MTMN SS_New 072511Part A rev

SUPPORTING STATEMENT
MARIANAS TRENCH MARINE NATIONAL MONUMENT KNOWLEDGE AND
ATTITUDES SURVEY
OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-XXXX

INTRODUCTION
This submission requests Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for a new
information collection consisting of a survey of Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern
Marianas (CNMI) residents to support development of a management plan for the Marianas
Trench Marine National Monument.
The region surrounding the Northern Marianas Islands and Guam has become an important area
of scientific interest due to the discovery of volcanic ocean vents and new life forms able to
thrive in an inhospitable environment. In recognition of these unique undersea resources,
President George W. Bush established the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument
(Monument) on January 6, 2009, through Presidential Proclamation 8335. Designation of the
Monument was accompanied by social debate over the merits of designation, the economic
benefits, increased Federal management in the archipelago, the impacts to fishermen and fishing
communities, and other effects.
Now that the Monument has been established and management planning is beginning, there is a
need for research to define CNMI and Guam residents’ management preferences and perceptions
of potential effects, so that managers have this information available to help identify and address
planning issues.
A.

JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.
As stated in the Presidential Proclamation 8335, “[t]he Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce
shall take appropriate action pursuant to their respective authorities under the Antiquities Act and
the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act” to regulate fisheries, and to
ensure proper care and management of the Monument.” The Proclamation further mandates “[i]n
developing and implementing any management plans and any management rules and regulations,
the Secretaries shall designate and involve as cooperating agencies the agencies with jurisdiction
or special expertise, including the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and other
agencies through scoping in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act [NEPA] (42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), its implementing regulations and with Executive Order 13352 of August
26, 2004, Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation, and shall treat as a cooperating agency the
Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, consistent with these
authorities.”
This data collection will provide representative information on the concerns as identified by key
stakeholders and representatives of the management authorities, with whom researchers have

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begun consultation. The entities responsible for developing the Monument management plan will
hold public scoping meetings associated with plan development but do not plan to collect any
information systematically that would represent the opinions, beliefs, or attitudes of the residents
of Guam or CNMI.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to consider the
interactions of natural and human environments, and the impacts on both systems of any changes
due to governmental activities or policies. This consideration is to be done through the use of “a
systematic, interdisciplinary approach that will ensure the integrated use of the natural and social
sciences . . . in planning and in decision-making. . .” (NEPA Section 102(2)(A)). Under NEPA,
an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Environmental Assessment (EA) is required to
assess the impacts on the human environment of any federal activity. NEPA specifies that the
term ‘human environment shall be interpreted comprehensively to include the natural and
physical environment and the relationship of people with that environment’ [NEPA Section 102
(C)]. Under this federal mandate, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Fisheries must address the effects on the human environment of any action. The proposed
collection thus also will provide a basis for conducting NEPA analysis of Monument
management alternatives.
An additional focus of the data collection proposed by the Human Dimensions Research
Program at NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center is to collect representative
data regarding definitions of fisheries to inform management planning as per the Presidential
Proclamation “subject to such terms and conditions as the Secretary of Commerce deems
necessary for the care and management of the objects of the Islands Unit, the Secretary,
consistent with Executive Order 12962 of June 7, 1995, as amended, shall ensure that
sustenance, recreational, and traditional indigenous fishing shall be managed as a sustainable
activity consistent with other applicable law and after due consideration with respect to
traditional indigenous fishing of any determination by the Government of the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands.”
As defined in the Proclamation, additional management activities are anticipated to include
public education programs and outreach regarding the coral reef ecosystem and related marine
resources and species of the Monument and efforts to conserve them; traditional access by
indigenous persons, for culturally significant subsistence, cultural and religious uses within the
Monument; a program to assess and promote Monument-related scientific exploration and
research, tourism, and recreational and economic activities and opportunities in CNMI; a process
to consider requests for recreational fishing permits in certain areas of the Islands Unit, based on
an analysis of the likely effects of such fishing on the marine ecosystems of these areas, sound
professional judgment that such fishing will not materially interfere with or detract from the
fulfillment of the purposes of this proclamation, and the extent to which such recreational fishing
shall be managed as a sustainable activity; programs for monitoring and enforcement necessary
to ensure that scientific exploration and research, tourism, and recreational and commercial
activities do not degrade the Monument’s coral reef ecosystem or related marine resources or
species or diminish the Monument’s natural character.

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Given these mandates, there is a need for research to define CNMI and Guam residents’
management preferences and perceptions of effects so this information is available to managers
as they develop and begin to implement the plan. Monument managers have listed a number of
subject areas in which they lack information from the public that would help them to develop
management direction:
- Desired level of interest in becoming involved in Monument management and outreach
activities
- Preferred types and interest in outreach related to management and scientific research of
the Monument
- Perceived impacts of Monument designation for household and local economies
- Beliefs about types of fishing to be allowed within the Monument
- Experiences with and attitudes toward the Monument and existing uses of coastal and
marine resources outside of the Monument.
2. Explain how, by whom, how frequently, and for what purpose the information will be
used. If the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to support
information that will be disseminated to the public, then explain how the collection
complies with all applicable Information Quality Guidelines.
Information will be collected using a telephone survey including open-ended and multiple choice
questions. The survey will be conducted under contract by American Directions Group, a small
business highly skilled and experienced at survey research. The information will be collected
only one time.
The purpose of the information collected will be to inform managers as they develop the
management plan and define management activities. The data will also describe:
- the demographic makeup of the sample of Guam and CNMI residents; this information is
being collected to allow us to compare sample with population characteristics and
because we have found demographic characteristics to be related to beliefs, knowledge,
attitudes, and behavior regarding natural resources and their management;
- knowledge and attitudes regarding the Monument, preferences for management, scientific
research and interest in becoming involved in management and outreach activities;
- involvement in fishing and fishing related activities, and other uses of coastal and marine
resources; and
- attitudes toward a variety of types of ocean and coastal management tools.
The survey instrument utilizes a combination of open and closed-ended questions to describe
information on the topics of interest as identified in the Presidential Proclamation 8335 and
subsequent discussions with managers. Open-ended questions inform researchers of issues that
may not have otherwise come to light during a survey of only multiple choice survey questions.
Closed-ended questions provide more detailed, representative data on a series of topics of
interest to managers when considering the management plan for the Monument.
The utility of the information is evident as described in the preceding text, as this data collection
will support managers of the Monument as they design the management plan. As needed,
researchers will assist in interpreting the survey data for specific needs of the managers and a

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summary of results will also be available to all interested parties. Integrity of the data will be
ensured prior to dissemination and independent of the specific intended distribution mechanism.
The researchers will maintain objectivity by presenting the information and information products
in an accurate, reliable, and unbiased manner including analytic results that are developed using
commonly accepted scientific and statistical methods.
It is anticipated that the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to
support publicly disseminated information. NOAA Fisheries will retain control over the
information and safeguard it from improper access, modification, and destruction, consistent
with NOAA standards for confidentiality, privacy, and electronic information. See response to
Question 10 of this Supporting Statement for more information on confidentiality and privacy.
The information collection is designed to yield data that meet all applicable information quality
guidelines. Prior to dissemination, the information will be subjected to quality control measures
and a pre-dissemination review pursuant to Section 515 of Public Law 106-554.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques or other forms of
information technology.
This collection of information would be done via a telephone survey and all answers would be
recorded by the surveyor. Every effort has been made to reduce the public burden by using this
method of data collection which requires no additional public burden beyond the survey
administration via telephone. The survey will be administered using a Computer Assisted
Telephone Interview (CATI) technique.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.
Researchers have examined existing materials and information sources to better understand the
types of information that would be useful, including initial conversations with Monument
managers and stakeholders. Reviews of existing information are common practice when
initiating social science studies. This thorough literature review identified no sources of existing
information relevant to study objectives. The Global Ocean Legacy, a project initiated by the
Pew Environment Group of The Pew Charitable Trusts conducted a survey of CNMI residents as
part of an advocacy program for the Monument. This survey, which asked about awareness of
and attitudes toward the proposed Monument, was conducted prior to the Monument’s
declaration and the results were used for public relations and advocacy efforts but were not made
available to the public. Human Dimensions researchers have consulted with the Pew researchers
in order to benefit from their experience. The project will ensure that all data collected is
relevant, new and essential for achieving the goals of this information collection.
5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe
the methods used to minimize burden.
Only the minimum data to meet the needs of the project as described above will be requested
from all participants. Since all of the respondents will be individuals, separate requirements for
small entities have not been developed.

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6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is
not conducted or is conducted less frequently.
If this information was not collected, managers would not have available representative views of
the populations of Guam and CNMI about the issues most relevant to the Monument
management plan. The management plan has a better likelihood of being understood and
accepted by the public if it is clear that the views of CNMI and Guam residents have been
measured and incorporated. In addition, managers would not have a sound basis for designing
outreach efforts and providing desired information to the public, especially segments of the
public who did not attend scoping meetings.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a
manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.
There are no special circumstances involved in this data collection. This information collection is
consistent with OMB guidelines.
8. Provide information on the PRA Federal Register Notice that solicited public comments
on the information collection prior to this submission. Summarize the public comments
received in response to that notice and describe the actions taken by the agency in response
to those comments. Describe the efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to
obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of
instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data
elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.
A Federal Register Notice published on March 8, 2011 (76 FR 12714-5) solicited public
comments for this data collection.
One comment was received from an academic researcher requesting the interview instrument and
the research proposal. This information was provided directly to the commenter.
Extensive consultation with persons outside the agency was conducted in order to obtain their
views on the availability of data, frequency of data collection, clarity of the instructions and
recordkeeping, disclosure or reporting format, and on the data elements to be recorded,
disclosed, or reported. Discussions with Monument managers, local managers and other
interested stakeholders have provided information on existing data and the need for a more
detailed, representative study as is proposed in this information collection.
9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than
remuneration of contractors or grantees.
There are no plans to provide payment or gift to respondents.

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10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for
assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
As stated in the introductory explanation in the survey instrument, respondents will be assured
that responses will be confidential, consistent with Section 1881a(b), MSFCMA. Their responses
will be analyzed only in combination with other responses received and their names or other
identifying personal characteristics will not be available or associated with any of their
responses.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual
behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered
private.
The survey instrument does not contain questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior
and attitudes, religious belief and other matters that are commonly considered private.
There are two different areas where issues of a potentially sensitive nature will be explored.
These are listed and discussed below:
1. Ethnicity and Race: Questions of ethnicity and race are often useful in determining
potential environmental justice issues where certain groups are negatively impacted by
governmental regulations than others. Any questions submitted for approval will comply
with OMB regulations. Collection tools asking this type of information will include more
specific justification as determined by the purpose of the study. However, ethnicity is
routinely asked in similar research efforts and has not been considered sensitive
information, as reflected by high response rates to such questions. Both Guam and CNMI
are multi-race, multi-ethnicity populations including indigenous peoples, who may well
have different perceptions than those of immigrants.
2. Income: Income is a characteristic that has proven useful in predicting a variety of
attitudes and perceptions regarding natural resources and their management. Any
questions submitted for approval will comply with OMB regulations. In order to ask this
question in a non-intrusive manner, the survey will be using broad categories so
respondents will not to have to state a specific income amount, and will utilize common
survey techniques so that respondents will not have to actually state their income range to
the interviewer.
12. Provide an estimate in hours of the burden of the collection of information.
One survey instrument will be used for data collection. The instrument includes multiple
question routes, which are determined according to filtering questions used in the survey
instrument. Consequently, sample respondents are asked different questions, depending upon
their previous responses to filtering questions. The CATI instrument will ask only those
questions that apply to the respondent, reducing respondent errors and/or item non-response.
This will also minimize response times since respondents will be asked only those questions that
apply to them. In this way, we can ensure that we have an adequate number of responses to
questions and minimize respondent burden. The survey will be administered in one wave during

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Fall, 2011 and prior to the holiday season. Non-English-speaking Interviewers fluent in
Chamorro (native language of Guam) will be available to interview respondents who prefer to
conduct their interview in Chamorro.
The annual burden estimates for questionnaire completion are shown in Table A-1. The
estimated response burden is based on actual questionnaire completion time on other surveys
with the same or similar length, after timing the survey length during pre-testing of the survey
instrument.
A sample of 1,389 potential respondents will be selected to achieve this number of actual
respondents. Assuming ninety percent are eligible to participate, based on Census data (head of
household of minimum age is available), and a targeted response rate of 80 percent of eligible
respondents, the estimated number of respondents is 1,000. 12
Table 12A.1. Estimated Annualized Burden Hours
Sample Survey Respondents

No. of
Respondents

No.
Responses
per
Respondent

Average Burden
Hours per
Response (hours)

Total
Burden
Hours

1,000

1

20 minutes

333

Guam/Marianas Households

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to the respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection (excluding the value of the burden hours in Question
12 above).
There are no recordkeeping or reporting costs for respondents participating in the survey.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.
The total cost to the Government for collecting these data consists of the estimated portion of the
American Directions Group, Inc. fixed price contract that is devoted to the data collection
efforts. These activities include developing the questionnaire and programming the CATI
instrument as well as the interviewer time to administer the survey. This total estimated contract
cost is approximately $25,000 for FY 2011 and $5,000 for FY 2012. There will be no labor costs
beyond normal labor costs for Federal staff.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.
This is a new information collection.

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The response rates are based upon a standard method provided by the American Association for Public Opinion Research
(AAPOR).

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16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and
publication.
The data are not intended for publication for statistical use by other agencies or the general
public. Data will be analyzed using standard social science quantitative and qualitative data
analysis methods, including basic statistical measures, including totals, means, and medians.
While standard errors and hypothesis testing will be part of the tabulation plan and published
results, the main objective of this study is to develop qualitative measures to guide the
development and administration of the Monument, on behalf of the Guam and Mariana Island
residents, scientists, and tourists who visit the Islands.
Final reports and other relevant portions of the research process will be posted on the appropriate
section of the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center web site. The draft EIS
on Monument management will discuss how the survey information was incorporated into the
Monument Management Plan and will be published for the public. In addition, the researchers
will develop a summary of results and distribute it to interested parties. Where relevant, studies
in the entirety may be published as internal reports or in part may be submitted for publication in
journals to encourage peer review of data collected through this process as well as to disseminate
findings. We will also prepare and distribute summaries of the research results at public meetings
and make the results available through Monument Management Plan outreach efforts.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the
information collection, explain the reasons why display would be inappropriate.
The expiration date will be displayed on all Web links and other communications. No waiver is
needed.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.
Not Applicable.

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