These data represent a cost-earnings study of boat based fishing in the Mariana Archipelago fielded in 2018. Data collected include fisher classification, vessel characteristics, levels of investment, trip-level expenditures, fishing behavior, market participation, social aspects of the fishery, and demographics. Additionally, attitudes and perceptions towards fisheries management agencies and current and future management tools are described.

Data contains information on demographics, fishing practices and vessel gear characteristics of Puerto Rican commercial fishermen

These data represent a cost-earnings study of the boat based fishing in the Mariana Archipelago fielded in 2011. Data collected include fisher classification, vessel characteristics, levels of investment, trip-level expenditures, fishing behavior, market participation, social aspects of the fishery, and demographics. Additionally, attitudes and perceptions towards fisheries management agencies and current and future management tools are described.

To assist the Caribbean Fishery Management Council in managing marine living resources in the United States Virgin Islands, the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) collected economic cost data from commercial fishermen in July 2014. Surveys were administered in-person during the annual registration process. Per-trip and fixed cost estimates are included. This data set includes survey results merged with individual landings from the territorial governments logbook program. Summary results and forms can be found at http://www.sefsc.noaa.gov/socialscience/CrossonUSVI2015.htm

These data represent a cost-earnings study of the American Samoa small boat fishery. The data were collected in 2021 regarding 2020 fishing operations. Data collected include fisher classification, vessel characteristics, levels of investment, trip-level expenditures, fishing behavior, market participation, social aspects of the fishery, and demographics.

This data set contains catch (landed catch) and effort for fishing trips made by vessels fishing in Puerto Rico. The catch and effort data for the entire trip are reported on a single form (i.e., one form per trip). The types of information required on this trip form includes information on the quantity (reported in pounds) caught for each species, the area of catch, the type and quantity of gear, the date of departure and return, the dealer and location (county and state where the trip is unloaded), the duration of the trip (time away from dock), an estimate of the fishing time, and the number of crew are included on this form.

This dataset contains the data that were collected as part of a six volume report series on the socioeconomics of visitor use of Puerto Rico’s coral reef ecosystems. Two main surveys were conducted for reef-using visitors to Puerto Rico: the Airport Survey and the CUSTOMER On-site Survey. The first component of the Airport Survey consisted of an on-site survey at the airport on flights leaving Puerto Rico. Information was obtained on place of permanent residence, time of arrival and departure for each participant's current trip to Puerto Rico, number of nights in Puerto Rico on trip, number in the party 16 years and older, and number in party under 16 years of age. Demographic information (e.g., age, gender, race/ethnicity, household income and ownership of second home in Puerto Rico) was also part of this survey. In addition, the survey included questions about recreation activity by type of activity, mode of access (shore, private boat, rental boat or for hire boat), region of activity (five regions), and number in the party that did the activity). Number of trips to Puerto Rico and number of day spent in Puerto Rico over the last 12 month was also asked. The Airport survey was done in the winter and summer seasons). The airport survey also had a mailback component. This consisted of two surveys handed to reef-using visitors after completing the On-site Airport survey; an expenditures and satisfaction mailback. Detailed expenditures were obtained and the number in the party the expenditures covered. The satisfaction mailback obtained ratings on 25 natural resource attributes, facilities and services on both importance and satisfaction with each item. Special issue questions were also included here. The CUSTOMER On-site survey was done at hotels, marinas, dive shops, charter/guide boat access points, parks and beaches where reef-using visitors could be found. This survey obtained activity participation and use as in the Airport On-site survey, but added the dimension of intensity of use measured in person-days and number of dives for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. Again this was done by region and season. this survey also included the willingness to pay questions for the non-market economic values of reef attribute conditions. The survey also included demographic information much like the Airport Survey.

This fish and benthic composition database is the result of a multifaceted effort described below. The intent of this work is five fold: 1) To spatially characterize and monitor the distribution, abundance, and size of both reef fishes and macro-invertebrates (conch, lobster, Diadema); 2) To relate this information to in-situ data collected on associated benthic composition parameters; 3) To use this information to establish the knowledge base necessary for enacting management decisions in a spatial setting; 4) To establish the efficacy of those management decisions; and 5) To work with the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program to develop data collection standards and easily implemented methodologies for transference to other agencies and to work toward standardizing data collection throughout the US states and territories. Toward this end, the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment's Biogeography Branch (BB) has been conducting research in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands since 2000 and 2001, respectively. It is critical, with recent changes in management at both locations (e.g. implementation of MPAs) as well as proposed changes (e.g. zoning to manage multiple human uses) that action is taken now to accurately describe and characterize the fish/macro-invertebrate populations in these areas. It is also important that BB work closely with the individuals responsible for recommending and implementing these management strategies. Recognizing this, BB has been collaborating with partners at the University of Puerto Rico, National Park Service, US Geological Survey and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. To quantify patterns of spatial distribution and make meaningful interpretations, we must first have knowledge of the underlying variables determining species distribution. The basis for this work therefore, is the nearshore benthic habitats maps (less than 100 ft depth) created by NOAA's Biogeography Program in 2001 and NOS' bathymetry models. Using ArcView GIS software, the digitized habitat maps are stratified to select sampling stations. Sites are randomly selected within these strata to ensure coverage of the entire study region and not just a particular reef or seagrass area. At each site, fish, macro-invertebrates, and benthic composition information is then quantified following standardized protocols. By relating the data collected in the field back to the habitat maps and bathymetric models, BB is able to model and map species level and community level information. These protocols are standardized throughout the US Caribbean to enable quantification and comparison of reef fish abundance and distribution trends between locations. Armed with the knowledge of where "hot spots" of species richness and diversity are likely to occur in the seascape, the BB is in a unique position to answer questions about the efficacy of marine zoning strategies (e.g. placement of no fishing, anchoring, or snorkeling locations), and what locations are most suitable for establishing MPAs. Knowledge of the current status of fish/macro-invertebrate communities coupled with longer term monitoring will enable evaluation of management efficacy, thus it is essential to future management actions. Starting in 2010, the regular La Parguera survey area was extended eastward to encompass the Guanica Bay region. The purpose of this modification was to conduct a baseline assessment of fish, macro-invertebrates (conch, lobster, Diadema) and benthic communities in support of Guanica Bay watershed restoration, and then to monitor changes over time. A watershed management plan was developed in 2008 by the Center for Watershed Protection, in cooperation with various Divisions of Puerto Rico DNER and NOAA, to identify priority management recommendations and implementation strategies for the Guanica watershed based on input from local experts, observations from on-the-ground assessments, and a comprehensive review of

These data represent a cost-earnings study of the Hawaii small boat fishery in 1995-1996. Data collected include fisher classification, vessel characteristics, levels of investment, trip-level expenditures, fishing behavior, market participation, social aspects of the fishery, and demographics.

This fish and benthic composition database is the result of a multifaceted effort described below. The intent of this work is five fold: 1) To spatially characterize and monitor the distribution, abundance, and size of both reef fishes and macro-invertebrates (conch, lobster, Diadema); 2) To relate this information to in-situ data collected on associated benthic composition parameters; 3) To use this information to establish the knowledge base necessary for enacting management decisions in a spatial setting; 4) To establish the efficacy of those management decisions; and 5) To work with the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program to develop data collection standards and easily implemented methodologies for transference to other agencies and to work toward standardizing data collection throughout the US states and territories. Toward this end, the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment's Biogeography Branch (BB) has been conducting research in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands since 2000 and 2001, respectively. It is critical, with recent changes in management at both locations (e.g. implementation of MPAs) as well as proposed changes (e.g. zoning to manage multiple human uses) that action is taken now to accurately describe and characterize the fish/macro-invertebrate populations in these areas. It is also important that BB work closely with the individuals responsible for recommending and implementing these management strategies. Recognizing this, BB has been collaborating with partners at the University of Puerto Rico, National Park Service, US Geological Survey and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. To quantify patterns of spatial distribution and make meaningful interpretations, we must first have knowledge of the underlying variables determining species distribution. The basis for this work therefore, is the nearshore benthic habitats maps (less than 100 ft depth) created by NOAA's Biogeography Program in 2001 and NOS' bathymetry models. Using ArcView GIS software, the digitized habitat maps are stratified to select sampling stations. Sites are randomly selected within these strata to ensure coverage of the entire study region and not just a particular reef or seagrass area. At each site, fish, macro-invertebrates, and benthic composition information is then quantified following standardized protocols. By relating the data collected in the field back to the habitat maps and bathymetric models, BB is able to model and map species level and community level information. These protocols are standardized throughout the US Caribbean to enable quantification and comparison of reef fish abundance and distribution trends between locations. Armed with the knowledge of where "hot spots" of species richness and diversity are likely to occur in the seascape, the BB is in a unique position to answer questions about the efficacy of marine zoning strategies (e.g. placement of no fishing, anchoring, or snorkeling locations), and what locations are most suitable for establishing MPAs. Knowledge of the current status of fish/macro-invertebrate communities coupled with longer term monitoring will enable evaluation of management efficacy, thus it is essential to future management actions. Starting in 2010, the regular La Parguera survey area was extended eastward to encompass the Guanica Bay region. The purpose of this modification was to conduct a baseline assessment of fish, macro-invertebrates (conch, lobster, Diadema) and benthic communities in support of Guanica Bay watershed restoration, and then to monitor changes over time. A watershed management plan was developed in 2008 by the Center for Watershed Protection, in cooperation with various Divisions of Puerto Rico DNER and NOAA, to identify priority management recommendations and implementation strategies for the Guanica watershed based on input from local experts, observations from on-the-ground assessments, and a comprehensive review of