2007 Hawai'i Small Boat Study—Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are you doing this?
This research will address two specific objectives:
- Develop an updated measure of the economics of the non-recreational sector of the Hawai'i small boat fishery
- Explore the motivations and attitudes of small boat fishers on issues ranging from the marketing of the fish caught to current issues and perceptions of fishery management
Data on the economic contributions of the small boat fleet were collected in a similar study in 1995-1996; they are now outdated. Newer data will help fishery managers make better-informed decisions. The data will be of interest to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, National Marine Fisheries Service, state of Hawai'i, and general fishing public.
This survey will estimate the economic contribution of small boat fishing to the state of Hawai'i. Together with the recent economics data collected on recreational fishing by the Hawai'i Marine Recreational Fishing Survey (HMRFS), these data will provide fishery managers with a more accurate portrayal of the small boat fishery and its economic contribution to the state of Hawai'i.
What kind of questions do you ask?
We ask about
- annual boat and trailer costs and maintenance expenses
- trip costs (fuel, ice, bait, etc.) and fishing supplies
- what is done with the fish caught
- vessel and owner characteristics
Additionally, we encourage you to comment on how you feel Hawai'i's fisheries should be managed and to suggest topics you feel need further study.
Why should I participate?
- Small boat fishers contribute greatly to the economy of Hawai'i. They also face ever-increasing expenses, in large part due to rising fuel prices. However, the available economic data on the fishery are over a decade old. This survey will enable you to estimate the current economic contribution of small boat fishing to the State of Hawai'i. Your participation ensures that our final report accurately portrays the small boat fishery.
- The information collected will give small boat fishers a stronger voice in fishery management decisions by providing managers with accurate information on the economics of the small boat fishery.
- When the results report is released, you will be able to compare your economic contribution with other small boat fishers’ contributions. These other fishers may use similar or different fishing methods. They may also fish a different island.
What will you do with my information?
- We will analyze and compile survey responses to describe the economic contribution of small boat fishers. We will also prepare a final report of results. In order to protect the privacy of participating fishers, we will aggregate data presented by various characteristics and will not reveal individual information. Some of these characteristics include motivation (full-time commercial, part-time commercial, recreational, subsistence), gear type (trolling, handline, etc.), and island of residence.
- We encourage participating fishers to leave their address (home and/or email) if they are interested in a copy of survey results (full or summary). Additionally, we are asking what would be the ideal outlet for providing updates on results.
How long will this take?
The interviews are brief. Most interviews, depending on the length of responses, will last 10-15 minutes.
Can I take the survey home and do it later?
We are exploring the potential for a mail back version of the survey. It would be self-addressed and postage paid, and individuals would be able to take it home to fill out and mail it back. Currently we are just doing in-person interviews.
How is this survey different from what the State does [Hawai'i Marine Recreational Fishing Survey (HMRFS)]?
- HMFRS is primarily concerned with recreational catch and effort estimates.
- While we ask for annual estimates of catch, this study focuses primarily on your economic contribution to the state of Hawai'i.
How is this survey different from the 2006 economic add-on to HMRFS?
- While the questions are similar to the 2006 economic add-on, HMFRS specifically targeted recreational fishers and focused on per trip expenditures.
- Our study targets non-recreational fishers (full-time commercial, part-time commercial 'expense', subsistence) and tries to get estimates of annual expenditures for boat repair, maintenance, and gear purchases to better understand their economic contribution to the state of Hawai’i.
This study is a logical complement to the HMRFS study. Data from the 2006 HMRFS economic add-on on recreational fishing, coupled with the results of this study on non-recreational fishing, will provide a complete picture of the economic contribution of small boat fishing to the state of Hawai'i.
I am a recreational fisherman. Can I participate in this study?
Yes. The more information we receive from Hawai'i fishers, the easier it will be to accurately portray the economics of small boat fishing in Hawai'i.
