Survey of hired captains and crew

Socio-Economic Surveys of Hired Captains and Crew in New England and Mid-Atlantic Commercial Fisheries

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

What is the purpose of the survey?

This survey is an effort by the Social Science Branch of the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center to assess the current social and economic conditions of commercial fishing crews (includes hired captains) in the New England and Mid-Atlantic States for which little is known. The survey is a follow-up to a baseline study conducted in 2011/2012 and will allow for comparisons to determine how and why commercial crew working conditions may have changed over time. Data to be collected include demographic information on crew, wage calculations systems, well-being, fishing practices, job satisfaction, job opportunities, and attitudes toward fisheries management.

Why does your participation matter?

We simply do not know much about the experiences of commercial fishing crew members and yet they are a critical part of the commercial fishing industry. The majority of economic and social information collected has tended to focus on vessel owners. The results of this survey will not only help fisheries managers understand what is going on in crew members’ lives but also the impacts of management decisions on commercial crew. Your participation is extremely valuable in helping improve and shape fishery management decisions.

What type of information is being collected?

Social and economic information will be collected from commercial crew. Examples of information collected on the survey include: demographic information, job opportunities, job satisfaction, wage system calculations, and well-being.

Who are we asking to participate?

Survey participants include commercial crew in the New England and Mid-Atlantic states. Since there is no database of registered crew, participants will be intercepted on the docks at major ports.

Who is conducting this survey?

NOAA Fisheries Northeast Fisheries Science Center Social Science Branch is conducting this survey. We conduct applied economic and sociocultural research on the management of commercial and recreational fisheries. It is our com­mitment to perform independent, relevant, and accessible research aimed at providing useful input to the decision-making process in fisheries management.

When is this survey being conducted?

The survey will begin in August 2018 and last approximately three-four months.

How long will this survey take?

The survey will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. However, times may vary.

How do I benefit from participating?

Information you share will be anonymous and combined with data from other respondents. It will be used, in aggregate form, in an assessment to evaluate the current social and economic conditions of commercial fishing crews.

How will I be sure my data is anonymous?

Data collected will be kept anonymous 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 anonymous. All economic data will be aggregated into statistical form for all reports.

If you have any questions, contact:

Lisa Colburn, Ph.D.

lisa.l.colburn@noaa.gov

401-782-3253