SEFSC: Gulf of Mexico Inshore Shrimp Fishery Economic Data Collection

File Name: 119215200s

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Southeast Fisheries Science Center

75 Virginia Beach Dr.

Miami, Florida 33149

February 1, 202X+1

<RESPONDENT NAME>

<ADDRESS 1>

<ADDRESS 2>

Dear Permit Owner:

<STATE’s DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES OR CONTRACTOR> in collaboration with the NOAA Fisheries Service is working to improve its ability to determine the economic effects of regulations and other factors that impact the Gulf of Mexico shrimp fisheries. Therefore, we are conducting a voluntary economic survey of the Gulf’s inshore and state-level shrimp fisheries. Based on state-level license data, we randomly select your vessel in order to collect data about operating expenses and the costs of owning and maintaining shrimp vessels. While participation is entirely voluntary, it is essential that all selected individuals complete and submit this survey in order for the inshore shrimp fisheries to be correctly characterized in the management process.

You have been randomly selected to participate in this year’s survey. Enclosed is a form asking about expenditures you made in 202X for your vessel “<VESSEL NAME>” with the registration number <VESSEL ID>. Please complete and submit this survey. Your participation is essential to generate accurate results and comply with federal regulations.

Please complete the enclosed survey form and return it to us by April 30, 202X+1. A pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope is enclosed. All information you supply is confidential and will be combined with information from other fishermen to present an overall view of the economic status of the fisheries and the problems they face. If you wish to receive the survey results once the data have been analyzed, please make note of this anywhere on the survey.

By accurately completing this survey, you will ensure that management decisions are based on the best possible information about the economic effects of regulations on fishermen. Please print all requested information clearly. If you have any questions or require help filling out the survey, please contact economics staff at (305) 361-4263.

Thank you very much for your cooperation with this data collection and good luck this shrimping season.

Sincerely yours,

Christopher Liese

Resource Economist