ESAS SS 062311 part b

SUPPORTING STATEMENT
ECONOMIC SURVEYS OF AMERICAN SAMOA, GUAM, AND THE
COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (CNMI) SMALL
BOAT-BASED FISHERIES
OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-XXXX

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
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.
Potential Respondent Universe
The potential respondent universe, approximated from WPacFIN’s estimation, can be defined in
two aspects: in terms of the number of unique small fishing boats fishing and the number of fishing
trips on an annual basis. Table 2 below shows the estimated number of small fishing boats in the
three island areas. The combined survey population (boats) is 845.
Table 2. Estimated Number of Small Fishing Boats
506
Guam
300
Saipan
39
American Samoa
Total
845
(Source: NOAA PIFSC – WPacFIN, unpublished data)
For the potential respondent universe in terms of number of fishing trips, it is estimated from the
expanded number of trips derived from the creel survey using the expansion systems developed by
WPacFIN (creel survey expansion methodologies detailed in Hamm and Quach 1 (1988, included
as a supplementary document)). The total number of fishing trips is approximated at 11,300 in
Guam, 9,200 in Saipan, and 950 in American Samoa. Table 3 below shows the actual averages of
2006 to 2008.
Table 3. Estimated Total Number of Trips Derived from Creel Survey (2006-2008)
2006-2008 Average
11,304
Guam
9,201
Saipan
950
American Samoa
Total
21,455
(Source: NOAA PIFSC – WPacFIN, unpublished data)

1

Hamm, David and Michael Quach. 1988. Fishery Statistics of the Western Pacific, Volume III. Pacific Islands
Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, NOAA, Honolulu, HI 96822-2396. Administrative
Report H-88-04, p172.

Sampling and Other Respondent Selection Methods
The sampling frame of the Boat-based Interview of creel survey was developed by WPacFIN and
the three local fisheries agencies as described in Question 4. Interviews are conducted several
times a month (4 to 10 times) using a systematic random sampling protocol at sites (ramps/docks)
that are actively used for launching fishing boats. Sample dates are drawn for monthly sampling
which continues throughout the year. Each selected sample date contains two shifts: AM and PM.
The data collection efforts are organized and carried out by the local fisheries agencies. An
interview is conducted during the shift time by well-trained fisheries staff at the scheduled site
when fishermen return from their fishing trip.
Expected Response Rate
According to WPacFIN, the past response rate from the Boat-based Interview was 95% in Saipan
and American Samoa respectively, and 80% in Guam. In addition, prior research in fishery
economic performance in the Pacific Islands Area also achieved relatively high response rates.
Cost-earnings study of the Hawaii-based domestic longline fleet by Joint Institute for Marine and
Atmospheric Research (JIMAR) achieved a response rate of 90% in 1993 2. In this study, personal
interviews were conducted with vessel owners and operators. Economic trip expenditure survey
of the Hawaii longline fishery by PIFSC achieved a response rate of 71% in 2007 3. This economic
survey was an add-on to the existing data collection program through a NMFS observer program;
that is, observers collected economic data from the sampled longline fishing trips while collecting
the other fisheries-related data. Based on the past research experiences, we are confident that we
can expect a relatively high response rate for our surveys.
The detailed sampling design for the economic survey is shown in Table 4. The intercept sample
sizes are estimated based on the target number of surveys and response rates from the past creel
survey experience.
Table 4. Sampling Design & Response Rate for the Economic Add-on to the Creel Survey
2006-2008 Average
Guam
Saipan
American Samoa
506
300
39
Total number of boats (population)*
250
143
32
Intercept survey sample
80%
95%
95%
Expected response rate*
200
136
30
Target number of surveys (boats)*
11,304
9,201
Total number of trips (population)*
750
286
Intercept survey sample
80%
95%
Expected response rate*
600
272
Target number of surveys (trips)*
*(Source: NOAA PIFSC – WPacFIN, unpublished data)

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950
95
95%
90

Hamilton, M.S., R.E. Curtis, and M.D. Travis. Cost-Earnings Study of the Hawaii-Based Domestic Longline Fleet.
SOEST 96-03, JIMAR Contribution 96-300.
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http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/economics/economic_performance_of_the_hawaii_longline_fishery.php

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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 sampling methodology of the proposed survey will follow the Boat-based Interview as our
survey is an ‘add-on’ portion to the creel survey. The Boat-based Creel Survey programs in the
three island areas have been running for over 20 years. The creel survey is conducted several times
a month, based on random sampling by type of day (weekday/weekend/ holiday) at sites that are
actively used for launching fishing boats, throughout the year on an ongoing basis. Details of the
survey locations, minimum survey days and shift times are shown in Appendix A. An interview is
conducted by well-trained fisheries staff at the scheduled site when fishermen return from their
fishing trip. Boats are chosen on a first-come-first-served basis for interviews, with the priority
being for collecting boat log data first and interviews second. When too many boats return at the
same time and cannot all be interviewed, staff prioritize interviews so that boats fishing with the
least-encountered fishing methods for the past month are interviewed first.
Using the trip population and target number of surveys (trips), the sampling errors at the 95%
confidence level are 4% for Guam and American Samoa and 5% for Saipan. This level of
accuracy will provide good estimation of fishing expenses in general. The data collected will be
used for descriptive and economic analyses. Detailed economic analyses can be found in Section
A, Question 2.
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.
Strategy to Maximize Response Rates
Several steps will be taken to maximize the response rates. First, all staff members are trained for
in-person interviewing technique to make sure survey is administered properly. This includes
requesting permission to do the interview. Second, the participation is completely voluntary. If
the interviewers feel the fisherman does not want to participate, they immediately terminate the
survey and thank the fisherman for the time. Third, the survey is short in length, with only five
major trip cost items and one question about engine type will be asked; the estimated time to
complete the questions is 5 to 10 minutes. Fourth, we have tested the survey with 5 fishermen in
Guam to make sure the question wording is easy to understand.
Non-Response
We will attempt follow-up calls to non-respondents. In addition, the boat log survey conducted at
the same shift as the interview records the boats going out for fishing by type of fishing method.
The boat registration number is recorded on the boat logs and also on the completed interviews so
that respondents and non-respondents can be identified by fishing method. If there is a significant
difference between the two groups, weights can be applied when estimating the total fishing
expenses.

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Accuracy and Reliability of the Information
Because the fishing expense data will be collected right after the fishing trip is completed, it is
expected that the fisherman will have good recall and can provide accurate data of the fishing
expenses.
In addition, to ensure the quality of the collected data, all staff in the creel survey programs
undergoes quality assurance and quality control training for data handling, backing up the
database, and archiving the raw data.
Based on the past creel survey response rates, we should have an adequate sample size for reliable
estimates of fishing expenses. The sample mean is expected to be within 5% of sampling error at
the 95% confidence level.
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.
We pre-tested the survey with 5 fishermen to make the instrument easier to understand and
complete.
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.
Dr. Minling Pan, economist and program lead of the WPacFIN, and David Hamm, employed by
the NMFS, were consulted on the statistical design 4. The creel survey fieldworkers/crew in the
three local agencies will collect the data (as listed in Section A, Question 4). NMFS economists
will oversee the data collection program, and NMFS social scientists and WPRFMC staff and the
local agencies will use the data for regulatory analysis.
Appendix A. Creel Survey: Boat-Based Interview Sampling Location and Time
Minimum Survey Days
Shift: Day
Shift: Night
GUAM
Agana Boat Basin
Agat Harbor
Merizo Pier
SAIPAN
Sugar Dock, Fishing Base,
Smiling Cove
AMERICAN SAMOA
Main docking area between
Fagatogo and Pago

2 weekdays, 2 weekends (per month)
1 weekday, 1 weekend (per month)
1 weekday, 1 weekend (per month)

5:00-12:00
5:30-12:00
6:00-11:00

16:00-24:00
16:00-24:00
16:00-24:00

9 weekends and 9 weekdays (per quarter)

13:00-18:00

20:00-2:00

4 weekdays per week and 2 Saturday per
month

5:00-13:00

17:00-1:00

Sources: NOAA PIFSC, Guam Boat-based Creel Survey Documentation, 2008, unpublished.
NOAA PIFSC, Saipan’s Boat-based Creel Survey Documentation, 2008, unpublished.
American Samoa: http://www.pifsc.noaa.gov/wpacfin/as/Pages/as_coll_2.php.

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Dr. Minling Pan and David Hamm, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service and
be reached at 808-944-2190 and 808-983-5330, respectively.

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