Hawai'i Small Boat Fishery Survey

Aloha, Hawai'i small boat fishers!

This Web site has been established to support the Economics Program's current research survey on the Hawai'i small boat fishery.

While we are collecting survey data in the field, this Web site will help you, the fishers, learn more about our research and contact survey researchers.

All survey responses collected by our research team are held in strict confidence. Although participation is voluntary, your kokua is greatly appreciated!

About the Survey

Motivation

Small boat fishers contribute greatly to Hawai'i's economy. However, the small boat fishery was last surveyed in 1995-1996, and that study is now outdated. The current research survey will update our understanding of the economic contribution made by the non-recreational sector of the fishery. When we have completed the new survey and analyzed survey responses, we will prepare a report of the results. Your participation helps ensure that the report accurately portrays the economics of Hawai'i small boat fishing.

Research Goals

The research will attempt to address two specific objectives:

  • Develop an updated understanding of the economics of the Hawai'i small boat fishery
  • Explore the attitudes of small boat fishers on current issues in the fishery, fishers' motivations for fishing, marketing of fish caught, and perceptions of fishery management

Data Collected

Data collected through this study will include

  • Levels of investment
  • Annual fixed and variable cost expenditures
  • Extent of market participation
  • Motivations for fishing
  • Fisher attitudes toward current fishery issues and perceptions of fishery management

Confidentiality Statement

All information collected is strictly confidential. To protect the privacy of participating fishers, analyzed data will be aggregated by various survey characteristics, and reported results will not reveal individual responses.

Interviewers: Who are we?

The study is being conducted by the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) with support from the University of Hawai'i Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR). JIMAR Economic Survey Assistants Skiadra Scholey and Kristy SeBlonka and PIFSC Economist Justin Hospital will conduct interviews at boat ramps across the state during 2007-2008.

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Justin Hospital
Economist
Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
Email: Justin.Hospital@noaa.gov

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Skiadra Scholey
Economic Survey Assistant
University of Hawai'i - JIMAR

img/Kristy_SeBlonka.jpg

Kristy SeBlonka
Economic Survey Assistant
University of Hawai'i - JIMAR


What will we do with the Data?

The survey data will focus on the economic contribution of small boat fishing to the state of Hawai'i through

  • vessel purchases, upgrades, and maintenance,
  • purchases of major gear and electronic instruments, and
  • per trip expenditures, such as fuel, ice, and bait.

This survey will provide a wealth of information to fishery managers so that they better understand the economic contribution that small boat fishing has to the state economy. Results of the analysis will be compiled into a final report that includes statistical tables and graphs. In order to protect the privacy of responding fishers, all survey results will be in aggregated form - no individual information will be revealed.

Receive Report / Contact Us

Would you like a copy of the final report? Do you have questions or concerns about this research?

If so, please contact us by phone, email, or postal mail using the information below. Please indicate whether you would like to receive a full copy of results or simply a summary. Also indicate whether you would prefer an electronic copy or hard copy (be sure to leave an email address if requesting an electronic version).

Mahalo!

Justin Hospital
Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
2570 Dole St
Honolulu, HI 96822
808-983-5742
808-983-2902 (fax)
Email: Justin.Hospital@noaa.gov

Last updated September 17 2007