Fisheries scientists seek economic data on Southeast Alaska fisheries

What is the contribution of fishing and seafood processing to the Southeast Alaska economy? Scientists at NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center are seeking improved data on that topic by asking a small number of Southeast Alaska fishermen and processors to voluntarily participate in the Southeast Alaska Fisheries Economic Activity Survey.

Respondents to the survey will contribute data that will help decision makers—local and state governments, businesses, fisheries managers and others—to better make decisions that would increase the long-run economic benefits to those who engage in fishing activities.

Commercial fishing and seafood processing contribute to the region's economy by providing jobs for fishing vessel skippers and crew, processor line workers and supervisors. Investments in the owning and operating of a vessel or seafood processing plant also boost the economy.

The survey asks about vessel or processor characteristics, labor payments, and other operation-related spending, including what portion of the spending is made in Southeast Alaska communities.

Because of the sensitivity of the information to be collected, NOAA’s Fisheries Service wants to assure respondents that all data will be handled confidentially. Each individual survey will be handled only by the researchers and destroyed upon completion of the study. Only summary survey results will be reported to the public and no data identifying individual vessels or businesses will be revealed.

A small number of fishermen and processors have been randomly selected to receive the survey. Participation in the survey is strictly voluntary. The survey should only take about 20 minutes to complete.

Selected fishermen will receive a questionnaire by mail in late January. Vessel registrants receiving the questionnaire can respond via mail or by logging onto a secure website. A link to the secure website will be provided in the survey packet. Processors in the selected sample will be contacted by phone to arrange for a personal interview.

Source: NOAA"

WorldFishingToday d. 19-01-2011