Coral Reef Survey Core Questions

SOCIAL SCIENCE PROGRAM
Socioeconomic Survey: CORE Questions Template
National Coral Reef Monitoring Plan

November 2014

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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program
National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP)
Resident Coral Reef Survey
OMB Control Number XXXX-XXXX

**CORE MODULE**

Hello,
My name is _________________ We are only interested in obtaining your opinions on some important
issues related to coral reefs and the environment in ___________________

Your participation is voluntary and will be kept strictly confidential. 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 … [optional depending on agency- subject to the requirements
of the Paperwork Reduction Act, unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB
Control Number].

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
Jane/John Diploria, Marine Conservation Organization X, (137 Acropora Cervicornis Boulevard, Ocean
Town).

Please note: this survey can be administered using different modes, ie; in-person,
telephone interview, self administered paper (mail) or online versions.
Researchers can adjust question order, skip patterns and interviewer prompts as
required. The amount of questions and type of answer format may affect overall
time and burden on the respondent.

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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

PARTICIPATION IN REEF ACTIVITIES

No Answer

4 times a
month or more

2-3 times a
month

Once a month
or less

Never

1. How often do you usually participate in each of the following activities?

Swimming/wading
Snorkeling
Diving (SCUBA or free diving)
Waterside/ beach camping
Beach recreation (beach sports, picnics)
Boating
Fishing
Gathering of marine resources (lobsters,
conch, seaweed, examples)
SKIP PATTERN-- If respondent answers ‘never’ to fishing and gathering of marine resources,
then skip to #3:

CORAL REEF RELIANCE / CULTURAL IMPORTANCE OF REEFS

No
Response

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Frequently

2. How often do you fish or harvest marine resources for each of the following reasons?]

To feed myself and my family/ household
To sell
To give to extended family members and/or
friends
For fun
For special occasions and cultural events

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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

3. How often do you or your family eat fish/seafood?
a. Every day
b. A few times a week
c. About once a week
d. 1-3 times a month
e. Less than once a month
f. Never
SKIP PATTERN -- If respondent answers ‘never’ then skip to question #5

4. Where do you get the fish or seafood your family eats?
a. Purchased by myself or someone in my household at a store or restaurant
b. Purchased by myself or someone in my household at a market or roadside vendor
c. Caught by myself or someone in my household
d. Caught by extended family members
e. Other, please specify ______________________

PERCEIVED RESOURCE CONDITION

Don’t
Know

Very
Good

Good

Neither
Bad nor
Good

Bad

Very Bad

5. In your opinion, how are [jurisdiction’s] marine resources currently doing? Please rank from
very bad to very good.

Ocean Water Quality (clean and clear)
Amount of Coral
Number of Fish

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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

Not Sure

A lot Better

Somewhat
Better

No Change

Somewhat
Worse

A lot Worse

6. How would you say the condition of each of the following has changed over the last 10
years: from 1=it has gotten a lot worse to 5=it has gotten a lot better.

Ocean Water Quality (clean and clear)
Amount of Coral
Number of Fish

7. In the next 10 years, do you think the condition of the marine resources in [jurisdiction] will
get worse, stay the same or improve?
a. Get worse
b. Stay the same
c. Improve
d. Not sure

AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF CORAL REEFS – Threats including climate change

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither

Disagree

Strongly
Disagree

8. Please say whether you disagree or agree with each of the following statements.

Coral reefs protect the [jurisdiction] from erosion
and natural disasters.
Coral reefs are only important to fishermen, divers
and snorkelers.
Healthy coral reefs attract tourists to [jurisdiction].
Coral reefs are important to [jurisdiction] culture.

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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

Not sure

Very Familiar

Familiar

Neither
Familiar nor
Unfamiliar

Unfamiliar

Very
Unfamiliar

9. How familiar are you with each of the following potential threats facing the coral reefs in
?

Climate change
Coral bleaching
Hurricanes and other natural disasters
Pollution (stormwater, wastewater,
chemical runoff and trash/littering)
Coastal/urban development
Invasive species
Too much fishing and gathering
Damage from ships and boats
10. Do you believe that the threats to coral reefs in are:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Extreme
Large
Moderate
Minimal
None
Not sure

ATTITUDES TOWARDS CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND ENFORCEMENT
11. A Marine Protected Area is an area of the ocean where human activity is typically restricted
to protect living, non-living, cultural, and/or historic resources. How familiar are you with
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Very Unfamiliar
Unfamiliar
Neither Unfamiliar nor Familiar
Familiar
Very Familiar
Not sure

SKIP PATTERN-- If respondent answers ‘Very unfamiliar’ or ‘Unfamiliar’, then skip to #12:
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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

Not Sure

Strongly
Agree

Agree

Neither
Agree nor
Disagree

Disagree

Strongly
Disagree

12. Please indicate how much you disagree or agree with each of the following statements.

MPAs protect coral reefs
MPAs increase the number of fish
There should be fewer MPAs in [jurisdiction]
There should be more MPAs in [jurisdiction]
There has been economic benefit to [jurisdiction]
from the establishment of MPAs
Fishermen’s livelihoods have been negatively
impacted from the establishment of MPAs in
[jurisdiction]
MPAs help increase tourism in [jurisdiction]
The establishment of MPAs increases the likelihood
that people will vacation in [jurisdiction]
I would support adding new MPAs in [jurisdiction] if
there is evidence that the ones we have are
improving [jurisdiction’s] marine resources
I generally support the establishment of MPAs

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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

ATTITUDES OR LEVEL OF SUPPORT FOR CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Don’t Know

Strongly
Support

Support

Neither
Support
nor Oppose

Oppose

Strongly
Oppose

13. The following are proposed or existing management strategies used to manage the marine
environment and specifically, to improve the protection of coral reefs in . Please
rate whether you oppose or support each regulation.

Increased enforcement of existing
rules/regulations
Limits per person for certain fish species
(size and amount)
Stricter control of sources of pollution to
preserve water quality
More restrictions on construction practices
to prevent sediment going to sea
Limits on recreational use

PARTICIPATION IN BEHAVIORS THAT MAY IMPROVE CORAL HEALTH
14. How often do you participate in any activity to protect the environment (for example, beach
clean ups, volunteering with an environmental group, recycling)?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Not At All
Once a year or Less
Several times a year
At least once a month
Several Times a Month or more
Not Sure

15. Which of the following would you consider to be your top 3 sources of information about
coral reefs and the environment in [jurisdiction]?
Interviewer checks the top 3 sources of information.

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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

Very Trustworthy

Very Trustworthy

Trustworthy

Neither Trustworthy
nor Untrustworthy

Sources

Untrustworthy

Top 3

Very untrustworthy

16. To what degree do you trust each of your top rated sources of information to provide you
the most accurate information on coral reefs and coral reef related topics in [jurisdiction]?
Respondent rates only the top 3 sources of information.

Newspapers, other print publications
Radio
TV
Internet
Friends and family
Community leaders
Government (jurisdictional)
Federal government agencies (NOAA, EPA)
Non-profit organizations
Other
17. How involved is the local community in protecting and managing coral reefs?
a. Not at all involved
b. Somewhat involved
c. Moderately involved
d. Involved
e. Very involved
f. Not sure
18. How involved are you in making decisions related to the management of coral reefs in
[jurisdiction]?
a. Not at all involved
b. Slightly involved
c. Moderately involved
d. Involved
e. Very involved
f. Not sure
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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

DEMOGRAPHICS
I just have a few more questions that will help us to interpret our results. As a reminder, the
information you provide is completely confidential.
19. Are you male or female?]
a. Male
b. Female
20. What is your year of birth? __________________
21. How long have you lived in [jurisdiction]?
a. 1 year or less
b. 2-5 years
c. 6-10 years
d. more than 10 years
e. all my life
22. Including your primary language, please name each language you speak.
[interviewer should not read options below, but should allow respondent to answer]
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.

English
Spanish
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Arabic
Chinese
Japanese
Korean
Tagolog
Hindi

m.
n.
o.
p.
q.
r.
s.
t.
u.

Hawaiian
Hawaii Pidgin English
Sāmoan
Chamorro
Carolinian
Creole
Crucian
Tongan
Other: Please list
__________________
v. No Response

23. What race/ethnicity do you consider yourself? Select all that apply.
a. American Indian or Alaskan
f. Chamorro
Native
g. Chinese
b. Asian
h. Cuban
c. Black or African American
i. Filipino
d. Puerto Rican
j. Japanese
e. Carolinian
k. White
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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

l. Korean
m. Mexican
n. Native Hawaiian or other
Pacific Islander
o. Samoan
p. Taino

q.
r.
s.
t.
u.
v.

Thai
Tongan
Vietnamese
Other/Mixed
No response
Hispanic or Latino

24.

What is the highest level of education you have completed?
a. 8th Grade or Less
b. Some high school
c. High School Graduate, GED
d. Some college, community college or AA
e. College Graduate
f. Graduate School, Law School, Medical School
g. No Response

25.

What is your current employment status?
a. Unemployed
b. Student
c. Employed full-time
d. Homemaker
e. Employed part-time
f. Retired
g. None of the above: Please specify __________________
h. No Response
26. What is your occupation? [Open Ended] ________________________________
27. May I ask, what is your annual household income?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.

Under $10,000
$10,000-19,999
$20,000-29,999
$30,000-39,999
$40,000-49,999
$50,000-59,999
$60,000-74,999
$75,000-99,999
$100,000-149,999
$150,000 or More
No Response

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Core Questions: NOAA Coral Socio-Econ Survey – November 2014

Other important information that should be included as part of the survey instrument:
The text(s) outlined below are particularly relevant for any survey/data collection effort funded
by OR conducted on behalf of US Federal Agencies. They should be included where appropriate
---------------------Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 25-30
minutes per respondent, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. [This means when developing each specific questionnaire the
appropriate number of questions should be selected so as not to exceed the public burden of 30
minutes]
----------------------Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other suggestions for reducing this
burden to (name), XYZ office, (address). [This is required information as part of the
questionnaire, usually at the end]
----------------------[A Statement on confidentiality, if applicable, should be inserted at the end unless already
provided elsewhere on the form]. 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 XXXXXXXX.

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Groupings of Survey Categories and Descriptions as per NCRMP Survey Bank
Question
Number
1-13

Category

Description

Attitude toward /
importance of coral reefs

Importance of coral reef aspects, including willingness to pay for coral reef
protection, and satisfaction with the state of coral reefs over time

14-28

Participation in coral
reef activities

29-35

Perceived threats to
coral reefs
Marine Protected Areas

Frequency of participation in coral reef activities, including activities
conducted at the coral reef jurisdiction and how deterioration of coral reef
conditions could affect participation in these activities
Perceived threats in coral reef jurisdiction, including familiarity with
common threats to coral reefs and perception on their potential impact
Familiarity with Marine Protected areas (MPAs), including perceived
purpose, benefits and impact, and effect on coral reef activities
Perception of the condition of coral reefs over time, and willingness to
accept actions such as limited access, increased restrictions on coral reef
activities (e.g. fishing, boating), more stringent pollution regulation, and
statutes limiting development
Perceived changes since the introduction of MPAs and impact of these
changes on personal use of coral reef areas
Knowledge of applicable regulations and restrictions to coral reef activities
in MPA, and knowledge/perceptions on the effectiveness of traditional or
cultural methods for managing
resources
Perception on level of compliance with regulations related coral reefs (e.g.
by fishers, divers, local population, tourists), perception of enforcement
levels, and rationale to follow
coral reef regulations
Level of support towards environmental causes, including donations,
volunteering activities, and involvement in activities related to the
management of coral reefs. Perceptions on the success of coral reef
strategies and regulations and the roles of the Federal, local government,
and local communities to protect coral reefs
Perception on the success of different actors and regulation to address
problems in coral reef areas. Level of support towards specific regulations
and measures aimed to protecting coral reefs.
Identification of most relevant sources of information about coral reefs
(e.g. newspapers, radio, brochures, NOAA publications, etc.), and level of
trust in information sources
Reliability of coral reefs as a personal source of food or income, including
involvement on commercial fishing activities and their impact on personal
income
Generic demographic information to facilitate the categorization and
analysis of the responses. Information includes family members, age,
gender, education, occupation, household income, place of residence, race,
languages, religious affiliation, and membership in community groups

36-48
49-66

Resource conditions of
coral reefs

67-73

Coral reef changes since
establishment of MPAs
Knowledge of
rules/regulations

74-81

82-85

Compliance with
rules/regulations

86-100

Coral reef management
processes

101-104

Support for management
processes and
regulations
Sources of information
available

105-109

110-119

Coral reef financial
reliance

120-138

Demographic questions

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