Survey on the Socio-Economic Aspects of Commercial Fishi

OMB Control No. 0648-xxxx
Expiration Date: xx/xx/xxxx

Survey on the Socio-economic Aspects of
Commercial Fishing Vessel Owners in the
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

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
Matthew McPherson, NOAA Line office, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA, 02543-1026.
Responses to this information request are confidential under section 402(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act as amended in 2006.
Responses are also confidential under NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, which sets forth procedures to protect confidentiality of
fishery statistics. 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.

In the following questions, please tell us about your fishing in 2010. The information you provide will
remain strictly confidential and you will not be identified with your answers.
1. What are the top three species of fish you targeted during 2010, and what was your primary gear for
each?

Species

1. _____________________________________
2. _____________________________________
3. _____________________________________

Primary gear used

2. What is your primary fishery? (Please circle one)

1. Black Sea Bass

2. Herring

3. Lobster

4. Mackerel

5. Monkfish

6. Multispecies, sectors

7. Multispecies, common pool

8. Red Crab

9. Scallop, general category IFQ

10. Scallop, general category non-IFQ

11. Scallop, limited access

12. Scup
13. Skate
14. Spiny Dogfish
15. Squid, Illex
16. Squid, Loligo
17. Summer Flounder
18. Surf Clam/Ocean Quahog
19. Tilefish
20. Other ____________________________

3. Why do you consider it to be your primary fishery? (Please circle one)

1. I earn the most revenue from this fishery
2. I spend the most time in this fishery
3. It is the fishery I most want to continue in
4. Other (please state)____________________________

4. How many commercial fishing vessels do you own by yourself? __________ Vessel(s)
5. How many commercial vessels do you own with other people? __________ Vessel(s)
6. How many commercial vessels did you purchase or sell during 2010?

1. Number of commercial vessels that you own yourself that you sold ________ Vessel(s)
2. Number of group-owned commercial vessels that you sold your interest in ________Vessel(s)
3. Number of commercial vessels that you purchased by yourself ________ Vessel(s)
4. Number of commercial vessels that you purchased an interest in ________ Vessel(s)

7. In the table below, please list all major activities (including investments) that you earned income from

in 2010, including fishing, starting with the most important. Estimate the percentage that each

contributed to your total household income.
Most important
Second most important
Third most important
Fourth most important

Activity

% Household Income

8. Was the level of fishing income in 2010 enough to sustain your fishing business over the following time
frames? (Please circle one response for each time period)

1. Short Term
2. Medium Term
3. Long Term

YES
YES
YES

NO
NO
NO

Please think about your fishing business and answer the following questions about your family’s
involvement
9. Are any members of your family (for example, parents, children, siblings, uncles/aunts, cousins,
in-laws) involved in commercial fishing or other fishing related activities (for example, book-keeping,
provisioning the vessel, marketing)?

1. YES
2. NO

(If YES, Continue with Question #10, below)
(If NO, Go to Question #15)

10. How many members of your family are involved in commercial fishing on your vessel?

____________ Family members

(If the answer is NONE, go to Question #13, below)

11. For these family members, how has their level of involvement changed in the last year?

1. Increased
2. Remained the same
3. Decreased

12. How many members of your family are involved in other fishing-related activities that support your
fishing business (refer to categories in question 9)?

____________ Family members

(If the answer is NONE, go to Question #14, below)

13. For these family members, how do you think their level of involvement has changed in the last year?

1. Increased
2. Remained the same
3. Decreased.

14. How many members of your family are involved in commercial fishing or fishing-related businesses
other than your own?

____________ Family members

Please answer the following questions based on your fishing activities on your primary vessel in your
primary fishery.
15. In what port did you usually moor your vessel between fishing trips during 2010?

Port___________________ State ______________

16. What was your primary port of landing in 2010?

Port___________________ State ______________

17. Which of the following factors contributed the most to your decision regarding the amount of
time to spend fishing using your vessel during 2010?

Personal preference
Regulations on days-at-sea
Quota limitations
Physical conditions of vessel or gear
Limitations due to weather
Price of fish
Other ______________________

18. For your vessel in 2010, which best describes how the crew were paid:

1. A share system (revenues and expenses were shared between the vessel owner and crew)
2. Per-trip
3. Hourly wage
4. Other ________________

If your answer to Question #18 was “1. A share system” please continue to Question #19. If not, please
go to Question #22.

19. For share systems, what were the typical percentages share that you distributed to the boat, captain
and crew?

_____ % Boat (owner) share
_____ % Captain share
_____ % Crew share
100 %

20. For share systems, which trip expenses were usually deducted? (Please check all that apply)

Fuel

Unloading fees

Water

Settlement fees

Oil/lubrication

Ice

Lost/damaged gear

Electronics

Fishing quota or days-at-sea

Cell phone

Food

General fishing supplies (hooks, bags, totes, gloves, etc.)

Bait

Other ____________________

21. How were the expenses for each trip deducted?

1. Expenses were deducted from gross sales (total) and the remainder were split between the
boat and crew
2. Expenses were deducted from the crew’s share after the gross sales (total) were divided

between boat and crew
3. Expenses were deducted from the boat’s share after the gross sales (total) were divided
between boat and crew
4. Not applicable

22. Was the vessel owner-operated or was a captain hired in 2010?

1. Owner-operated
2. Hired captain

23. What was the average size of the crew in 2010 for your vessel? (include the captain, or include
yourself if your vessel is owner-operated)?

_________________ Members

24. Did you hire any new crew previously not employed by you for your primary vessel in 2010? If so
how many?

_________________ Members

In the following questions, please tell us how you feel about the amount of fish you are allowed to catch

ree

Str
agrongl
ee y

a. I feel that the amount of fish I catch under current management
regulations is too low because it does not cover my investment
in my boat...........................................................................
b. It would be fairer if everyone could catch the same amount of
fish each year.......................................................................
c. Restrictions on the amount of fish I am allowed to catch are unfair
because I need to be able to catch more in order to sustain my
livelihood as a fisherman....................................................
e. The resource should be allocated to those who need it most to
survive as fishermen.............................................................
f. I feel like the amount of fish I am able to catch is fair........

Ag

Ne

utr
al

Str
o
dis ngly
agr
ee
Dis
agr
ee

25. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding the
amount of fish you are able to catch in your primary fishery under current management conditions.
(Please circle one number for each of the following items).

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1
1

2
2

3
3

4
4

5
5

26. In terms of lease and share prices, how difficult is it for new people to enter your primary fishery?

1. Very easy

2. Easy

3. Neither easy nor difficult

4. Difficult

5. Very difficult

In the following questions, please tell us about any insurance you may have
27. Did you or members of your family have health insurance in 2010?(Please circle one)

1. YES
2. NO

28. Did you have hull insurance in 2010?

1. YES
2. NO

In the following questions, please tell us how you feel about fisheries management

29. Have you ever participated in any aspect of federal fisheries management (such as attending
meetings, writing letters, or serving on a committee)?

1. YES
2. NO

(If YES, Continue with Question #30, below)
(If NO, Go to Question #31, below)

If NO, please tell us why
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Str
agrongl
ee y

Ag

ree

utr
al

Ne

a. Commercial fishermen have been effectively integrated into
fisheries management decisions...................................
b. I feel like fisheries managers are serious about involving
commercial fishermen in the process of fisheries management
c. I do not feel welcome in public meetings about fisheries
management.................................................................
d. I feel like my opinions on fishing issues would be taken seriously
if I chose to voice them in a formal setting..................
e. I do not trust the managing authorities to make the right decision
when it comes to regulating fisheries...........................

Str
o
dis ngly
agr
ee
Dis
agr
ee

30. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding
the most recent federal government-led fisheries management process you participated in. (Please
circle one number for each item).

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

31. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements regarding

Ag
ree

Ne
u

a. Opportunities for existing fishermen should not be
reduced by new entrants...............................................
b. Management should aim to maximize the possible
number of fishermen.....................................................
c. Fishing areas should belong to the fishermen who use
them and should be off limits to others........................
d. Management can change quickly when conditions
(income, stock levels, safety) change...........................
e. I think the goals of the management plan for my primary
fishery are being met....................................................
f. I think the management plan for my primary fishery helps
protect the number of fish.............................................
g. In my primary fishery, I am able to fish when I want.........
h. In my primary fishery, I am able to fish where I want........

Str
agrongl
ee y

l

tra

Str
o
dis ngly
agr
ee
Dis
agr
ee

the management of your primary fishery. (Please circle one number for each item).

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1
1
1

2
2
2

3
3
3

4
4
4

5
5
5

Str
agrongl
ee y

ree

utr
al

Str
o
dis ngly
agr
ee
Dis
agr
ee

32. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements concerning the
federal government’s role in creating the regulations that govern your primary fishery. (Please circle
one number for each item).
Ag

Ne

a. I did not believe the information the people in charge of
the process presented....................................................
1
2
3
4
b. The people in charge of the process were not fair to
everyone involved........................................................
1
2
3
4
c. I had the right to appeal decisions that were being made that I
thought were unfair......................................................
1
2
3
4
d. I had no opportunity to correct information that I thought was
inaccurate.....................................................................
1
2
3
4
e. I had the opportunity to add new information that was relevant
to the decision making process.....................................
1
2
3
4
f. I felt like the opinions of commercial fishermen were not taken
seriously.......................................................................
1
2
3
4

33. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements about

5
5
5
5
5
5

Str
agrongl
ee y

Ag

ree

utr
al

Ne

a. Fishermen have a responsibility to participate in the
fisheries management process......................................
b. I make every effort to ensure my actions do not harm the
fishery unnecessarily....................................................
c. The ocean is very large, there is no way we can over fish it
d. The natural environment is important to me because
that is how I make my living........................................
e. The ocean is big enough to replenish itself.........................

Str
o
dis ngly
agr
ee
Dis
agr
ee

the responsibilities fishermen have. (Please circle one number for each item).

1

2

3

4

5

1
1

2
2

3
3

4
4

5
5

1
1

2
2

3
3

4
4

5

34. For your primary fishery please indicate if you think the current levels of each of the following items are
high, medium or low. (Please circle one number for each item).

a. Level of bycatch (catch of non-target species) ..................
b. Level of discards (catch of target or non-target

species that is thrown overboard)......................................
c. Level of highgrading (low value fish thrown overboard
in order to keep higher value fish)......................................

HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

HIGH

MEDIUM

LOW

35. For your primary fishery please indicate the extent to which you think each of the following items is

a. Level of bycatch (catch of non-target species) ..................
b. Level of discards (catch of target or non-target

species that is thrown overboard)......................................
c. Level of highgrading (low value fish thrown overboard
in order to keep higher value fish)......................................

S
incignif
rea ican
sin tly
g

No

Inc

t ch

rea
s

an

ing

gin
g

increasing, decreseasing or staying the same (Please circle one number for each item).
Sig
de nific
cre an
asi tly
ng
De
cre
asi
ng

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

1

2

3

4

5

In the following section, we are interested in commercial fishing as a lifestyle and how satisfied you are
with that lifestyle
36. Would you advise a young person to enter fishing?

1. YES
2. NO

WHY?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

37. Would you still be a commercial fisherman if you had your life to live over?

1. YES

2. NO
WHY?___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ag
ree

a. I feel like I am a leader in my local community.................
b. I feel like I am a leader in my primary fishery....................
c. I am proud to identify myself as a fishermen......................
c. I feel a strong connection to other fishermen in the
community....................................................................
d. I feel a weak connection to other fishermen in my
primary fishery.............................................................
e. I enjoy fishing.....................................................................
f. Fishing is just a job to me...................................................
g. Leaving the fishing industry is something that I have
considered.....................................................................
h. I want to continue fishing but only part-time......................

Str
agrongl
ee y

l

tra

Ne
u

fishing as a career. (Please circle one number for each item).

Str
o
dis ngly
agr
ee
Dis
agr
ee

38. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements about

1
1
1

2
2
2

3
3
3

4
4
4

5
5
5

1

2

3

4

5

1
1
1

2
2
2

3
3
3

4
4
4

5
5
5

1
1

2
2

3
3

4
4

5
5

Ex
t
dis reme
sat ly
isf
ied
So
me
dis wh
sat at
isf
ied
Ne
ith
or er
dis sat
sat isfi
isf ed
ied
So
me
sat wh
isf at
ied
Ex
t
sat reme
isf ly
ied

39. How satisfied or dissatisfied are you with the following items relating to the job of fishing? (Please
circle one number for each item).

a. Your actual earnings...........................................................
b. The predictability of your earnings.....................................
c. Job safety............................................................................
d. The amount of time spent away from home.......................
e. Physical fatigue of the job..................................................
f. Healthfulness of the job......................................................
g. Adventure of the job...........................................................
h. Challenge of the job............................................................
i. Opportunity to be your own boss........................................
j. The overall health of the marine environment....................

1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2

3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3

4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
4

5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5

a. Your life..............................................................................
b. Your physical health...........................................................

41. How often do you feel happy?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Never
Not often
Neutral
Often
All the time

Ex
t
dis reme
sat ly
isf
ied
So
me
dis wh
sat at
isf
ied
Ne
ith
or er
dis sat
sat isfi
isf ed
ied
So
me
sat wh
isf at
ied
Ex
t
sat reme
isf ly
ied

40. In general, how satisfied are you with the following items? (Please circle one number for each item)

1
1

2
2

3
3

4
4

5
5

The following questions will help us improve our understanding of commercial fishermen. The information
you provide us will remain strictly confidential. Your name will never be associated with your answers
42. How old you are?

___________ Years

43. Which racial category best describes you? (Please circle one or more)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

American Indian or Alaskan Native
Asian
Black or African American
Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
White
Some other race (alone)

44. Would you classify yourself as Spanish/Hispanic/Latino? (Please circle one)

1. Spanish/Hispanic/Latino
2. Not Spanish/Hispanic/Latino

45. What is your ancestry?

________________________________________________

(For example: Norwegian, Portuguese, Polish, Brazilian etc)

46. What is the primary language you speak at home?

_________________________________________

47. Where were you born?

1. In the United States - print the name of the State ___________

2. Outside the United States - print the name of the foreign country _____________

48. Where did you live in 2010?

_______________________ Town

49. What was your marital status in 2010?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Married
Widowed
Divorced
Separated
Single
Living with a partner

_________________ State

50. How many people lived in your primary household in 2010? _________ Adults and _______ children under 18
51. How many years have you been involved in commercial fishing _______________ Years
52. How many generations of your family have fished commercially including yourself?____________ Generations
53. Which category best describes the highest level of education that you have completed?

1. Did not complete high school
2. High school diploma/equivalency
3. Associate’s/ two year degree
4. Bachelor’s/ four year degree
5. Graduate degree

_________________ Grade completed

Is there anything else about commercial fishing or this questionnaire you would like to share with us?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your contribution to this 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:

Matthew McPherson
NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service
Northeast Fisheries Science Center
166 Water Street
Woods Hole, MA 02543-1026 (Tel: 508-495-2000)
VERSION 2