Washington and Oregon Marine Charter Fishing 2012 Calendar Year Cost and Earnings Survey

Northwest Fisheries Science Center

NOAA Fisheries

2725 Montlake Blvd E.

Seattle, WA 98112

Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission

205 SE Spokane St, Suite 100

Portland, OR 97202

Washington and Oregon Charter Vessel

2012 Calendar Year

Cost and Earnings Survey

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this survey being conducted?

This survey is being conducted to collect information needed to increase the understanding of the important economic contributions of the Washington and Oregon charter fishery. This survey is an updated version of a survey completed in 2007. The results of the prior survey have enabled the estimated contribution in terms of jobs and economic output that charter businesses have in coastal communities. The data you provide you provide in this updated survey will enable improvements of these estimates and build understanding of the current economic conditions, and obstacles faced by charter businesses.

How long will the survey take?

The survey will take approximately one hour to complete.

What do I need to bring to my scheduled interview?

You should bring with you your accounting books containing your cost and earnings data from the 2012 calendar year, and information on the number and type of trips you took during 2012.

How do I benefit from participating?

Your participation is voluntary, however, through participation you will increase the understanding of the charter fishery in Washington and Oregon. Leaders in charterboat associations have supplied feedback to this survey to make the information collected valuable to charter vessel owners. Sharing your experience in the fishery will help provide information needed to estimate the economic impact and number of jobs supported by charter fishing in Washington and Oregon. Additionally, information will be used to understand the impact that changes in environmental, economic, and management conditions have had on the fishery. The results of the survey will be available online.

How will I be sure my data is confidential?

Data collected will be kept confidential as required by section 402(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act and NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, Confidentiality of Fisheries Statistics, and will not be released for public use except in aggregate statistical form without identification as to its source. Participation or lack of participation in the survey will remain confidential. All economic data will be aggregated into statistical form for all reports.

How will my data be used?

Your data, combined with data from all the other respondents, will form a critical component of a research study evaluating the economic contributions of the Washington and Oregon charter fishing, and the effects that changes in environmental, economic, and management conditions may have on the industry. Additionally, the questionnaire was developed in cooperation with leaders in industry associations to collect data that would be useful for the betterment of the industry.

If you have any further questions or concerns pertaining to this survey, please contact Jerry Leonard, by telephone at 206-302-1742 or by email at jerry.leonard@noaa.gov.