0449 SS 040215 Part B

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

DATA COLLECTION AND VERIFICATION FOR

THE MARINE PROTECTED AREAS INVENTORY

OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0449

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g. establishments, State and local governmental units, households, or persons) in the universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation must also include expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has been conducted before, provide the actual response rate achieved.

The MPA Inventory Site form is a resource used to guide the collection and maintenance of site information for the MPA Inventory. It is an elective form and is used by MPA managers to add or update in the MPA database and by project staff to ensure completeness and consistency when adding this contributed information to the MPA database. The population of potential respondents (i.e. MPA managers in the US) is finite and known. While the MPA Center does not have exact information on the universe of updates that are needed annually, we believe based on our dialogue with federal and state MPA managers that our current process captures 80-90% of the updates

needed annually.

Updates to the database are published annually, and are mostly identified internally by MPA Center staff without correspondence with external entities or notification via the site form (e.g., based on federal register notice, press releases, etc). Annually, on average, there are approximately30 modifications to the database, most of which do not require use of the site form. The MPA Center estimates that approximately 14 updates annually are based on information provided through the MPA Inventory Site form.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures; and any use of periodic (less requent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

The MPA Inventory Site Form is offered as a resource on the MPA Center website to be used as guidance for federal and state MPA managers when contributing site information to the MPA Inventory database. The population of potential respondents (i.e. MPA managers in the US) is finite and known, which greatly simplifies the sampling method and subsequent analyses. Many respondents are active members of the National System of MPAs. MPA Center staff work with contributing data providers to complete the form in order to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the data provided and reduce the burden to the respondent. There is no specific timeline for use of the form.

For the survey of MPA managers, surveys will be conducted approximately every two years to minimize the burden to respondents.

3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse. The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided if they will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

Collection is not based on sampling. Respondents are limited to MPA managers, managing agencies and representatives. Response rates vary based on the number of new MPA sites or modification to existing sites that occur annually. Non-response on the update form assumes no site updates are required. Responses received are reviewed and fact-checked (when applicable) to relevant federal or state codes.

Response rates for the recreational survey are expected to be relatively high (between 60-75%) due to the ongoing relationship between the MPA Center and federal and state MPA programs throughout the US. The MPA Center will send the survey to managers with a cover letter and plans to send out reminders to MPA managers to complete the survey. Based on general knowledge of recreational use patterns, the MPA Center will be able to identify nonresponse bias (e.g. where those MPAs responding are disproportionately from certain regions or MPA programs), and caveat the results accordingly.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB must give prior approval.

Information contributed is reviewed by the MPA Center team and supporting documentation (federal register notice, state code/website) is gathered to ensure accuracy. No tests of procedures or methods are planned, but respondents are asked during meetings and informal consultations for feedback on collection methods.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the statistical aspects of the design, and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Inventory: Dr. Mimi D’Iorio – MPA Inventory manager – 831-647-6462 (point person for information collection design, collection and analysis).

Recreation Survey: Dr. Charles M. Wahle, MPA Center Senior Scientist 831-647-6460 (point person for information collection design, collection and analysis).