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pdfSUPPORTING STATEMENT
ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE COMMERCIAL STONE CRAB
AND LOBSTER FISHERIES IN FLORIDA
OMB CONTROL NO.: 0648-xxxx
B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
(If your collection does not employ statistical methods, just say that and delete the following five
questions from the format.)
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.
Florida stone crab and spiny lobster fisheries:
The following table presents numbers of fishermen and landings for the stone crab and lobster
fisheries in Florida, by county of landing during 2004. Corresponding data for 2005 were
incomplete as of May 2006 when data were obtained from the Florida Trip Ticket database.
The stone crab fishery occurs primarily from Monroe County (i.e., the Florida Keys) and
northward along the west coast of Florida. Fishermen in Monroe, Collier, Pinellas and Citrus
counties account for approximately 80% of total landings of stone crab. The lobster fishery
occurs primarily from Monroe County and northward along the east coast of Florida. Fishermen
in Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties account for approximately 97% of total landings of
lobsters.
Commercial fishermen in Monroe County, including stone crab and lobster fishermen, were
surveyed previously in studies sponsored by NOAA’s National Ocean Service (OMB Control
No.: 0648-0534). The proposed study will not duplicate these efforts. Instead, it will focus on
stone crab and lobster fishermen in west coast counties and the Miami River area in Miami-Dade
County, which encompass the bulk of the stone crab and lobster fishery other than in Monroe
County. Study results will be presented as pertaining only to those areas that actually were
sampled.
FISHERMEN WHO LANDED STONE CRABS AND/OR LOBSTERS IN FLORIDA, BY COUNTY IN 2004
FL TRIP TICKET DATA OBTAINED ON MAY 26, 2006
STATE
FL East
COUNTY
Nassau
PEOPLE
WITH
STONE
CRAB
3
PCT
0.2%
POUNDS
STONE
CRAB
193
PCT
0.0%
PEOPLE
WITH
LOBSTER
1
PCT
POUNDS
LOBSTERS
0.1%
228
PCT
0.0%
Duval
5
0.4%
140
0.0%
9
0.8%
3,911
0.1%
St. Johns
5
0.4%
602
0.0%
2
0.2%
585
0.0%
Volusia
11
0.8%
3,117
0.1%
13
1.2%
3,827
0.1%
1
Flagler
1
0.1%
121
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
Brevard
19
1.5%
2,005
0.1%
19
1.7%
10,106
0.2%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
9
0.8%
1,887
0.0%
Indian River
St. Lucie
4
0.3%
144
0.0%
4
0.4%
676
0.0%
Martin
1
0.1%
127
0.0%
19
1.7%
8,470
0.2%
Palm Beach
1
0.1%
30
0.0%
48
4.3%
54,127
1.1%
Broward
9
0.7%
1,422
0.0%
37
3.3%
28,788
0.6%
Miami-Dade
FL West
42
3.2%
25,641
0.9%
98
8.8%
328,696
6.6%
Monroe
503
38.8%
1,073,971
35.8%
820
74.0%
4,514,450
90.6%
Collier
104
8.0%
687,242
22.9%
4
0.4%
22,128
0.4%
69
5.3%
104,511
3.5%
3
0.3%
41
0.0%
Lee
Charlotte
38
2.9%
17,772
0.6%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
Sarasota
25
1.9%
48,511
1.6%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
Manatee
47
3.6%
113,329
3.8%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
Hillsborough
11
0.8%
3,066
0.1%
2
0.2%
86
0.0%
150
11.6%
325,493
10.9%
8
0.7%
5,632
0.1%
29
2.2%
20,781
0.7%
1
0.1%
20
0.0%
Pinellas
Pasco
Hernando
21
1.6%
17,024
0.6%
1
0.1%
301
0.0%
Citrus
68
5.2%
315,147
10.5%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
Levy
29
2.2%
55,576
1.9%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
Dixie
64
4.9%
90,522
3.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
Taylor
12
0.9%
15,775
0.5%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
Wakulla
19
1.5%
74,845
2.5%
5
0.5%
478
0.0%
Franklin
3
0.2%
2,494
0.1%
3
0.3%
222
0.0%
Bay
2
0.2%
75
0.0%
1
0.1%
10
0.0%
Walton
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
1
0.1%
126
0.0%
Okaloosa
3
0.2%
33
0.0%
0
0.0%
0
0.0%
2,999,705
100.0%
4,984,794
100.0%
TOTAL
Potential Respondent Universe:
The potential respondent universe will be derived from lists of owners of trap certificates for the
stone crab and lobster fisheries in Florida. These lists will be obtained from the State of Florida
in late spring 2007 to insure that the respondent universe is as up-to-date as possible. A
preliminary respondent universe based on data from the Florida Trip Ticket program is presented
below, but this source would not be current enough to use as a respondent universe for sampling
purposes.
Based on data for 2004, there were 770 fishermen who landed stone crab and/or lobsters in the
study area. Some fishermen landed stone crabs and/or lobsters in more than one county. The
table below tabulates only one occurrence for each fisherman according to the county in which
the plurality of pounds were landed. However, pounds are tabulated in the county of landing.
The column labeled ‘People with SPL’ includes 644 fishermen who landed stone crab only, 94
fishermen who landed lobsters only, and 32 fishermen who landed both stone crab and lobsters.
The number of potential respondents in the final respondent universe probably will differ and
will reflect entry into the fishery and exit out of the fishery between 2004 and late spring 2007.
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PRELIMINARY POTENTIAL RESPONDENT UNIVERSE FOR SURVEY OF
STONE CRAB AND LOBSTER FISHERMEN, BY COUNTY IN 2004
FL TRIP TICKET DATA OBTAINED ON MAY 26, 2006
STATE
FL East
FL West
COUNTY
PEOPLE
WITH SPL
PCT
POUNDS
STONE
CRAB /
LOBSTER
PCT
Miami-Dade
113
14.7%
354,336
15.6%
Collier
103
13.4%
709,370
31.2%
69
9.0%
104,552
4.6%
Lee
Charlotte
30
3.9%
17,772
0.8%
Sarasota
20
2.6%
48,511
2.1%
Manatee
45
5.8%
113,329
5.0%
6
0.8%
3,151
0.1%
150
19.5%
331,124
14.6%
18
2.3%
20,801
0.9%
Hillsborough
Pinellas
Pasco
Hernando
19
2.5%
17,325
0.8%
Citrus
64
8.3%
315,147
13.8%
Levy
27
3.5%
55,576
2.4%
Dixie
61
7.9%
90,522
4.0%
Taylor
9
1.2%
15,775
0.7%
Wakulla
24
3.1%
75,323
3.3%
Franklin
6
0.8%
2,716
0.1%
Bay
3
0.4%
85
0.0%
Walton
0
0.0%
126
0.0%
Okaloosa
TOTAL
3
0.4%
33
0.0%
770
100.0%
2,275,572
100.0%
Allocation of Sampling Effort by Area:
The distribution of annual landings per fisherman is skewed, with a relatively small number of
fishermen accounting for a disproportionately large share of total landings. This phenomenon
occurs because fishermen are heterogeneous in their experiences and abilities, and because the
local abundance of stone crabs and lobsters is not uniform across all fishing areas. A simple
random sample of fishermen would result in a relatively large number of low-volume fishermen
and a relatively small number of high-volume fishermen. However, regulations probably would
have their greatest effect on high-volume fishermen. Therefore, the proposed sampling plan is
output-based rather than a simple random sample of fishermen as a means of assuring a more
balanced representation of high-volume and low-volume fishermen in the final sample.
The previous table indicates that Collier, Pinellas, Citrus and Miami-Dade counties together
account for approximately 75% of total annual landings of stone crab and lobster. The sampling
plan divides the study area into five geographic areas: the four primary counties and a fifth area
defined as all other counties combined. The number of fishermen to be sampled in each area will
be proportional to each area’s contribution to total landings for all areas combined. Hence,
Collier, Citrus and Miami-Dade Counties will be over-represented in the final sample when
compared to their relative contributions to the total number of fishermen, and Pinellas and Other
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counties will be under-represented. Based on these data, Collier County would be allocated
31.2% of the interviews although it has only 13.4% of the fishermen. Similarly, the Other region
would be allocated 24.9% of the interviews although it has 44.2% of the fishermen.
The final allocation of sampling effort will be based on data to be compiled in late spring 2007.
Florida Trip Ticket data will be used if data for 2006 are reasonably complete. If data are not
complete, then the allocation of effort will be based on the distribution of ownership of trap
certificates by county as a proxy for landings.
PRELIMINARY ALLOCATION OF SAMPLING EFFORT BY
AREA IN 2004
FL TRIP TICKET DATA OBTAINED ON MAY 26, 2006
SAMPLING AREA
POUNDS STONE CRAB
/ LOBSTER
PERCENT
Miami-Dade
354,336
15.6%
Collier
709,370
31.2%
Pinellas
331,124
14.6%
Citrus
315,147
13.8%
Other
TOTAL
565,595
24.9%
2,275,572
100.0%
Expected Response Rate:
Fishermen will be randomly selected to be interviewed, with the probability of selection differing
among sampling areas. The desired number of interviews in an area is the product of the total
number of interviews for the entire project and the percent of interviews in each area. The
probability of selection is the ratio of the desired number of interviews in each area divided by
the total number of fishermen in that area.
It is recognized that for a variety of reasons we will not be able to complete interviews with all
fishermen who are randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Therefore, the sampling plan
includes an allowance for non-response. The expected response rate of 76% is equal to the
response rate that was realized in the previously cited survey of commercial fishermen in the
Florida Keys (OMB Control No.: 0648-0534), which included fishermen that would be in our
respondent universe if they had not already been surveyed. In that survey, researchers completed
298 interviews from 391 commercial fishermen who were contacted.
We believe that 76% is a realistic expectation because it was achieved in a recently completed
survey by the same researchers who will conduct the proposed study, with a questionnaire that
included some of the same questions as on the proposed questionnaire, and on a respondent
universe that covered the same fisheries and fishing practices as utilized by potential respondents
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in the proposed study. These researchers have been selected for the proposed survey based on
their familiarity with local fishing communities and practices in Florida and their experience in
administering these types of intercept surveys. Nevertheless, we plan several actions to
maximize response rates, including
a. Publicizing the survey: Local industry organizations and State and federal port
agents will be contacted to provide a cooperative "umbrella". The primary benefit
of this step is to minimize unfavorable misinformation based on rumors that may
develop as the interviewing progresses. Interviewers can offer these sources as
references for the validity and importance of the study.
b. Using experienced and qualified interviewers: Manoj Shivlani has conducted
numerous surveys of commercial fishermen in the Florida Keys and the US
Caribbean, and has established a rapport with the fishing community that
encourages participation and cooperation with his research.
c. Training interviewers about the purposes of this survey, how the data will be used,
and the importance of obtaining all the necessary data and in the detail required:
The questionnaire will be reviewed, question-by-question, to ensure that each
interviewer understands the intent of each one and knows whether a response to a
question is in the proper context and makes sense. Manoj Shivlani will stress the
importance of checking responses to key questions with respondents during and
after the interview to make sure numbers add up and to provide respondents with a
second chance to see if they make sense.
d. Emphasizing the confidentiality of responses to assure respondents that information
that identifies an individual with their responses will not be released.
The analysis of data will include a comparison of Florida Trip Ticket data for respondents and
non-respondents to determine if non-respondents differ from respondents in terms of their
reported fishing effort and landings.
Sampling Plan:
We have contracted with Manoj Shivlani at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine
and Atmospheric Science to conduct between 150 and 175 interviews with stone crab and lobster
fishermen. The preliminary sampling plan in the table below is based on the maximum of 175
interviews, and includes an expected overall response rate of 76%. Therefore, approximately
230 contacts with fishermen will be required to yield 175 completed interviews. (Columns in the
table below add to 231 contacts and 174 interviews because information is rounded to the nearest
integer.) The preliminary sampling plan includes 27 interviews in Miami-Dade County, 55
interviews in Collier County, 26 interviews in Pinellas County, 24 interviews in Citrus County,
and 43 interviews elsewhere. Sampling intensity will be greatest in Collier and Citrus Counties
where average landings per fisherman are greatest, and will be lowest in Pinellas County and
Other areas where average landings are lowest. The selection probabilities will be used to
weight individual observations in all analyses that combine data across sampling areas.
The final sampling plan will be established during the late spring 2007, with the number of
fishermen in each county to be determined by the locations of fishermen who own trap
certificates.
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PRELIMINARY SAMPLING PLAN BASED N A 76% RESPONSE RATE
FL TRIP TICKET DATA OBTAINED ON MAY 26, 2006
SAMPLING
AREA
PEOPLE
WITH SPL
POUNDS STONE
CRAB / LOBSTER
PCT
NUMBER
OF
CONTACTS
EXPECTED
NUMBER OF
INTERVIEWS
SELECTION
PROBABILITY
Miami-Dade
113
354,336
15.6%
36
27
24.1%
Collier
103
709,370
31.2%
72
55
53.0%
Pinellas
150
331,124
14.6%
34
25
17.0%
64
315,147
13.8%
32
24
37.9%
Citrus
Other
340
565,595
24.9%
57
43
12.8%
TOTAL
770
2,275,572
100.0%
231
174
22.7%
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 frequent than annual) data
collection cycles to reduce burden.
The potential respondent universe will be stratified by area with unequal selection probabilities,
as discussed in Part B, response #1. Members within each stratum will be assigned numbers
from a uniform random number generator and then sorted according to number. Contact
information for the first X members within each stratum will be provided to the research team,
where X differs by stratum and refers to the number of fishermen to be contacted. Interviewers
will make up to 8 attempts to contact each fisherman on the contact list, although more than 8
contacts will be attempted if the interviewer has the opportunity to do so before funding is
exhausted.
Stratum means and totals and population means and totals will be estimated with the aid of
standard statistical texts such as Cochran 1 (1963) and Thompson 2 (1992). More complex
analyses of cost data using econometric regression techniques will be explored.
This is a one-time survey, although we anticipate the need to collect updated data every 5-10
years, with the periodicity of the data collection determined by the degree to which economic
conditions and harvesting costs in the fishery change over time and the frequency with which
management plans are amended. See Part A, response #6.
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.
1
2
Cochran, William G. 1963. Sampling Techniques (second edition). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, 413p.
Thompson, Steven K. 1992. Sampling. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, 343p.
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Commercial fishermen may be difficult to contact because of their unstructured work schedules,
with fishing activity dependent on suitable weather conditions and regulated season openings and
closures.
Several steps will be taken to maximize response rates. A contractor has been selected for his
survey experience and familiarity with local fishing communities and practices in Florida. The
personal interview format is preferred for this data collection over electronic reporting, mail or
telephone surveys as a method of achieving better response rates and more accurate data because
interviewers in face-to-face interviews can establish a better rapport with respondents. Trained
interviewers will conduct in-person surveys at times and places that are convenient to fishermen
as a means of minimizing potential disruptions to fishermen’s fishing practices. Other methods
used to maximize response rates are discussed in Part B, response #1.
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.
Many of the questions in the proposed data collection were successfully used in a previous data
collection (OMB Control No.: 0648-0534) by NOAA’s National Ocean Service and Thomas J.
Murray & Associates, who interviewed fishermen in the Florida Keys where the bulk of the
lobster fishery and a large portion of the stone crab fishery is located. Manoj Shivlani led the
interviewing effort for Thomas J. Murray & Associates and will lead the interview team for the
proposed data collection. The proposed questionnaire is an abbreviated and modified form of the
previous questionnaire. Mr. Shivlani plans to pre-test the proposed survey instrument in the field
with 9 or fewer fishermen.
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.
James Waters, industry economist employed by the SEFSC, identified the preliminary sampling
universe to be studied and prepared the preliminary sampling design. He can be contacted by
telephone at 252-728-8710 or by e-mail at Jim.Waters@noaa.gov. Data will be used primarily in
analyses of proposed regulations by economists employed by the SEFSC (e.g., Waters) and the
Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.
Manoj Shivlani, research associate employed by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of
Marine and Atmospheric Science, will lead the research team of interviewers that will contact
fishermen, conduct interviews, and enter the resulting data into a database for use by the SEFSC.
He can be contracted by telephone at (305) 421-4608 or by e-mail at
mshivlani@rsmas.miami.edu. He has consulted with us during the development of the proposed
questionnaire and sampling design.
7
| File Type | application/pdf |
| File Title | SUPPORTING STATEMENT |
| Author | Richard Roberts |
| File Modified | 2007-03-12 |
| File Created | 2007-03-12 |