4 Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
5 White

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Which of the following categories best describes your annual household income?
Under $5,000
$5,000 - $9,999
$10,000 - $14,999
$15,000 - $19,999
$20,000 - $24,999
$25,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $34,999
$35,000 - $39,999

9
10
11
12
13
14
15

$40,000 - $44,999
$45,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $59,999
$60,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999
$100,000 - $149,999
$150,000 or more

Is there anything else about Biscayne National Park or this questionnaire you would like to share with us?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your contribution to the effort is greatly appreciated. Please return your completed questionnaire in the
postage-paid envelope as soon as possible. Thank you!
Please direct all inquiries to:
David K. Loomis
Human Dimensions of Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
Institute for Coastal Science and Policy
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858-4353
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: A Federal agency may not conduct of sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to a collection
of information unless it displays a valid OMB control number. Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 20
minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions and responding to the questions associated with this collection. The obligation to
respond to this collection is completely voluntary. Please send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of
information, to the National Park Service Chief Information Officer, ADDRESS: Washington, DC 20210

A report containing the results of this study will be available in 2012 at our website: www.ecu.edu/hd
Questionnaire No #______

16