Saltwater Recreational Survey: Attitudes and Preferences

Saltwater Recreational
Fishing Attitudes and
Preferences Survey
HAWAII

Pacific Islands Region

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is conducting a survey about saltwater recreational
fishing and recreational fisheries management.
NMFS is the federal agency responsible for the stewardship of marine fishery resources and their
habitat, and works together with state agencies to manage fish stocks so that anglers have quality
opportunities to participate in recreational fishing. NMFS is conducting this survey to improve our
understanding of anglers’ expectations and how they may be changing with fishing conditions.
Responses to this survey will provide a basis for more informed decision-making for fisheries
managers and to determine recreational anglers’ preferred management approaches.
Your responses are strictly confidential and will not be associated with your personal identity.

We are interested in hearing from Hawaii’s non-commercial fishermen. In this survey, “noncommercial fishing” means fishing that is not conducted for profit, but for sport, pleasure,
subsistence, cultural or traditional reasons. We understand that many people who consider
themselves non-commercial fishermen also hold a Commercial Marine License and/or sell some
fish to offset expenses.

For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

This first section asks about your fishing activities and how you view yourself as a fisherman.
Please check one box unless directed otherwise.
1. Are you a part-time or full-time resident of Hawaii?
 Part-time
 Full-time
 Not a resident (please proceed to Question 33)
2. On which island do you live?
 Hawaii Island
 Maui
 Lanai
 Molokai
 Oahu
 Kauai
3. Please indicate which of the following primarily motivates you to go fishing. (choose one)








Purely recreational (only for sport or pleasure)
Subsistence (primarily to catch fish to feed myself / my family)
Cultural (I enjoy fishing, but I am even more concerned about keeping traditional
practices alive, such as using traditional methods and sharing fish with the community)
Expense (primarily recreational or subsistence but I also sell some catch to recover
trip expenses)
I consider myself a commercial fisherman (more than half of my income comes from fishing)

4. Do you possess a current Commercial Marine License from the State of Hawaii?
 Yes
 No
5. How many years have you been saltwater non-commercial fishing?
_______Years
6. How many of these years have been in Hawaii?
_______Years

For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

1

7. During the past year about how many days per month did you spend saltwater

non-commercial fishing in Hawaii during:
a. December-February

(days/month on average)

b. March-May

(days/month on average)

c. June-August

(days/month on average)

d. September-November

(days/month on average)

8. During the past 12 months...

Most of my fishing trips were taken from...
(check only one)
I took at least one fishing trip from…
(check all that apply)

9.

Shore
(Beach, pier
or bridge)

For‐hire
(Charter, party,
or guide boats)

Private boat













Did you fish from any of the following during the past 12 months?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Shore (beach, pier, or bridge)
For-hire (charter boat, party fishing boat)
Private motor boat (trailered or moored)
Private sail boat
Personal watercraft (“jet-ski”)
Unpowered craft (kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard, etc.)

YES

NO

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
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


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




g. Other (please specify)___________________________________________________
10. If you fished from a boat during the past 12 months, was most of your fishing?





Three miles or less from shore (State waters)
More than three miles from shore (Federal waters)
About equal in State and Federal waters
I did not fish from a boat within the past 12 months
For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

2

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rip

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(4 )

(5 )

On

A lw

mo

st t

s

fo

t rip

h al

o ut

ew

Ab

af

ve r

On

Ne

(3 )

Offshore trolling (for tunas, mahimahi, ono, billfish, etc.)
Tuna hand-lining
Deep bottom-fishing (for opakapaka, onaga, etc.)
Shallow bottom-fishing (for moana, ulua, weke-ula, etc.)
Reef trolling (for papio, barracudas, etc.)
SCUBA spearfishing
Free-dive spearfishing
Whipping / Casting (rod and reel or pole and line)
Trapping
Netting

(2 )

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

(1 )

11. On a scale from one to five, with one being Never, how frequently do you

engage in each of the following types of fishing in a typical year?

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12. How often do you engage in multiple types of fishing (see Question 11) on a single trip?

(5)

Alw

ays

rip

s

y tr
fm
fo
(4)

On

mo

hal

out

Ab

st t

s
trip
ew
af
On

ver
Ne

(3)

Hawaii Island
Maui
Lanai
Molokai
Kahoolawe
Oahu
Kauai
Niihau
Penguin Banks

(2)

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

(1)

13. On a scale from one to five, with one being never, how frequently did

you fish around or near the following areas during the past 12 months?

ips

 Never
 On most trips
 On a few trips
 Always
 About half of my trips

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j. Other (please specify) ___________________________________________________
14. In no particular order, what species do you frequently target when you fish in saltwater from...
a. a boat: ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________
b. shore: ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ _________
For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

3

15. Would you say the amount of fishing you have done in the past 12 months has been

less, more, or about the same as in the past two years?
 Less
 More
 About the same (please proceed to Question 17)
16. If the amount of fishing you have been able to do this year was different than in the previous

two years, please indicate the top THREE most important reasons for this.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

Availability of leisure time
Personal finances
Fishing trip costs
Change of residence
Non-commercial fishing regulations
Health/condition of the fishery
Area closures
Shoreline access issues

Most important
Second most
Third most

i. Other (please specify) ________________________________________
17. Do you think the amount of fishing you will do in the next 12 months might be less,

more, or about the same as in the past two years?
 Less
 More
 About the same
18. Do you use the following sources to obtain information about fishing

and other marine related activities and issues?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

Friends and family
Radio
Social media
Organization newsletter/email
Television
Newspapers/magazines
Fishing websites/blogs
Federal/state websites

YES

NO

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i. Other (please specify) __________________________________________________
For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

4

goo
d
Exc
elle
nt
I am
un
sur
e

(4)

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(5)

Ver
y

od

(3)

Go

Fai
r

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
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
lly


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sta
ub
e

gs

sur

I am

un

(5)

Im

pro

vin

g

(4)

Im

pro

vin

he
yin

Sta

(3)

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Som

No
t im

por

tan
ta
ta
ew
ll
hat
(3)
un
Ne
imp
utr
al
ort
(4)
ant
Som
ew
hat
(5)
imp
Ext
rem
ort
ant
ely
imp
ort
ant

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

For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

5

gt

ng


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(2)

Catching enough fish for home/personal consumption
Catch-and-release as many fish possible
Catching enough fish to be able to share with friends and family
Catching large fish
Catching a trophy sized fish
Catching particular species of fish
Catching the bag limit of the species you were targeting
Catching a mix of different kinds of fish

clin
i

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



21. Please think about your Hawaii fishing trips conducted in the last year.

On a scale of one to five, with one indicating the option least important

to you, please indicate how important each catch option is to you.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.

De

clin
i
De

(2)

Nearshore/coral reef fisheries
Bottomfish fisheries
Offshore fisheries
Shellfish/crab/lobster fisheries

(1)

a.
b.
c.
d.

(1)

20. On a scale from one to five, with one indicating Substantial Decline,

what is your feeling about the condition of fisheries in Hawaii?

ng

sub

sam

sta

e

nti
a

nti
a

lly

Nearshore/coral reef fisheries
Bottomfish fisheries
Offshore fisheries
Shellfish/crab/lobster fisheries
Overall condition

(2)

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

(1)

19. On a scale of one to five, with one being Poor, how would you rate

the current condition (or health) of each of the following fisheries

in Hawaii?

Poo
r

These next questions ask your opinions and perspectives about various aspects of fisheries,
fisheries management, fishing quality, and the marine environment here in Hawaii.

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22. Below are some reasons people go fishing in Hawaii.

Which are the THREE most important to you?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.

Fishing for fun
Fishing for food
Fishing for large fish
Spending time on or near the ocean
Spending time with family or friends
Teaching others about fishing
Developing personal fishing skills

Second most
Third most

Other (please specify) ______________________________________________

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f. Other (please specify) __________________________________________________
g.  I never practice catch and release

For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

6

ays

Alw

Release the fish that are “too big”?
Release fish that are “too small”?
Release fish when I am participating in tagging programs?
Release fish when I have caught enough fish for the day?
Catching a trophy sized fish

Som

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Ne
ver

23. If you practice some catch and release do you ....

etim

es

h. 

Most important

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j.
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l.
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t.
u.

v.

er

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su r

I am

un

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ew

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(4 )

Som

ly p

pre

fer

al l
er

at

ref

fer

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For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

7

yp

pre

ht l

no t

S lig

(3 )

Establish minimum size limits of the fish you can keep
Establish maximum size limits of the fish you can keep
Bag limits for certain species
Seasonal closures for certain species
Manage some species as catch‐and‐release only
Establish longer seasons with more restrictive bag limits
Establish shorter seasons with less restrictive bag limits
Establish shorter seasons with a larger variety
of species you can legally catch
Increase the recreational harvest limit by decreasing the
commercial harvest limit
Require the use of release techniques that reduce fish mortality
Protect and restore fish habitat that has been degraded
Designate some areas of the ocean as marine reserves
with catch‐and‐release fishing only
Area closures for certain species
Area closures where no fishing is allowed
Areas that are closed and opened periodically
Establish a Hawaii resident non-commercial saltwater
fishing license
Establish a non-resident non-commercial saltwater fishing
license
Provide more Fish Aggregation Devices for offshore fishing
Reduce the number of Fish Aggregation Devices for offshore
fishing
Closures for commercial fisheries but with non-commercial
(e.g., subsistence) allowances
Restrictions on certain types of fishing
• Gill/Lay Nets
• Scuba spearfishing
• Aquarium fish collecting
• Other (please specify) ___________________________
Decrease current commercial harvest limits

(2 )

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

Do

On a scale from one to four, with one indicating your least
preference, please indicate your preference for each
management strategy listed below as a way to sustain
productive non-commercial fisheries in Hawaii.

(1 )

24.

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
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    
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an t

o rt

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i mp

i mp

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e ly

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rem

(5 )

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ew

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Ne

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o rt

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an t
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ew

    
    
    

For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

8

Som

(2 )

No

t im

po r

t an

ta

ta

a. Ensure that large quantities of fish are available to catch
b. Ensure that many different fish species are available to catch
c. Ensure that adequate numbers of large fish are available to catch
Ensure that adequate numbers of trophy‐sized fish are
d.
available to catch
e. Reduce the mortality associated with released fish
Ensure that future generations will have high quality
f.
fishing opportunities
g. Restore depleted fish stocks
h. Protect marine biodiversity
i. Protect threatened or endangered marine species
j. Achieve consistency between state and federal fishing regulations
k. Make fishing regulations easier to understand
l. Monitor and enforce recreational fishing regulations
Ensure equal consideration for non-commercial and
m.
commercial fisheries stakeholders in policy‐making
n. Ensure access to high quality fishing areas
o. Ensure that fishing sites are not heavily congested
Ensure adequate fishing infrastructure
p.
(ramps, docks, wash down, bathrooms, parking, etc.)
Ensure that adequate amounts of fish are allowed to mature
q.
and spawn

(1 )

25. On a scale of one to five, with one indicating the option least

important to you, please indicate how important you believe

each objective is for fisheries management.

ut r
isfi
al
ed
Som
ew
h at
(5 )
s at
Ext
isfi
rem
ed
ely
s at
isfi
ed

al l

s at

dis

at

h at

Ne
(3 )

(4 )

ed

ew

tisfi

Som

t sa
No

(2 )

(1 )

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sur
I am

un

ot

e

Al
(4)

Al

Som

ittl

e

e

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(3)

General public opinion
The opinions of non-commercial fishermen
The opinions of commercial fishermen
Non-commercial (recreational) fishing organizations
Elected state leaders
Elected federal leaders
Environmental groups
Best available science

    

(2)

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

    

ne

27. On a scale of one to four, with one being None, please indicate

how much you believe each of the following influences fisheries

management and policy.

    
    

No

a. Managing fish stocks to provide high quality fishing opportunities
b. Restoring fish stocks that have been depleted
Adjust regulations in a timely manner to address
c.
changing conditions of the fishery
d. Using management strategies that minimize costs to anglers
Ensure that the annual harvest limit provides enough fish for
e.
recreational fisheries
f. Ensuring that state and federal regulations are consistent
g. Monitoring and enforcing recreational fishing regulations
h. Using high quality data and assessments in policy‐making
i. Incorporating stakeholder interests in policy‐making
j. Protecting fish or shellfish species that are declining
k. Protecting marine habitats
l. Addressing conflicts between anglers and marine mammals

(1)

26. On a scale of one to five, with one being the least satisfied,

please indicate how satisfied you are that recreational fisheries

management is adequately addressing each item below.

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j. Other (please specify)__________________________________________________

For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

9

e ve
re
t hr
e th
e at
S ev
rea
t
ere
t hr
e at
I am
un
su r
e

al l

(4 )

Mo
de

rat

ys

at
e at

ve r

t hr

ta
No

ta
No

(3 )

Industrial pollution
Run-off/sedimentation (from roads, land, etc.)
Climate change
Ocean acidification
Sedimentation
Shipping
Overfishing in commercial fisheries
Overfishing in non-commercial fisheries
Impacts from non‐native species
Aquaculture
Alternative energy (e.g. wave or wind) development
Coastal building and development
Algal blooms
Marine habitat loss or degradation

(2 )

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

(1 )

28. On a scale from one to four, with one indicating no threat at all,

how much threat do you feel each of the following factors poses

to Hawaii’s marine environment?

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o. Other (please specify)_________________________________________________
29. How often do you fish to supply food for luaus, ceremonies, or special community and

family events?


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

Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always

30. When you catch fish, how often do you share some of your catch with family and/or friends?






Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always

For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

10

31. Are the fish you catch an important part of your regular diet?






Not at all important
A little important
Somewhat important
Very important
Extremely important

32. In the past twelve months, have you sold any fish you caught?
 Yes
 No
Finally, we’d like to ask you a few demographic questions. These will help us to better interpret
the results of the survey and understand the perspectives of different groups of respondents.
33. Are you male or female?
 Male
 Female
34. In what year were you born?

__ __ __ __ Year

a. Economically
b. Socially
c. Culturally

rem
Ext

(5)

Ver
y

(4)

(3)

Som

ew

ely

hat

con

onc
litt
le

ll c
ta

Ver
y

No

ta

(2)

(1)

36. On a scale of one to five, with one being the least concerned,

how concerned are you that fisheries management decisions

will directly impact your family?

cer

ern

ed

 Yes
 No

ned

35. Do you or anyone in your household make a living part‐time or full‐time from work directly

associated with commercial or non-commercial fishing?

    
    
    

For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

11

37. In the past 12 months, how many hours per week did you typically work for pay?
38. Which of the following categories best describes your household’s total annual income

before taxes in 2012?





Less than $20,000
$20,000‐$39,999
$40,000‐$59,999
$60,000‐$79,999






$80,000‐$99,999
$100,000‐$149,999
$150,000‐$199,999
$200,000 or more

39. What is your ethnicity?
 Hispanic or Latino
 Not Hispanic or Latino
40. What is your race? (please mark all that apply)











American Indian or Alaskan Native
Black or African American
Chinese
Filipino
Japanese
Native Hawaiian
White
Other Asian: ________________
Other Pacific Islander: ________________
Other: ________________

41. What is the highest level of education you have completed?






12th grade or less
High school graduate or GED
Associate or technical school degree or college coursework
Bachelor’s degree (ex: BA or BS)
Advanced, professional, or doctoral degree or coursework

For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

12

That’s it! Your comments are important, so please feel free to share anything
else with us about non-commercial fisheries or marine ecosystem management in Hawaii.
_______________________________________________________________________________
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_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

For questions or comments please send an email to [email protected].

13

Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
1845 Wasp Blvd., Building 176
Honolulu, HI 96818
(808) 725-5300
www.pifsc.noaa.gov