2012 National

Ocean Recreation

Expenditure Survey

U.S. Department of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Marine Fisheries Service

NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/SPO-185

July 2018

2012 National

Ocean Recreation

Expenditure Survey

R. Kosaka1 and S. Steinback2

1 NOAA Fisheries, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 110 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

2 NOAA Fisheries, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA 02543

NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/SPO-185

July 2018

U.S. Department of Commerce

Wilbur Ross, Jr., Secretary of Commerce

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RDML Tim Gallaudet, Ph.D., USN Ret., Acting NOAA Administrator

National Marine Fisheries Service

Chris Oliver, Assistant Administrator for Fisheries

Cover: Looking for a place to fish after a long day at work. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Minling Pan
ii

Suggested Citation

Kosaka, R. and S. Steinback. 2018. 2012 National Ocean Recreation Expenditure Survey, National Report. U.S. 

Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-F/SPO-185, 102 p.

A copy of this report may be obtained from:

Economics and Social Analysis Division

Office of Science and Technology

National Marine Fisheries Service

1315 East-West Highway, 12th floor

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Or online at:

https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/tech-memos

NOTE: An earlier version of this report was published online as TMSPO185_0.pdf. Data in Table 1.2 (3rd column) 

on page 10 has been corrected in this updated version.
iii

Preface

Preface

Summary

Residents from across the United States recreate on, in, 

and in view of our Nation’s oceans and marine coasts. 

Ocean and coastal areas that include bays, estuaries, 

coastal wetlands, and saltwater bayous support a 

wide range of recreation activities from swimming 

and boating to wildlife viewing and recreational 

shellfishing. The National Marine Fisheries Service 

(NOAA Fisheries) has a rich tradition of collecting 

economic, social, and cultural information related to 

marine recreational finfishing activities across the U.S. 

In 2012 – 2013, NOAA Fisheries expanded the scope 

of its research to include non-fishing marine recreation 

activities, an acknowledgement that increasing our 

understanding of the broader context within which 

fishing activities occur provides a more ecosystemfocused perspective to marine resource management. 

The National Ocean Recreation Expenditure Survey 

(NORES) was implemented to collect data for 

estimating annual participation (number of people) 

and effort (number of days) levels, and annual spending 

associated with a wide range of ocean and coastal 

activities. Nationwide, it is estimated that nearly 49 

million people participated in ocean and coastal 

recreation in 2012. These individuals enjoyed over 1.2 

billion full and partial days along our marine coasts and 

purchased over $141 billion in ocean recreation-related 

goods and services. These expenditures supported 

over 3.1 million full- and part-time jobs, $409 billion 

in income to businesses, $135 billion to household 

incomes, and $225 billion to Gross Domestic Product 

(GDP or the total value of domestic goods and services). 

This research provides information that supports a 

more informed ecosystem-based approach to managing 

our Nation’s marine resources and may contribute to 

ongoing regional marine spatial planning processes.

Acknowledgements

This research is the result of many people who 

generously provided their advice and expertise.

The original idea and funding for this project came from 

Dr. Rita Curtis, Economics & Social Analysis Division 

Chief, Office of Science & Technology, NOAA Fisheries. 

This national level ocean recreation study would not have 

been possible without her foresight and research support.

Cindy Thomson (NOAA Fisheries, Southwest Fisheries 

Science Center) advised and strongly supported the 

development of this research project.

Sarah Brabson (NOAA Fisheries) provided guidance 

to fulfill the Federal data collection requirements of the 

Paperwork Reduction Act.

Jacqui Fenner (ECS Federal) designed the look and 

layout of this report. Cara Mayo (ECS Federal) provided 

technical assistance.

The following people also provided expertise that 

strengthened the integrity of this research:

NOAA Fisheries: Leif Anderson, Rob Andrews, Ayeisha 

Brinson, David Carter, Justin Hospital, Jennifer Ise, Sonia 

Jarvis, Dan Lew, Aaron Mamula, Michael O’Farrell, Mark 

Plummer, William Roberts, Tom Sminkey, Cameron 

Speir, Melissa Stevens, Eric Thunberg, Joe Terry, Dave 

Van Voorhees, and Kristy Wallmo

GfK Group (formerly Knowledge Networks): Michael 

Lawrence, Poom Nukulkij, Ge Tang, Charles DiSogra, 

and Mansour Fahimi

ECS Federal: Gustavo Rubio

Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission: Alex Miller

Oregon State University: Virginia Lesser
iv
v

Contents

Contents

Preface iii

Summary iii

Acknowledgements iii

Contents v

Tables and Figures vii

List of Tables vii

List of Figures viii

Introduction 1

Methods and Analysis 3

Survey Design and Data Collection 3

Participation and Effort Estimates 4

Durable and Trip Expenditures Estimates 4

Economic Contribution Analysis 5

Results 7

United States 7

Pacific Region 13

New England Region 19

Mid-Atlantic Region 25

South Atlantic Region 31

Gulf of Mexico Region 37

Discussion 43

References 47

Appendices 49

Appendix A. Glossary 49

Appendix B. Detailed Methods and Analysis 51

Appendix C. Total Expenditures by Region

 and Activity

67

Appendix D. Survey Questionnaire

 (English Version)

69
vi
vii

Tables and Figures

Tables and Figures

List of Tables

Section Table Page Results

United States Table 1.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the United States, 2012 9

Table 1.2. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures by Region, 2012 10

Table 1.3. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 12

Pacific

Region

Table 2.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the Pacific Region, 2012 15

Table 2.2. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals)

18

New England 

Region

Table 3.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the New England Region, 2012 21

Table 3.2. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Wildlife & Other Animals)

24

Mid-Atlantic 

Region

Table 4.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the Mid-Atlantic Region, 2012 27

Table 4.2. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals)

30

South Atlantic 

Region

Table 5.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the South Atlantic Region, 2012 33

Table 5.2. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals)

36

Gulf of Mexico 

Region

Table 6.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the Gulf of Mexico Region, 2012 39

Table 6.2. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals)

42

Discussion Table 7.1. Comparison of Ocean Recreation Activities 44

Appendices

Appendix A.

Glossary

Table A.1. Glossary 49

Appendix B.

Detailed 

Methods and 

Analysis

Table B.1. Main survey, March 2012 – September 2013 52

Table B.2. Nonresponse bias test results by wave and demographic characteristics, 2012 – 13 53

Table B.3. Nonresponse follow-up survey (NRFUS), April and October 2012 54

Table B.4. Regions used for data analysis 55

Table B.5. Recreational fishing IMPLAN sectoring scheme 59

Table B.6. Recreational shellfishing IMPLAN sectoring scheme 60

Table B.7. Hunting waterfowl or other animals IMPLAN sectoring scheme 61

Table B.8. Viewing or photographing the ocean IMPLAN sectoring scheme 62

Table B.9. Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items IMPLAN sectoring scheme 63

Table B.10. Water contact sports IMPLAN sectoring scheme 64

Table B.11. Boating and associated activities IMPLAN sectoring scheme 65

Table B.12. Outdoor activities not involving water contact IMPLAN sectoring scheme 66
viii

Tables and Figures

List of Figures

Section Figure Page Results

United States Figure 1.1. National economic contribution of ocean recreation category, 2012 11

Figure 1.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 12

Pacific

Region

Figure 2.1. Regional economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012 16

Figure 2.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 17

New England 

Region

Figure 3.1. Regional economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012 22

Figure 3.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 23

Mid-Atlantic 

Region

Figure 4.1. Regional economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012 28

Figure 4.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 29

South Atlantic 

Region

Figure 5.1. Regional economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012 34

Figure 5.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 35

Gulf of Mexico 

Region

Figure 6.1. Regional economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012 40

Figure 6.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 41
1

Introduction

Introduction

Since 1994, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) has collected economic information from 

recreational anglers across the United States through the design and implementation of surveys. These surveys have 

typically been mail-based questionnaires administered at the region level. The initial survey design for the National 

Ocean Recreation Expenditure Survey (NORES) was based on the experience gained from these early survey efforts 

and the ongoing recreational fishing expenditure studies that the agency continues to execute.

Building on these studies, the National Ocean Recreation Expenditure Survey (NORES) is the first national survey 

undertaken by NOAA Fisheries to estimate participation levels and the number of days (effort) people spent 

enjoying a broad range of ocean and coastal recreation activities. Eight ocean recreation categories were defined 

in the survey questionnaire: recreational fishing; recreational shellfishing; hunting waterfowl or other animals; 

viewing or photographing the ocean; beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items; water contact sports; boating 

and associated activities; and outdoor activities not involving water contact. Households from all 50 states and the 

District of Columbia were included in the sampling design.

In addition to collecting baseline information on participation and effort, data on spending associated with each 

ocean recreation category was collected. This included expense data for durable, ocean recreation-related items 

such as boats, insurance, boat maintenance, fishing rods, binoculars, etc. Data on ocean recreation trip-related items 

were also collected. These included purchases of food, beverages, lodging, visitor fees, etc. These data were used to 

estimate total durable and trip expenditures associated with each item.

Input-output models were then used to estimate the total economic contributions attributable to an ocean 

recreator’s expenditures. Contribution effects were estimated for sales, labor income, value-added, employment, 

and taxes. Sales represents the value of industry production derived from expenditures by ocean recreator’s in each 

region. Labor income includes wages, salaries, benefits, and proprietor’s income generated from ocean recreator’s 

expenditures. Value-added is defined as the difference between an industry’s total sales and the costs of its 

intermediate inputs, and is equivalent to gross domestic product (GDP). Employment reflects the impact of ocean 

recreator’s expenditures on labor requirements within a region, and is measured in both full-time and part-time 

jobs. Finally, taxes denote the income received by federal and state/local governments. It is important to note that 

the first four categories of economic contributions are not mutually exclusive and that adding them together would 

result in double counting.

This report continues with an overview of the primary methods used in this study (Methods and Analysis). More 

detailed information can be found in Appendix B (Detailed Methods and Analysis). Results from this research 

follow the methods overview and are reported in six sections. The first is focused on the United States. The next 

five sections are region-focused: the Pacific Region, the New England Region, the Mid-Atlantic Region, the 

South Atlantic Region, and the Gulf of Mexico Region. These results provide estimates of effort, participation, 

expenditures, and economic contributions attributable to ocean recreation that occurred in these geographic 

areas. The report continues with a discussion of modeling assumptions and how these results compare with other 

ocean recreation studies (Discussion). Finally, supplementary information is provided at the end of this report and 

includes a glossary (Appendix A), more details about survey methods and analysis (Appendix B), where to find 

total expenditure tables by region and activity (Appendix C), and the English version of the survey questionnaire 

(Appendix D).
2
3

Methods and Analysis

Methods and Analysis

Survey Design and Data Collection

The National Ocean Recreation Expenditure Survey (NORES) questionnaire was primarily designed to elicit 

information about participation and effort levels, and expenditure information related to eight ocean recreation 

activity categories. The NORES questionnaire was administered to a sample of households who participated on a 

web-enabled research panel maintained by GfK Group, formerly Knowledge Networks. This panel is designed to 

be statistically representative of the U.S. population and panel members are recruited through probability-based 

sampling methods (i.e., address-based sampling). To ensure the participation of households of varying income 

levels and technology fluency, GfK Group provides internet and computer equipment, as well as technical support 

as needed. Spanish-speaking households are also included on this panel and were sampled for this study. The survey 

was implemented every two months during the 2012-13 time frame to allow for the collection of season-specific 

activity information that may be influenced by changes in weather and temperature. The online format for this 

survey allowed for complex skip patterns that may have been difficult to navigate had it been a paper-based survey. 

Additional details about the sampling design are available in Appendix B.

The NORES focused on the following eight ocean recreation categories: 1) recreational fishing (i.e., recreational 

fishing); 2) recreational shellfishing; 3) hunting waterfowl or other animals; 4) viewing or photographing the ocean; 

5) beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items; 6) water contact sports; 7) boating and associated activities, and 

8) outdoor activities not involving water contact. These categories were intended to be inclusive of all activities that 

might occur on, in, or near the ocean and coast. We defined “ocean recreation” as any activity that occurred “at, 

in, or in view of oceans, bays, estuaries, coastal wetlands, saltwater bayous, or other seawater areas.” Based on this 

definition provided in the survey questionnaire, activities that occurred on the Great Lakes and other inland lakes, 

reservoirs, rivers, and streams were excluded. Each ocean recreation category was defined in the questionnaire to 

aid respondents in assessing whether their activity (e.g., hiking along the coast) was within the scope of the survey 

(e.g., outdoor activities not involving water contact). More detail about the wording of questions and definitions 

provided in the survey are available in Appendix D.

Respondents residing across the U.S. – in all 50 states and the District of Columbia – were included in this study. 

However, the sampling design was based on the region level not the state level. This was due to sampling cost and 

online panel membership at the time of this study. Six regions were defined for sampling purposes : Pacific, New 

England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Inland.

Extensive qualitative testing of the survey instrument was completed before the main survey period. A total of six 

focus groups and 18 cognitive, one-on-one interviews were conducted in support of this project at locations across 

the U.S. from April through August 2010. The final survey questionnaire, purpose and need for this project, and 

supporting information were submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval in May 2011, 

as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). This project was approved with changes in November 2011. 

The PRA submission for this project is available online (Department of Commerce, OMB Control Number 0648-

0637). In February 2012, a pre-test of the online survey instrument was conducted to identify any issues related to 

the functionality of the survey instrument.

The main survey period began in March 2012. Each survey wave asked respondents about their ocean recreation 

activities within the last two months. That is, in Wave 1, respondents were asked details about their activities in 

January and February. In Wave 2, respondents were asked details about activities in March and April, etc. The main 
4

Methods and Analysis

survey period ended in January 2013 but continued for Alaska and Hawaii through September 2013. More detail is 

available in Appendix B.

Participation and Effort Estimates

Estimating annual participation and effort spent recreating in ocean and coastal areas provides new information 

about the level of ocean recreation occurring in the U.S. To estimate this, respondents were asked questions about 

which ocean recreation activities they participated in within the last 2 months, and how many full and partial 

days were spent engaged in each of those categories. These responses allowed for annual estimates of participants 

to be calculated. Similarly, an annual estimate of the total number of days spent participating in each ocean 

activity category was also calculated using these responses. Respondents were also asked where they spent most 

of their time participating in ocean recreation (recreation region). This information, coupled with information 

about a respondent’s region of residence, allowed for region level estimates of recreation activity by residents and 

nonresidents. These estimates are reported in the U.S. and region sections of this report (Results). More detail about 

how these how these values were estimated is provided in Appendix B.

Durable and Trip Expenditures Estimates

To better understand how ocean recreation-related spending contributes to regional economies across the U.S., 

respondents were asked detailed questions about various expenses incurred in support of their ocean activities. 

These questions collected information about how much was spent on a durable or trip-related item, where it was 

purchased, and how much of the time the item was used for ocean recreation.

Information about durable items purchased within the last 12 months was collected. Durable items included boats, 

vehicles, and activity-related equipment such as fishing rods and reels, wetsuits, and scuba gear. Only durable items 

that were used for ocean recreation 50% of the time or more were included in the analysis. Respondents were also 

asked about their most recent visit (or trip) to the ocean and coast within the last 2 months and the items purchased 

during that trip. Trip- related items included car fuel, parking, bridge tolls, airfare, lodging, food/beverage, and 

activity-related items such as fishing bait and whale watching fees. The full suite of items can be seen in the survey 

questionnaire (Appendix D).

Mean expense values for each durable and trip item were calculated for residents and nonresidents of each 

recreation region. To calculate mean expense values for each durable item, outliers (e.g., the top 1% of expense 

values) were excluded. This was done to mediate the influence of one or two very large values on the mean estimate 

when most purchases were more modest. Similarly, outliers were excluded when estimating mean expense values 

for trip-related items except in a few cases (see Appendix B).

Total annual expenditures for each durable item associated with each ocean activity, region, and resident/

nonresident was calculated by multiplying each mean expense value by the number of participants for that ocean 

activity, region, and residence status. Total annual expenditures for each durable item were then aggregated to 

estimate total durable expenditures across all items. Total annual expenditures for trip items associated with 

each ocean activity, region, and resident/nonresident were also calculated. Trip expenditures were estimated by 

multiplying each mean expense value by the number of days spent engaged in that particular ocean activity, region, 

and residence status. Total annual expenditures for each trip-related item were then aggregated to estimate total trip 

expenditures across all items.

4
5

Methods and Analysis

Economic Contribution Analysis 

Ocean recreators’ expenditures support a wide range of manufacturing, transportation, and service sectors; 

from retail and service establishments furnishing goods and services to ocean recreators, to manufacturing and 

transportation firms supplying the affected industries. The effects of these expenditures can be classified as: (1) 

direct, (2) indirect, or (3) induced. Direct effects occur when ocean recreators spend money at retail and service 

oriented businesses (e.g., purchases of ice at convenience stores or scuba gear from a dive shop). Indirect effects 

occur when retail and service sectors purchase supplies from wholesale trade businesses and manufacturers, and 

pay overhead expenses (e.g., the retailer purchases water skis from the manufacturer or wholesaler and pays utility 

bills). The secondary suppliers, in turn, purchase products and services from their own suppliers, triggering further 

indirect multiplier effects that are dependent upon the initial demands of ocean recreators. This cascading series 

of inter-industry purchasing continues until all indirect effects are sourced from outside the region of interest. 

Payments for goods and services manufactured outside of the study area are excluded because these effects 

impact businesses located in other regions. Lastly, induced effects measure the cycle of consumption spending by 

employees in the direct and indirect sectors (e.g., marina employees spend money on groceries and pay federal 

and state taxes). The summation of the direct, indirect, and induced multiplier effects represent the total economic 

contributions or impacts supported by ocean recreators’ expenditures.

An analytical framework known as regional input-output analysis was used to measure indirect and induced 

multiplier effects and thus estimate the total economic contribution of ocean recreators’ expenditures. A 

commercially available input-output software package called IMPLAN (IMPLAN Group LLC, 2015) was selected 

for the contribution assessment. The IMPLAN software package includes secondary data collected from national, 

state, and local government reports and a user-friendly media for customizing input-output models to an 

application. IMPLAN is the most widely recognized input-output tool among practitioners because the software 

Enjoying the beauty of the ocean and its wildlife. Photo: NOAA’s National Ocean Service/Claire Fackler
6

Methods and Analysis

is flexible in terms of geographic coverage and model formulation, and can incorporate user-supplied data at each 

stage of the model building process. We employed IMPLAN version 3 software along with IMPLAN 2014 base year 

data for this assessment. Further explanation can be found in Appendix B.
Results | United States

7

Results:

United States

• Pacific Region

• New England Region

• Mid-Atlantic Region

• South Atlantic Region

• Gulf of Mexico Region

A kayak adventure leads to many smiles and laughs. Photo: NOAA’s National Ocean Service/Claire Fackler
Results | United States

8

National Ocean Recreation Participation, Effort, and Expenditures (Table 1.1)

Nearly 49 million U.S. residents participated in one or more ocean recreation activities in 2012. Most of these ocean 

recreators, 26 million of them, enjoyed activities included in the Viewing or Photographing the Ocean category 

which includes viewing seabirds and waves from shore, or photographing the beach and oceanscape. This ocean 

recreation category was followed in popularity by Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items which had 19 

million participants. Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals and Recreational Shellfishing had the fewest participants 

relative to the other categories with 781 thousand and 2.2 million recreators, respectively.

When considering the number of days1 spent engaged in a particular activity, there were more days spent Viewing 

or Photographing the Ocean than any other activity: 377 million days or 31% of total ocean recreation days. Other 

popular activities included Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact (212 million days or 17% of total effort), 

Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items (207 million days or 17% of total effort), and Recreational Fishing 

(191 million days or 16% of total effort). The fewest number of ocean recreation days were spent Hunting Waterfowl 

or other Animals which comprised less than 1% of total ocean recreation days (7.4 million days).

Ocean recreators in the United States spent over $141 billion on durable goods and trip-related expenses when 

engaging in ocean recreation (All Ocean Activities combined). Most of these expenses were trip expenses, goods 

or services purchased during day or multi-day visits to the coast. These types of expenses comprised nearly $116 

billion in sales and included items such as lodging, car fuel, and food and beverage purchases (82% of total durable 

and trip expenses). Expenses related to Viewing or Photographing the Ocean made up the biggest share of total 

durable and trip expenses by ocean recreators, $38 billion or 27% of total spending. This activity was followed by 

spending related to Recreational Fishing, $29 billion or 21% of total spending. Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals 

comprised the smallest share of ocean recreation spending with $376 million (less than 1%) spent on goods 

and services related to this activity. When looking at spending on durable items such as boat or vehicle-related 

purchases that are used at least 50% of the time for ocean recreation, participants in Recreational Fishing spent the 

greatest share of total durable expenses, $7.1 billion or 28% of total durable expenses.

1 “Days” includes both full and partial days spent enjoying the ocean and/or coast.

A group of young surfers hit the winter swell in Santa Barbara, CA. Photo: NOAA’s National Ocean Service/Claire Fackler
Results | United States

9

Ocean Recreation Participation, Effort, and Expenditures by Region of the United States (Table 1.2)

For this study, the United States coastal states with ocean coastline were aggregated into five regions: the Pacific, New 

England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico.2 The largest proportion of ocean recreation participants 

and days (effort), and ocean recreation-related spending occurred in the Pacific Region: 13.9 million participants 

(28% of the US total), 382 million days spent engaged in an 

ocean activity (31% of the US total), and over $39 billion 

spent on durable and trip-related goods and services (28% 

of the US total). The Mid-Atlantic Region followed in terms 

of ocean recreation participants with over 10 million people 

recreating along the Mid-Atlantic coast. When looking 

at the number of days spent engaged in an ocean activity, 

263 million days were spent in the South Atlantic Region, 

representing 22% of total U.S. ocean recreation effort. In 

terms of spending on durable and trip expenses (total 

expenses), recreators spent $34 million and $32 million in 

the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Regions, respectively, 

representing the second and third highest spending on 

ocean recreation goods and services after the Pacific Region. 

Participation, effort, and total expenses in the New England 

Region made up the smallest regional share with 5.6 million 

ocean recreators spending 135 million days and $11 billion 

along New England’s coast.

Table 1.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the United States, 2012.

Total participation 

(number of 

participants)

Total effort 

(number of days)

Total durable and 

trip expenses

($ thousands)

Total durable 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total trip expenses

($ thousands)

Recreational fishing 11,077,547 191,455,522 29,158,399 7,106,063 22,052,337 

Recreational shellfishing 2,156,781 28,532,619 2,588,052 705,605 1,882,447 

Hunting waterfowl or other 

animals 780,675 7,356,413 376,417 53,671 322,746 

Viewing or photographing 

the ocean 25,901,787 377,285,313 38,414,336 5,279,994 33,134,342 

Beachcombing, tidepooling, 

or collecting items 18,589,217 206,922,914 23,177,331 2,375,575 20,801,755 

Water contact sports 9,369,971 94,811,062 11,060,430 2,295,845 8,764,586 

Boating and associated 

activities 9,931,136 97,531,992 16,096,709 5,039,998 11,056,711 

Outdoor activities not 

involving water contact 16,256,999 212,299,962 20,164,877 2,508,801 17,656,076 

All ocean activities 

combined** 48,541,962 1,216,233,910 141,036,552 25,365,552 115,671,000 

* Some individuals participated in more than one ocean recreation activity and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean recreation 

activities. However, for the “All ocean activities combined” category individuals participating in more than one ocean recreation activity were assigned 

to the one activity that was most enjoyable to them. Therefore the “All ocean activities combined” participation estimate is smaller than the sum of 

participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

2 Coastal states were aggregated as follows: Pacific Region = AK, CA, HI, OR, WA; New England Region = CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT; Mid-Atlantic Region 

= DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV; South Atlantic Region = East FL, GA, NC, SC; and Gulf of Mexico Region = AL, West FL, LA, MS, TX. Great Lakes states 

were not included as part of the ocean coastline.

The shoreline of the United States spans 

roughly 88,633 miles (excluding the Great 

Lakes) and is made up of five coastal regions:

Pacific 42,819 miles 48%

New England 6,130 miles 7%

Mid-Atlantic 11,443 miles 12%

South Atlantic 11,965 miles 14%

Gulf of Mexico 16,495 miles 19%

Source: Table 364, Coastline and Shoreline of the United States

 by State, U.S. Census Bureau, 2012.
Results | United States

10

Ocean Recreation’s Contribution to the National Economy (Figure 1.1)

Over $141 billion in ocean recreation spending resulted in nearly $409 billion in sales revenue to businesses, over 3.1 

million full- and part-time jobs, $135 billion in labor income, and $225 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

Ocean recreation activities varied in their economic impacts. Viewing or Photographing the Ocean generated 

the largest share of sales revenue to businesses, jobs, labor income, and value-added (GDP) impacts. Recreational 

Fishing comprised the second largest share in all economic impact categories. Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting 

Waterfowl or other Animals contributed the smallest share of economic impacts associated with ocean recreation 

yet still contributed millions to billions in sales revenue, labor income, and GDP impacts, and thousands to tens of 

thousands of jobs. When considering the contribution of ocean recreation activities in the U.S. relative to all other 

industry sectors that generate economic activity such as agriculture and energy development, All Ocean Activities 

combined comprised 1.3% of total sales revenue to businesses, 1.7% of total full- and part-time jobs, 1.3% of total labor 

income in the U.S., and 1.3% of the GDP.

Table 1.2. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures by Region, 2012.

Total participation Total effort Total durable and trip expenses

($ thousands)

Pacific 13,930,474 381,862,113 38,683,463 

New England 5,583,677 135,277,301 10,558,956 

Mid-Atlantic 10,523,448 200,509,556 23,803,610 

South Atlantic 9,699,505 263,317,305 35,116,663 

Gulf of Mexico 8,804,858 235,267,636 33,303,396 

United States 48,541,962*,** 1,216,233,910** 141,036,552** 

* Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean recreation 

activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different activities the 

participated in, Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

** The U.S. totals reported in this table are not the sum of the Region totals that are shown. The U.S. totals include Recreational Shellfishing and 

Hunting Waterfowl or Other Animals. However, the Region totals exclude these two categories.

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) caught off of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Scott Steinback
Results | United States

11

Figure 1.1. National economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012.

Recreational 

fishing

Viewing or 

photographing 

the ocean

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

Water 

contact 

sports

Boating and 

associated 

activities

Outdoor activities not 

involving water contact

All ocean

activities combined*

Recreational 

shellfishing

Hunting 

waterfowl or 

other animals

30.5

3.7 .3

30.7

18.1

9.6

26.3

16.0

Total Labor Income

($ billions)

Total Value-Added/GDP

($ billions)

Total Output/Sales

($ billions)

Total Employment

(thousands)

408.9 3,151.7

135.2 225.0

Total:

Total: Total:

Total:

49.8

6.1 .6

51.7

30.8

16.2

42.8

27.1

668.5

78.0 7.5

765.8

452.9

230.5

546.7

401.7

92.0

11.3 1.2

94.7

56.9

30.3

72.7

50.0

* Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean recreation 

activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different activities they 

participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

Taking in the rush of salty sea air. Photo: NOAA Education
Results | United States

12

Focus on Employment Resulting from Ocean Recreation Spending (Figure 1.2)

Nearly 3.2 million full- and part-time jobs resulted from spending associated with ocean recreation in the United 

States (all activities combined). Most of these jobs, 23%, were related to restaurants (full- and limited-service) and 

other food and beverage establishments such as coffee shops, cafeterias, and bars (all other food/drinking places). 

An additional 9% of jobs (287 thousand) were in the hotel and motel industry. The real estate sector and retail stores 

selling gasoline ranked 9th and 10th, respectively, with 78 thousand and 66 thousand jobs. All other industry sectors 

outside of the top 10 comprised 49% of full- and part-time jobs nationally, over 1.5 million jobs.

Figure 1.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012.

Tax Revenue Associated with Ocean Recreation Activities (Table 1.3)3

Over $58 billion in total tax revenue (Federal, State, and Local) was generated from spending associated with ocean 

recreation-related expenditures in the United States. The majority of this revenue, 41%, came from goods and 

services related to Production and Imports, followed by Household spending (24%) and Employee Compensation 

(23%). Proprietor income generated the smallest share of total tax revenue, 2%.

State and Local tax revenue comprised 44% of total taxes (Federal, State and Local combined) generated from 

ocean recreation activities in the U.S. Over $21 billion of State and Local taxes came from Production and Imports 

(82%). The smallest share of State and Local tax revenue came from Employee Compensation ($232 billion or 1%). 

No taxes were generated from Proprietor Income at the State and Local levels. The majority of Federal tax revenue 

came from Employee Compensation ($13.2 billion or 40%) and Household spending ($10.8 billion or 33%). 

Proprietor Income comprised the smallest share of Federal tax revenue ($955 million or 3%).

Table 1.3. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012.

Employee 

compensation

($ thousands)

Proprietor 

income

($ thousands)

Production

and imports

($ thousands)

Households

($ thousands)

Corporations

($ thousands)

Total

($ thousands)

State and local tax 232,056 0 21,097,868 3,512,855 731,201 25,573,980

Federal tax 13,232,104 955,098 2,910,051 10,758,841 4,920,592 32,776,686

Total tax revenue 13,464,160 955,098 24,007,919 14,271,696 5,651,793 58,350,666

3 IMPLAN’s tax reporting feature was used to estimate income received by State/Local and Federal governments. For a description of the data sources and the 

underlying assumptions: https://implanhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115009674528-Generation-and-Interpretation-of-IMPLAN-s-Tax-Impact-Report.

66,028

78,211

83,588

88,605

92,775

151,718

182,992

285,081

286,550

295,345

Retail - Gasoline stores

Real estate

Retail - Food and beverage stores

Other personal services

Wholesale trade

All other food and drinking places

Retail - Motor vehicle and parts dealers

Limited-service restaurants

Hotels and motels, including casino hotels

Full-service restaurants

Total ocean recreation-related jobs: 3,151,652

All other jobs not included below: 1,540,759 Employment Supported

by Ocean Recreation
Results | Pacific Region

13

Results:

Pacific Region

• Alaska

• California

• Hawaii

• Oregon

• Washington

Digging for razor clams in Washington State. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Vera Trainer
Results | Pacific Region

14

Kitesurfers at Kailua Beach Park, Oahu, Hawaii. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Rosemary Kosaka

Ocean Recreation Participation and Effort (Table 2.1)

Approximately 14 million people participated in one or more ocean recreation activities in the Pacific Region in 

2012. Seventy-one percent of these ocean recreators were residents of this region. Most resident and nonresident 

participants, 8.1 million of them, enjoyed Viewing or Photographing the Ocean more than any other ocean activity. 

This activity was followed by Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact (5.4 million), and Beachombing, 

Tidepooling, or Collecting Items (5.3 million). Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals comprised over 245,000 

participants in the region, the smallest share of ocean recreation participants.

When considering the number of days4 spent engaged in a particular activity, most of the ocean recreation effort 

in the Pacific Region was spent Viewing or Photographing the Ocean: almost 135 million full and partial days in 

2012 or 35% of total effort. This activity was followed by Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact which 

comprised 20% of total effort, followed by the number of days ocean recreators participated in Beachcombing, 

Tidepooling, or Collecting Items, 15% of total effort. Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals comprised the smallest 

share of total ocean recreation effort, less than 1%.

Ocean Recreation-Related Expenditures (Table 2.1)

Ocean recreators in the Pacific Region spent close to $39 billion on durable goods and trip-related expenses 

combined (total expenses) when participating in ocean recreation (All Ocean Activities combined). Most of these 

expenses were trip expenses such as lodging, car fuel, and food expenses (79% of total expenses). Expenses related 

to Viewing or Photographing the Ocean made up the biggest share of total expenditures by ocean recreators: 

$12 billion or 31% of total spending. Ocean recreators spent over $6.0 billion (15% of total spending) when 

participating in Outdoor Activities not Involving Water Contact, nearly $5.9 billion (15% of total spending) 

on Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items, nearly $5.9 billion (15% of total spending) on marine 

Recreational Fishing, $4.5 billion (11% of total spending) to engage in Boating and associated Activities, and $4.2 

billion (11% of total spending) on Water Contact Sports.

4

 “Days” includes both full and partial days spent enjoying the ocean and/or coast.
Results | Pacific Region

15

Table 2.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the Pacific Region, 2012.

Total 

participation 

(number of 

participants)

Resident 

participants 

(percent 

residents)

Total effort 

(number of 

days)

Resident 

effort

(percent 

residents)

Total durable 

and trip 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total durable 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total trip 

expenses

($ thousands)

Recreational fishing 2,782,963 67 40,118,498 83 5,857,815 1,730,188 4,127,627 

Recreational 

shellfishing 754,276 80 14,291,346 89 * * * 

Hunting waterfowl 

or other animals 245,326 56 2,057,477 80 * * * 

Viewing or 

photographing the 

ocean

8,100,987 71 134,825,414 80 12,268,455 1,818,241 10,450,214 

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

5,291,808 70 56,817,945 76 5,862,304 653,446 5,208,858 

Water contact sports 2,716,092 69 34,251,584 78 4,156,300 1,055,226 3,101,074 

Boating and 

associated activities 2,873,745 63 24,050,354 75 4,532,126 1,864,706 2,667,420 

Outdoor activities 

not involving water 

contact

5,416,012 73 75,411,381 87 6,006,463 785,248 5,221,216 

All ocean activities 

combined** 13,930,474 71 381,862,113 81 38,683,463 7,907,085 30,776,409

* Not enough observations to estimate this value at the Region level.

** Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean 

recreation activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different 

activities they participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

Scuba diver and sea otter (Enhydra lutris) meet in a kelp forest in the Point Lobos State Reserve, California. Photo: NOAA Corps/Lieutenant John Crofts
Results | Pacific Region

16

Economic Contribution to the Pacific Region (Figure 2.1)

The $40 billion spent by ocean recreators cycled through the Pacific Region’s economy and generated a total of $82 

billion in output (sales) to Pacific Region businesses, $29 billion in labor income (employee compensation and 

proprietor’s income), $48 billion in value-added (gross regional product), and supported over 665,000 full- and 

part-time jobs (Figure 2.1). When considering the economic contributions associated with each ocean recreation 

category, spending on Viewing or Photographing the Ocean generated the largest share of sales, labor income, 

value-added, and employment in the Pacific. Ocean recreation expenditures on Recreational Fishing contributed the 

second most to the Pacific’s economy, followed by Boating and associated Activities. Spending on Outdoor Activities 

not involving Water Contact and Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items generated similar contributions, 

and spending to participate in Water Contact Sports resulted in the smallest share of total economic effects.

When considering how much ocean recreation contributes to the Pacific Region relative to all other types of 

economic activities within the region such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy development, All Ocean 

Activities combined comprised approximately 1.6% of total regional sales, 2.2% of total regional jobs, 1.6% of total 

labor income in the region, and 1.5% of the Gross Regional Product.

Figure 2.1. Regional economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals).

* Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean recreation 

activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different activities they 

participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

Recreational 

fishing

Viewing or 

photographing 

the ocean

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

Water 

contact 

sports

Boating and 

associated 

activities

Outdoor 

activities not 

involving 

water contact

All ocean 

activities 

combined*

6.4 7.6

3.5 2.5

5.5 3.7

Total Employment

(thousands)

10.2 12.6

6.0 4.1

8.8 6.2

129.7

188.3

87.1

58.9

110.2 91.5

17.4

21.5

10.2

7.0

15.1

10.5

Total Labor Income

($ billions)

Total Value-Added/GRP

($ billions)

Total Output/Sales

($ billions)

81.9 665.6

29.1 47.8

Total:

Total: Total:

Total:
Results | Pacific Region

17

Focus On Employment Resulting From Ocean Recreation Spending (Figure 2.2)

Approximately 666,000 full- and part-time jobs resulted from spending associated with ocean recreation activities 

in the Pacific Region (All Ocean Activities combined). Many of these jobs, 25%, were related to restaurants (fulland limited-service) and other food and beverage establishments such as coffee shops, cafeterias, and bars (all other 

food/drinking places). Almost 75,000 full- and part-time jobs were in the hotel and motel industry, comprising 

11% of total jobs in the region that resulted from ocean recreation spending. Jobs in the motor vehicle and parts 

retail industry which includes outboard motor dealers comprised 5% of jobs. Five other industry sectors each made 

up between 2% and 4% of ocean recreation-related jobs. For example, other amusement and recreation industries, 

which includes guide services for hunting and fishing, and marinas, supported 3% of ocean recreation-related jobs, 

and retail establishments specializing in food and beverages supported 2% of jobs. An additional 44% of ocean 

recreation-related jobs in the Pacific Region were in other industries outside of the top 10 industries shown in 

Figure 2.2.

Figure 2.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Wildlife or other Animals).

15,556

17,359

17,945

19,590

23,774

33,489

36,096

64,602

67,982

74,753

Retail - Food and beverage stores

Transit and ground passenger transportation

Other amusement and recreation industries

Wholesale trade

Other personal services

Retail - Motor vehicle and parts dealers

All other food and drinking places

Limited-service restaurants

Full-service restaurants

Hotels and motels, including casino hotels

Total ocean recreation-related jobs: 665,615

All other jobs not included below: 294,468

Employment Supported

by Ocean Recreation

Kayaking in Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and National Park. Photo: NOAA’s National Ocean Service/Claire Fackler
Results | Pacific Region

18

Table 2.2. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals).

Employee 

compensation

($ thousands)

Proprietor 

income

($ thousands)

Production

and imports

($ thousands)

Households

($ thousands)

Corporations

($ thousands)

Total

($ thousands)

State and 

local tax 63,244 0 4,909,843 959,054 146,870 6,079,011

Federal

tax 2,825,169 213,862 713,467 2,443,203 974,759 7,170,460

Total tax 

revenue 2,888,413 213,862 5,623,310 3,402,257 1,121,629 13,249,471

Tax Revenue Associated with Ocean Recreation Activities (Table 2.2)5

Over $13.2 billion in total tax revenue (Federal, State, and Local) was generated from spending associated with 

ocean recreation activities in the Pacific Region. The majority of this revenue, 42%, came from goods and services 

related to Production and Imports, followed by Household spending (26%). Proprietor Income generated the 

smallest share of total tax revenue, 2%.

State and Local tax revenue comprised 46% of the total tax (Federal, State, and Local) generated from ocean 

recreation activities in the region, with over $4.9 billion coming from Production and Imports (81% of State and 

Local tax revenue). Employee Compensation comprised the smallest share of State and Local tax revenue (1%). No 

taxes were generated from Proprietor Income. Federal tax revenue was largely made up of Employee Compensation 

($2.8 billion, 39% of Federal tax revenue) and Household spending ($2.4 billion, 34% of Federal tax revenue). Three 

percent of Federal taxes came from Proprietor Income ($214 million), the smallest share.

5

 IMPLAN’s tax reporting feature was used to estimate income received by State/Local and Federal governments. For a description of the data sources 

and the underlying assumptions: https://implanhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115009674528-Generation-and-Interpretation-of-IMPLAN-s-TaxImpact-Report.
Results | New England Region

19

Results:

New England Region

• Connecticut

• Maine

• Massachusetts

• New Hampshire

• Rhode Island

• Vermont

Black sea bass (Centropristis striata) caught off of Falmouth, Massachusetts. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Scott Steinback
Results | New England Region

20

A group of kayakers ply the waters of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Scott Steinback

Ocean Recreation Participation and Effort (Table 3.1)

In 2012, there were approximately 5.6 million people who participated in one or more ocean recreation activities in 

the New England Region. Most of these ocean recreators, 3.2 million of them, enjoyed Viewing or Photographing 

the Ocean more than any other ocean activity, followed by Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items (2.2 

million), and Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact (1.7 million). Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals 

comprised approximately 143,000 ocean recreation participants in the region, the smallest share of ocean recreation 

participants.

When considering the number of days6 spent engaged in a particular activity, most of the ocean recreation effort 

in New England was spent Viewing or Photographing the Ocean: nearly 49 million days in 2012 or 36% of total 

effort. This activity was closely followed by Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact (19% of total effort) 

and Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items (18% of total effort). Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals 

comprised the smallest share of total ocean recreation effort (1.4%).

Ocean Recreation-Related Expenditures (Table 3.1)

Ocean recreators in the New England Region spent more than $10 billion on durable goods and trip-related 

expenses combined (total expenses) when participating in ocean recreation (All Ocean Activities combined). 

Most of these expenses were trip expenses such as lodging, car fuel, and food expenses (75% of total expenses). 

Expenses related to Viewing or Photographing the Ocean made up the biggest share of total expenditures by 

ocean recreators: $3.5 billion or 32% of total spending. Ocean recreators spent nearly $2.0 billion (18% of total 

spending) when participating in Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items, $1.9 billion (17% of total 

spending) on Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact, $1.5 billion (13% of total spending) on Boating 

and associated Activities, $1.3 billion (12% of total spending) to engage in marine Recreational Fishing, and $458 

million (4.1% of total spending) on Water Contact Sports.

6

 “Days” includes both full and partial days spent enjoying the ocean and/or coast.
Results | New England Region

21

Table 3.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the New England Region, 2012.

Total 

participation 

(number of 

participants)

Resident 

participants 

(percent 

residents)

Total effort 

(number of 

days)

Resident 

effort

(percent 

residents)

Total durable 

and trip 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total durable 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total trip 

expenses

($ thousands)

Recreational fishing 994,972 89 11,832,408 89 1,292,272 483,487 808,785 

Recreational 

shellfishing 396,508 84 4,580,876 52 * * * 

Hunting waterfowl 

or other animals 142,982 19 1,864,976 6 * * * 

Viewing or 

photographing the 

ocean

3,222,268 80 49,023,515 86 3,538,466 875,688 2,662,778 

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

2,212,072 81 25,000,950 91 1,964,409 229,938 1,734,471 

Water contact sports 978,494 86 6,533,358 86 458,327 121,472 336,855 

Boating and 

associated activities 1,300,192 79 10,593,708 81 1,454,101 576,664 877,437 

Outdoor activities 

not involving water 

contact

1,687,542 83 25,847,511 88 1,851,381 285,098 1,566,282 

All ocean activities 

combined** 5,583,677 81 135,277,301 85 10,558,956 2,572,347 7,986,608 

* Not enough observations to estimate this value at the Region level.

** Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean 

recreation activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different 

activities they participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) swims past a private boat near Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Scott Steinback
Results | New England Region

22

Economic Contribution to the New England Region (Figure 3.1)

The $11 billion spent by ocean recreators cycled through New England’s economy and generated a total of $16 

billion in output (sales) to New England businesses, $6.9 billion in labor income (employee compensation and 

proprietor’s income), $11 billion in value-added (gross regional product), and supported nearly 166,000 full- and 

part-time jobs (Figure 3.1). When considering the economic contributions associated with each ocean recreation 

category, spending on Viewing or Photographing the Ocean generated the largest share of sales, labor income, 

value-added, and employment in New England. Ocean recreation expenditures on Beachcombing, Tidepooling, 

or Collecting Items contributed the second most to New England’s economy, followed by Outdoor Activities 

not involving Water Contact. Boating and associated Activities and Recreational Fishing spending generated 

similar contributions, and spending to participate in Water Contact Sports resulted in the smallest share of total 

economic effects.

When considering how much ocean recreation contributes to New England relative to all other types of 

economic activities within the region such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy development, All Ocean 

Activities combined comprised approximately 1.0% of total regional sales, 1.8% of total regional jobs, 1.1% of 

total labor income in the region, and 1.1% of the Gross Regional Product.

Figure 3.1. Regional economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals).

* Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean recreation 

activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different activities they 

participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

Recreational 

fishing

Viewing or 

photographing 

the ocean

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

Water 

contact 

sports

Boating and 

associated 

activities

Outdoor 

activities not 

involving 

water contact

All ocean 

activities 

combined*

2.4

5.2

2.9

0.7

2.4 2.7

1.5

3.4

1.9

0.5

1.6 1.7

23.6

54.1

29.5

7.5

23.5 27.7

1.0

2.2

1.2

0.3 1.1 1.1

Total Labor Income

($ billions)

Total Value-Added/GRP

($ billions)

Total Output/Sales

($ billions)

Total Employment

(thousands)

16.2 165.9

6.9 10.6

Total:

Total: Total:

Total:
Results | New England Region

23

4,544

4,890

6,317

6,979

9,151

9,542

9,717

15,507

17,800

19,721

Wholesale trade

Retail - Electronics and appliance stores

Retail - Food and beverage stores

Other personal services

Other amusement and recreation industries

Retail - Motor vehicle and parts dealers

All other food and drinking places

Hotels and motels, including casino hotels

Limited-service restaurants

Full-service restaurants

Focus on Employment resulting from Ocean Recreation spending (Figure 3.2)

Approximately 166,000 full- and part-time jobs resulted from spending associated with ocean recreation 

activities in the New England Region (all activities combined). Most of these jobs, 29%, were related to 

restaurants (full- and limited-service) and other food and beverage establishments such as coffee shops, 

cafeterias, and bars (all other food/drinking places). Over 15,000 full- and part-time jobs were in the hotel and 

motel industry, comprising 9% of total jobs in the region that resulted from ocean recreation spending. Jobs 

in the motor vehicle and parts industry comprised 6% of jobs; another 6% of jobs were in other amusement 

and recreation industry which includes recreational fishing –related businesses such as charter and for-hire 

operators. The industry sectors that include retail establishments specializing in food and beverages, electronics 

and appliances, and wholesale, ranked 8th, 9th, and 10th, respectively, in terms of jobs resulting from ocean 

recreation expenditures. Thirty-seven percent of ocean recreation-related jobs in New England were in other 

industries outside of the top 10 industries shown in Figure 3.2.

Figure 3.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Wildlife or other Animals).

Total ocean recreation-related jobs: 165,869

All other jobs not included below: 61,702

Fishing off a charter boat out of Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Tammy Murphy

Employment Supported

by Ocean Recreation
Results | New England Region

24

Tax revenue associated with Ocean Recreation Activities (Table 3.2)7

Over $2.9 billion in total tax revenue (Federal, State, and Local) was generated from spending associated with 

Ocean Recreation Activities in New England. The majority of this revenue, 38%, came from goods and services 

related to Production and Imports, followed by Household spending (30%). Proprietor Income generated the 

smallest share of total tax revenue, 2%.

State and Local tax revenue comprised 43% of the total tax (Federal, State, and Local) generated from ocean 

recreation activities in the region, with over $1 billion of State and Local taxes coming from Production and 

Imports (80%). Employee Compensation comprised the smallest share of State and Local tax revenue (1%). No 

taxes were generated from Proprietor Income. Federal tax revenue was largely made up of Household spending 

($666 billion, 40%) and Employee Compensation ($648 billion, 39%). Three percent of Federal taxes came from 

Proprietor Income ($46 billion).

Table 3.2. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Wildlife or other Animals).

Employee 

compensation

($ thousands)

Proprietor 

income

($ thousands)

Production

and imports

($ thousands)

Households

($ thousands)

Corporations

($ thousands)

Total

($ thousands)

State and 

local tax 9,271 0 1,002,894 203,425 42,571 1,258,161

Federal

tax 647,954 46,067 113,518 665,869 193,171 1,666,579

Total tax 

revenue 657,225 46,067 1,116,412 869,294 235,742 2,924,740

7

 IMPLAN’s tax reporting feature was used to estimate income received by State/Local and Federal governments. For a description of the data sources and the 

underlying assumptions: https://implanhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115009674528-Generation-and-Interpretation-of-IMPLAN-s-Tax-Impact-Report
Results | Mid-Atlantic Region

25

Results:

Mid-Atlantic Region

• Delaware

• Maryland

• New Jersey

• New York

• Pennsylvania

• Virginia

• West Virginia

Sharing discoveries like this blue crab (Callinectus sapidus) at Flag Pond Beach, Maryland. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Kristy Wallmo
Results | Mid-Atlantic Region

26

Parasailing over the Delaware Bay, Dewey Beach, Delaware. Photo: NOAA’s National Ocean Service/Jerry Hovis

Ocean Recreation Participation and Effort (Table 4.1)

In 2012, there were approximately 11 million people who participated in one or more ocean recreation activities in 

the Mid-Atlantic Region. Eighty-nine percent of these ocean recreators were residents of this region. Most resident 

and nonresident participants, 5.3 million of them, enjoyed Viewing or Photographing the Ocean more than any 

other ocean activity, followed by Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact (3.7 million) and Beachcombing, 

Tidepooling, or Collecting Items (3.6 million). Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals comprised approximately 

134,000 participants in the region, the smallest share of ocean recreation participants.

When considering the number of days8 spent engaged in a particular activity, most of the ocean recreation effort in 

the Mid-Atlantic was spent Viewing or Photographing the Ocean: nearly 56 million full and partial days in 2012 or 

28% of total effort. This activity was followed by marine Recreational Fishing which comprised 19% of total effort, 

closely followed by the number of days ocean recreators participated in Outdoor Activities not involvingWater 

Contact, 18% of total effort. Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals comprised the smallest share of total ocean 

recreation effort, less than 1%.

Ocean Recreation-Related Expenditures (Table 4.1)

Ocean recreators in the Mid-Atlantic Region spent nearly $24 billion on durable goods and trip-related expenses 

combined (total expenses) when participating in ocean recreation (All Ocean Activities combined). Most of these 

expenses were trip expenses such as lodging, car fuel, and food expenses (77% of total expenses). Expenses related 

to Viewing or Photographing the Ocean made up the biggest share of total expenditures by ocean recreators: 

$6.3 billion or 26% of total spending. Ocean recreators spent nearly $6.2 billion (26% of total spending) when 

participating in marine Recreational Fishing, $3.4 billion (14% of total spending) on Beachcombing, Tidepooling, 

or Collecting Items, $3.3 billion (14% of total spending) on Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact, nearly 

$2.9 billion (12% of total spending) to engage in Boating and associated Activities, and $1.8 billion (7.4% of total 

spending) on Water Contact Sports.

1

 “Days” includes both full and partial days spent enjoying the ocean and/or coast.
Results | Mid-Atlantic Region

27

Table 4.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the Mid-Atlantic Region, 2012.

Total 

participation 

(number of 

participants)

Resident 

participants 

(percent 

residents)

Total effort 

(number of 

days)

Resident 

effort

(percent 

residents)

Total durable 

and trip 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total durable 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total trip 

expenses

($ thousands)

Recreational fishing 2,154,447 87 38,000,381 90 6,187,429 1,651,834 4,535,595 

Recreational 

shellfishing 481,711 90 3,942,849 68 * * * 

Hunting waterfowl 

or other animals 133,835 31 1,511,635 91 * * * 

Viewing or 

photographing the 

ocean

5,282,300 88 55,688,376 90 6,312,449 1,174,703 5,137,746 

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

3,607,287 93 30,805,887 93 3,379,041 628,200 2,750,841 

Water contact sports 2,111,390 88 15,836,403 87 1,789,914 577,516 1,212,398 

Boating and 

associated activities 1,932,402 83 17,817,040 78 2,856,698 857,697 1,999,001 

Outdoor activities 

not involving water 

contact

3,716,149 91 36,906,984 90 3,278,079 502,482 2,775,597 

All ocean activities 

combined** 10,523,448 89 200,509,556 89 23,803,610 5,392,432 18,411,178 

* Not enough observations to estimate this value at the Region level.

** Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean 

recreation activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different 

activities they participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) caught from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Photo: NOAA Corps/Captain Albert E. Theberge (ret.)
Results | Mid-Atlantic Region

28

Economic Contribution to the Mid-Atlantic Region (Figure 4.1)

The $24 billion spent by ocean recreators cycled through the Mid-Atlantic’s economy and generated a total of $42 

billion in output (sales) to Mid-Atlantic businesses, over $18 billion in labor income (employee compensation and 

proprietor’s income), over $29 billion in value-added impacts (gross regional product), and supported over 422,000 

full- and part-time jobs (Figure 4.1). When considering the economic contributions associated with each ocean 

recreation category, spending on marine Recreational Fishing generated the largest share of sales and employment 

in the Mid-Atlantic, followed by Viewing or Photographing the Ocean and Boating and associated Activities. When 

considering labor income and value-added impacts, Boating and associated Activities contributed the largest share, 

closely followed by Recreational Fishing and Viewing or Photographing the Ocean. Ocean recreation expenditures 

on activities associated with Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items, and Outdoor Activities not involving 

Water Contact, generated similar contributions to the Mid-Atlantic economy. Spending to participate in Water 

Contact Sports resulted in the smallest share of total economic effects.

When considering how much ocean recreation contributes to the Mid-Atlantic Region relative to all other types 

of economic activities within the region such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy development, All Ocean 

Activities combined comprised approximately 0.7% of total regional sales, 1.2% of total regional jobs, 0.8% of total 

labor income in the region, and 0.8% of the Gross Regional Product.

Figure 4.1. Regional economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals).

* Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean recreation 

activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different activities they 

participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

Recreational 

fishing

Viewing or 

photographing 

the ocean

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

Water 

contact 

sports

Boating and 

associated 

activities

Outdoor 

activities not 

involving 

water contact

All ocean 

activities 

combined*

7.0 6.6

3.3 1.7

7.3

3.3 4.5 4.1 2.1 1.1

4.7

2.0

10.8 10.2

5.2

2.7

7.8

5.3

Total Labor Income

($ billions)

Total Value-Added/GRP

($ billions)

Total Output/Sales

($ billions)

Total Employment

(thousands)

42.0 422.3

18.5 29.1

Total:

Total: Total:

Total:

105.1 99.6

49.7

25.7

91.5

50.7
Results | Mid-Atlantic Region

29

Focus On Employment Resulting From Ocean Recreation Spending (Figure 4.2)

Over 422,000 full- and part-time jobs resulted from spending associated with ocean recreation activities in the 

Mid-Atlantic Region (All Ocean Activities combined). Most of these jobs, 26%, were related to restaurants (fulland limited-service) and other food and beverage establishments such as coffee shops, cafeterias, and bars (all other 

food/drinking places). Nearly 49,000 full- and part-time jobs were in the motor vehicle and parts retail industry 

which includes outboard motor dealers, comprising 12% of total jobs in the region. Jobs in the other personal 

services industry which includes parking garages and concierge services, comprised 5% of jobs. The remaining 

four industry sectors in the top ten which includes recreational fishing-related businesses such as guide services 

for hunting and fishing (other amusement and recreational industries) and electronics stores (retail establishments 

specializing in electronics and appliances), each contributed 2% to 3% of full- and part-time jobs in the region. 

Thirty-eight percent of ocean recreation-related jobs in the Mid-Atlantic were in other industries outside of the top 

ten industries shown in Figure 4.2.

Figure 4.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Wildlife or other Animals).

Employment Supported

by Ocean Recreation

9,707

10,302

11,219

12,641

20,117

22,646

38,869

42,850

45,378

48,617

Retail - Electronics and appliance stores

Wholesale trade

Retail - Food and beverage stores

Other amusement and recreation industries

Other personal services

All other food and drinking places

Hotels and motels, including casino hotels

Limited-service restaurants

Full-service restaurants

Retail - Motor vehicle and parts dealers

Total ocean recreation-related jobs: 422,342

All other jobs not included below: 159,995

Surfcasting on the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Kristy Wallmo
Results | Mid-Atlantic Region

30

Table 4.2. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals).

Employee 

compensation

($ thousands)

Proprietor 

income

($ thousands)

Production

and imports

($ thousands)

Households

($ thousands)

Corporations

($ thousands)

Total

($ thousands)

State and 

local tax 22,240 0 3,068,702 651,869 139,232 3,882,043

Federal

tax 1,776,488 122,323 387,380 1,612,836 536,868 4,435,895

Total tax 

revenue 1,798,728 122,323 3,456,082 2,264,705 676,100 8,317,938

Tax Revenue Associated with Ocean Recreation Activities (Table 4.2)9

Over $8.3 billion in total tax revenue (Federal, State, and Local) was generated from spending associated with ocean 

recreation activities in the Mid-Atlantic. The majority of this revenue, 42%, came from goods and services related to 

Production and Imports, followed by Household spending (27%) and Employee Compensation (22%). Proprietor 

Income generated the smallest share of total tax revenue, 1%.

State and Local tax revenue comprised 47% of the total tax (Federal, State, and Local) generated from ocean 

recreation activities in the region, with approximately $3.1 billion of State and Local taxes coming from Production 

and Imports (79% of State and Local tax revenue). Employee Compensation comprised the smallest share of State 

and Local tax revenue (1%). No taxes were generated from Proprietor Income. Federal tax revenue was largely 

made up of Employee Compensation ($1.8 billion, 40% of Federal tax revenue) and Household spending ($1.6 

billion, 36% of Federal tax revenue). Three percent of Federal taxes came from Proprietor Income ($122 million).

9

 IMPLAN’s tax reporting feature was used to estimate income received by State/Local and Federal govern-ments. For a description of the data sources and the 

underlying assumptions: https://implanhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115009674528-Generation-and-Interpretation-of-IMPLAN-s-Tax-Impact-Report
Results and Discussion | South Atlantic Region

31

Results:

South Atlantic Region

• East Florida

• Georgia

• North Carolina

• South Carolina

Children explore the Rachel Carson Reserve, North Carolina. Photo: NOAA’s National Ocean Service/Emily Woodward
Results and Discussion | South Atlantic Region

32

Ocean Recreation Participation and Effort (Table 5.1)

In 2012, there were approximately 9.7 million people who participated in one or more ocean recreation activities 

in the South Atlantic Region. Fifty-eight percent of these ocean recreators were residents of this region. Most 

resident and nonresident participants, 5.2 million of them, enjoyed Viewing or Photographing the Ocean more 

than any other ocean activity, followed by Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items (4.2 million), and 

Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact (2.9 million). Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals comprised 

approximately 176,000 participants in the region, the smallest share of ocean recreation participants.

When considering the number of days10 spent engaged in a particular activity, most of the ocean recreation effort 

in the South Atlantic was spent Viewing or Photographing the Ocean: nearly 79 million full and partial days in 

2012 or 30% of total effort. This activity was followed by Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items which 

comprised 20% of total effort, followed by the number of days ocean recreators participated in marine Recreational 

Fishing, 18% of total effort. Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals comprised the smallest share of total ocean 

recreation effort, less than 1%.

Ocean Recreation-Related Expenditures (Table 5.1)

Ocean recreators in the South Atlantic Region spent more than $35 billion on durable goods and trip-related 

expenses combined (total expenses) when participating in ocean recreation (All Ocean Activities combined). Most 

of these expenses were trip expenses such as lodging, car fuel, and food expenses (86% of total expenses). Expenses 

related to Viewing or Photographing the Ocean made up the biggest share of total expenditures by ocean recreators: 

$8.9 billion or 28% of total spending. Ocean recreators spent over $6.9 billion (22% of total spending) when 

participating in marine Recreational Fishing, nearly $6.9 billion (21% of total spending) to engage in on Boating 

and associated Activities, $5.8 billion (18% of total spending) on Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items, 

$4.1 billion (13% of total spending) on Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact, and $2.4 billion (7.5% of 

total spending) on Water Contact Sports.

10 “Days” includes both full and partial days spent enjoying the ocean and/or coast.

Diving in Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary off the coast of Georgia. Photo: NOAA’s National Ocean Service
Results and Discussion | South Atlantic Region

33

Table 5.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the South Atlantic Region, 2012.

Total 

participation 

(number of 

participants)

Resident 

participants 

(percent 

residents)

Total effort 

(number of 

days)

Resident 

effort

(percent 

residents)

Total durable 

and trip 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total durable 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total trip 

expenses

($ thousands)

Recreational fishing 2,326,092 65 46,684,115 66 6,940,325 1,430,678 5,509,647 

Recreational 

shellfishing 233,691 47 2,944,733 83 * * * 

Hunting waterfowl 

or other animals 175,596 42 1,029,788 51 * * * 

Viewing or 

photographing the 

ocean

5,161,525 47 78,945,322 56 8,922,305 709,636 8,212,669 

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

4,248,002 55 51,786,943 60 5,801,160 449,972 5,351,188 

Water contact sports 2,133,557 58 23,206,050 57 2,423,626 344,536 2,079,089 

Boating and 

associated activities 1,963,611 53 21,657,691 58 6,894,713 1,307,579 5,587,135 

Outdoor activities 

not involving water 

contact

2,912,191 64 37,062,662 63 4,134,534 504,202 36,303,317

All ocean activities 

combined** 9,699,505 58 263,317,305 60 35,116,663 4,746,603 63,043,045 

* Not enough observations to estimate this value at the Region level.

** Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean 

recreation activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different 

activities they participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) dives off of Fernandina Beach, Florida. Photo: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, taken 

under NOAA research permit #15488
Results and Discussion | South Atlantic Region

34

Economic Contribution to the South Atlantic Region (Figure 5.1)

The $32 billion spent by ocean recreators cycled through the South Atlantic’s economy and generated a total of 

$57 billion in output/sales to South Atlantic businesses, $21 billion in labor income (employee compensation and 

proprietor’s income), $35 billion in value-added (gross regional product), and supported over 592,000 full- and 

part-time jobs (Figure 5.1). When considering the economic contributions associated with each ocean recreation 

category, spending on Viewing or Photographing the Ocean generated the largest share of sales, labor income, 

value-added, and employment in the South Atlantic. Ocean recreation expenditures on marine Recreational 

Fishing contributed the second most to the South Atlantic’s economy, followed by Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or 

Collecting Items and Boating and associated Activities. Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact and Water 

Contact Sports resulted in the smallest shares of total economic effects.

When considering how much ocean recreation contributes to the South Atlantic relative to all other types of 

economic activities within the region such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy development, All Ocean 

Activities combined comprised approximately 1.5% of total regional sales, 2.4% of total regional jobs, 1.7% of total 

labor income in the region, and 1.7% of the Gross Regional Product.

Figure 5.1. Regional economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals).

* Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean recreation 

activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different activities they 

participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

Recreational 

fishing

Viewing or 

photographing 

the ocean

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

Water 

contact 

sports

Boating and 

associated 

activities

Outdoor 

activities not 

involving 

water contact

All ocean 

activities 

combined*

7.9 8.5

5.5

2.7

6.1 4.0 4.9 5.0 3.2 1.6 3.7 2.4

134.1 153.0

98.7

46.4

90.0 70.1

13.3 14.8

9.5

4.7

7.6 6.8

Total Labor Income

($ billions)

Total Value-Added/GRP

($ billions)

Total Output/Sales

($ billions)

Total Employment

(thousands)

56.8 592.4

20.8 34.6

Total:

Total: Total:

Total:
Results and Discussion | South Atlantic Region

35

Focus On Employment Resulting From Ocean Recreation Spending (Figure 5.2)

Over 592,000 full- and part-time jobs resulted from spending associated with ocean recreation activities in the 

South Atlantic Region (All Ocean Activities combined). Most of these jobs, 28%, were related to restaurants (full 

and limited service) and other food and beverage establishments such as coffee shops, cafeterias, and bars (all other 

food and drinking places). Over 69,000 full- and part-time jobs were in the hotel and motel industry, comprising 

12% of total jobs in the region that resulted from ocean recreation spending. Employment in the motor vehicle and 

parts retail industry, which includes outboard motor dealers, comprised 7% of jobs. The remaining five industry 

sectors in the top ten, which included retail establishments specializing in food and beverages, and wholesale trade, 

each contributed 2% to 3% of full- and part-time jobs in the region. Forty percent of ocean recreation-related jobs 

in the South Atlantic were in other industries outside of the top 10 industries shown in Figure 5.2.

Figure 5.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Wildlife or other Animals).

13,786

15,097

16,696

18,006

20,666

32,875

39,170

63,753

66,182

69,309

Retail - Gasoline stores

Wholesale trade

Real estate

Other personal services

Retail - Food and beverage stores

All other food and drinking places

Retail - Motor vehicle and parts dealers

Limited-service restaurants

Full-service restaurants

Hotels and motels, including casino hotels

Total ocean recreation-related jobs: 592,419

All other jobs not included below: 236,879 Employment Supported

by Ocean Recreation

Snorkeling for fish and fun in Florida. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Kristy Wallmo
Results and Discussion | South Atlantic Region

36

Table 5.2. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals).

Employee 

compensation

($ thousands)

Proprietor 

income

($ thousands)

Production

and imports

($ thousands)

Households

($ thousands)

Corporations

($ thousands)

Total

($ thousands)

State and 

local tax 28,248 0 3,664,957 351,410 77,657 4,122,272

Federal

tax 2,178,396 127,353 532,174 1,543,717 720,583 5,102,223

Total tax 

revenue 2,206,644 127,353 4,197,131 1,895,127 798,240 9,224,495

Tax Revenue Associated with Ocean Recreation Activities (Table 5.2)11

Over $9.2 billion in total tax revenue (Federal, State, and Local) was generated from spending associated with 

ocean recreation activities in the South Atlantic. The majority of this revenue, 45%, came from goods and services 

related to Production and Imports, followed by Employee Compensation (24%) and Household spending (21%). 

Proprietor Income generated the smallest share of total tax revenue, 1%.

State and Local tax revenue comprised 45% of the total tax (Federal, State, and Local) generated from ocean 

recreation activities in the region, with nearly $3.7 billion of State and Local taxes coming from Production and 

Imports (89% of State and Local tax revenue). Corporations (2%) and Employee Compensation (1%) comprised 

the smallest share of State and Local tax revenue. No taxes were generated from Proprietor Income. Federal tax 

revenue was largely made up of Employee Compensation ($2.2 billion, 43% of Federal tax revenue) and Household 

spending ($1.5 billion, 30% of Federal tax revenue). Two percent of Federal taxes came from Proprietor Income 

($127 million).

11 IMPLAN’s tax reporting feature was used to estimate income received by State/Local and Federal governments. For a description of the data sources and the 

underlying assumptions: https://implanhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115009674528-Generation-and-Interpretation-of-IMPLAN-s-Tax-Impact-Report
Results | Gulf of Mexico Region

37

Results:

Gulf of Mexico Region

• Alabama

• Louisiana

• Mississippi

• Texas

• West Florida

A morning on the water off of Destin, Florida. Photo: NOAA/Ayeisha Brinson
Results | Gulf of Mexico Region

38

Ocean Recreation Participation and Effort (Table 6.1)

In 2012, there were approximately 8.8 million people who participated in one or more ocean recreation activities in 

the Gulf of Mexico Region. Most of these ocean recreators, 4.1 million of them, enjoyed Viewing or Photographing 

the Ocean more than any other ocean activity, followed by Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items (3.2 

million), and Recreational Fishing (2.8 million). Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals comprised approximately 

83,000 ocean recreation participants in the region, the smallest share of ocean recreation participants.

When considering the number of days12 spent engaged in a particular activity, most of the ocean recreation effort in 

the Gulf of Mexico was spent Viewing or Photographing the Ocean: nearly 59 million days in 2012 or 25% of total 

effort. This activity was closely followed by Recreational Fishing which comprised 23% of total effort, followed by the 

number of days ocean recreators participated in Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items, 18% of total effort. 

Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals comprised the smallest share of total ocean recreation effort, less than 1%.

Ocean Recreation-Related Expenditures (Table 6.1)

Ocean recreators in the Gulf Region spent over $33 billion on durable goods and trip-related expenses combined 

(total expenses) when participating in ocean recreation (All Ocean Activities combined). Most of these expenses 

were trip expenses such as lodging, car fuel, and food expenses (87% of total expenses). Expenses related to 

marine Recreational Fishing made up the biggest share of total expenditures by ocean recreators: $8.9 billion or 

26% of total spending. Ocean recreators spent nearly $7.4 billion (22% of total spending) when participating in 

Viewing or Photographing the Ocean, $6.2 billion (18% of total spending) on Beachcombing, Tidepooling or 

Collecting Items, $4.9 billion (15% of total spending) on Outdoor Activities not involving Water Contact, $3.8 

billion (11% of total spending) on Boating and associated Activities, and $2.2 billion (6.6% of total spending) on 

Water Contact Sports.

Skimboarding at Perdido Key Beach, Florida. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Kristy Wallmo

12 “Days” includes both full and partial days spent enjoying the ocean and/or coast.
Results | Gulf of Mexico Region

39

Table 6.1. Ocean recreation participation, effort, and expenditures in the Gulf of Mexico Region, 2012.

Total 

participation 

(number of 

participants)

Resident 

participants 

(percent 

residents)

Total effort 

(number of 

days)

Resident 

effort

(percent 

residents)

Total durable 

and trip 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total durable 

expenses

($ thousands)

Total trip 

expenses

($ thousands)

Recreational fishing 2,819,071 74 54,820,119 74 8,880,559 1,809,876 7,070,683 

Recreational 

shellfishing 290,594 36 2,772,816 53 * * * 

Hunting waterfowl 

or other animals 82,936 46 892,536 74 * * * 

Viewing or 

photographing the 

ocean

4,134,707 60 58,802,687 56 7,372,661 701,727 6,670,935 

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

3,230,048 71 42,511,189 55 6,170,416 414,019 5,756,397 

Water contact sports 1,430,438 57 14,983,668 48 2,232,265 197,095 2,035,170 

Boating and 

associated activities 1,861,186 50 23,413,199 51 3,753,075 771,339 2,981,736 

Outdoor activities 

not involving water 

contact

2,525,105 59 37,071,423 60 4,894,420 431,771 4,462,649 

All ocean activities 

combined** 8,804,858 71 235,267,636 60 33,303,396 4,325,827 28,977,570 

* Not enough observations to estimate this value at the Region level.

** Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean 

recreation activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different 

activities they participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

Viewing tarpon (Megalops atlanticus) from a dock in Islamorada, Florida. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/ Kristy Wallmo
Results | Gulf of Mexico Region

40

Economic Contribution to the Gulf of Mexico Region (Figure 6.1)

The $34 billion spent by ocean recreators cycled through the Gulf of Mexico’s economy and generated a total of 

$62 billion in output (sales) to Gulf Region businesses, $22 billion in labor income (employee compensation and 

proprietor’s income), $37 billion in value-added (gross regional product), and supported approximately 579,000 

full-and part-time jobs (Figure 6.1). When considering the economic contributions associated with each ocean 

recreation category, spending on Recreational Fishing generated the largest sales, labor income, value- added, and 

employment. Ocean recreation expenditures on Viewing or Photographing the Ocean contributed the second 

most to the Gulf of Mexico economy, followed by Beachcombing, Tidepooling, or Collecting Items (in sales and 

employment), and Boating and associated Activities (in labor income and value- added). Outdoor Activities not 

involving Water Contact followed these activities. Spending to participate in Water Contact Sports resulted in the 

smallest share of total economic effects.

When considering how much ocean recreation contributes to the Gulf of Mexico Region relative to all other types 

of economic activities within the region such as manufacturing, agriculture, and energy development, All Ocean 

Activities combined comprised approximately 1.4% of total regional sales, 2.6% of total regional jobs, 1.7% of total 

labor income in the region, and 1.7% of the Gross Regional Product.

Figure 6.1. Regional economic contribution by ocean recreation category, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or other Animals).

* Some individuals participated in more than one activity within a 12 month period and they are included in the totals for each of those ocean recreation 

activities. However, the “All ocean activities combined” total counts these individuals only once, regardless of the number of different activities they 

participated in. Therefore this total is smaller than the sum of participants in each ocean recreation activity category.

Recreational 

finfishing

Viewing or 

photographing 

the ocean

Beachcombing, 

tidepooling, or 

collecting items

Water 

contact 

sports

Boating and 

associated 

activities

Outdoor 

activities not 

involving 

water contact

All ocean 

activities 

combined*

10.6

7.1 5.8

2.1

6.3 4.7 6.4 4.1 3.3 1.2 3.8 2.7

156.7

120.3 98.5

34.7

87.6 80.7

17.5

12.7 10.3

3.7

10.1 8.2

Total Labor Income

($ billions)

Total Value-Added/GRP

($ billions)

Total Output /Sales

(billion $)

Total Employment

(thousands)

62.4 578.5

21.6 36.6

Total:

Total: Total:

Total Output/Sales Total:

($ billions)
Results | Gulf of Mexico Region

41

Focus on Employment resulting from Ocean Recreation spending (Figure 6.2)

Approximately 579,000 full- and part-time jobs resulted from spending associated with ocean recreation activities 

in the Gulf of Mexico Region (All Ocean Activities combined). Most of these jobs, 31%, were related to restaurants 

(full- and limited-service) and other food and beverage establishments such as coffee shops, cafeterias, and bars (all 

other food/drinking places). Over 68,000 full- and part-time jobs were in the hotel and motel industry, comprising 

12% of total jobs in the region that resulted from ocean recreation spending. Jobs in the motor vehicle and parts 

retail industry which includes outboard motor dealers comprised 6% of jobs. Food and beverage retail stores and 

gasoline retail each contributed 3% of jobs. Wholesale trade, other personal services (which includes parking lots 

and garages), and the real estate sector each comprised 2% of jobs resulting from ocean recreation spending. Thirtynine percent of ocean recreation-related jobs in the Gulf of Mexico were in other industries outside of the top 10 

industries shown in Figure 6.2.

Figure 6.2. Full- and part-time jobs associated with ocean recreation spending, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012 

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Wildlife or other Animals).

Total ocean recreation-related jobs: 578,524

All other jobs not included below: 224,660 Employment Supported

by Ocean Recreation

12,724

13,126

14,398

14,606

17,861

34,221

38,451

68,202

69,872

70,402

Real estate

Other personal services

Wholesale trade

Retail - Gasoline stores

Retail - Food and beverage stores

Retail - Motor vehicle and parts dealers

All other food and drinking places

Hotels and motels, including casino hotels

Limited-service restaurants

Full-service restaurants

Scuba diving in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, Texas. Photo: NOAA/G.P. Schmahl
Results | Gulf of Mexico Region

42

Tax revenue associated with Ocean Recreation Activities (Table 6.2)13

Over $10 billion in total tax revenue (Federal, State, and Local) was generated from spending associated with 

ocean recreation activities in the Gulf of Mexico. The majority of this revenue, 52%, came from goods and services 

related to Production and Imports, followed by Employee Compensation (20%) and Household Spending (19%). 

Proprietor Income generated the smallest share of total tax revenue, 2%.

State and Local tax revenue comprised 48% of the total taxes (Federal, State, and Local) generated from ocean 

recreation activities in the region, with $4.5 billion of State and Local taxes coming from Production and Imports 

(94% of State and Local tax revenue). Corporate taxes comprised the smallest share of State and Local tax revenue 

(less than 1%). No taxes were generated from Proprietor Income. Federal tax revenue was largely made up of 

Employee Compensation ($2.0 billion, 37% of Federal tax revenue) and Household spending ($1.9 billion, 32% of 

Federal tax revenue). Three percent of Federal tax revenue came from Proprietor Income ($178 million).

Table 6.2. Total Federal, State, and Local tax revenue, All Ocean Activities combined, 2012

(excludes Recreational Shellfishing and Hunting Waterfowl or Other Animals).

Employee 

compensation

($ thousands) 

Proprietor 

income

($ thousands)

Production

and imports

($ thousands)

Households

($ thousands)

Corporations

($ thousands)

Total

($ thousands)

State and 

local tax 36,394 0 4,530,756 238,675 23,634 4,829,459 

Federal

tax 1,957,518 177,847 742,808 1,704,549 732,458 5,315,180 

Total tax 

revenue 1,993,912 177,847 5,273,564 1,943,224 756,092 10,144,639 

13 IMPLAN’s tax reporting feature was used to estimate income received by State/Local and Federal governments. For a description of the data sources and the 

underlying assumptions: https://implanhelp.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115009674528-Generation-and-Interpretation-of-IMPLAN-s-Tax-Impact-Report
43

Discussion

Discussion

This report presents results from the only national study to date that provides detailed participation, effort, 

expenditure, and economic contribution information for a comprehensive list of ocean and coastal (marine) 

recreation activities. Though primarily focused on fisheries research and management in the United States, the 

National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) sought to enhance our Nation’s understanding of recreational 

fisheries resource use by providing context to these activities. This context, in the form of empirical data and 

analysis of a broad suite of ocean and coastal recreation activities, was collected from a sample of Americans 

in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The estimates provided in this report contribute to our growing 

understanding of the magnitude of ocean recreation activities that occur along our Nation’s marine coastlines.

Because the National Ocean Recreation Expenditure Survey (NORES) is the first national study of ocean recreation 

activities conducted by NOAA Fisheries, it is difficult to systematically compare the results shown here with other 

analogous studies. A series of Federally-sponsored national recreation surveys were conducted periodically from 

1965 through 2000, supported largely by the National Forest Service, but this survey effort was discontinued in 

2000. The final National Survey on Recreation and the Environment (NSRE), conducted from 1999-2000, included 

information on marine recreation effort and participation across the Nation (Leeworthy and Wiley 2001). The 

NSRE data showed that approximately 43 percent of the U.S. civilian, non-institutionalized population, 16 years 

and older participated in marine recreation activities. This translated into 89 million participants, approximately 

45% above our estimate of U.S. ocean recreation participants in 2012 (49 million). Differences in survey design and 

sampling procedures, disparities in the characterization of ocean recreation participants (e.g., our estimate excludes 

participants less than 18 years of age), and differences in the methods used to calculate ocean recreation participation 

likely contribute to the divergent participation estimates. While it is difficult to ascertain the specific approach used to 

Diving on the Corsair plane wreck, Oahu, Hawaii. Photo: ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University/Michele Barnes
44

Discussion

calculate participation in the NSRE report, we provide a conservative estimate of U.S. participation to avoid doublecounting across multiple recreation activities and regions (see Appendix B for more detail).

In addition to providing aggregate U.S. and region-level participation estimates, we also provide participation, 

effort, and expenditure information for eight specific ocean recreation categories: recreational fishing; recreational 

shellfishing; hunting waterfowl or other animals; viewing or photographing the ocean; beachcombing, tidepooling, 

or collecting items; water contact sports; boating and associated activities; and outdoor activities not involving 

water contact. A literature search revealed only a few comparable national studies related to two of these categories: 

marine recreational fishing and hunting ocean waterfowl (Table 7.1). The NSRE report provides estimates of national 

participation and effort in marine recreational fishing and hunting ocean waterfowl in 2000. The 2011 National Survey 

of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (USFWS 2014) provides estimates of national participation, 

effort, and expenditures by marine recreational fishermen in 2011. The Fisheries Economics of the United States 

(FEUS), 2012 (National Marine Fisheries Service 2014) also shows national participation, effort, and expenditure 

estimates for our national marine recreational fishing participation estimate (11 million) is identical to the FEUS 

estimate and approximately 2 million higher than the USFWS estimate for 2011. The NSRE estimate of marine 

recreational fishing participants is considerably higher (21 million), but pertains to participation in 2000.

In terms of national marine angler effort, our estimate (192 million days) is noticeably higher than shown in 

FEUS (72 million days) and by USFWS (100 million days), but lower than in the NSRE (259 million days). The 

FEUS effort estimates for the Atlantic and most of the Gulf coast are drawn from the NOAA Fisheries Marine 

Recreational Information Program (MRIP) data. In 2018, a new MRIP approach for estimating angler effort will 

be released and pilot studies have shown that estimates of effort will be 3 to 5 times higher using the new approach. 

Thus, future FEUS estimates of marine angler effort will be substantially higher.

Three of the four studies also show estimates of marine angler expenditures at the U.S. level. Our estimate of marine spending by anglers ($29 billion) is $4 billion higher then shown in FEUS ($25 billion) and $19 billion higher 

than shown by the USFWS ($10 billion). These differences are likely largely due to disparities in how marine angler 

expenditures were defined and calculated across the studies. For example, FEUS includes marine angler spending 

on second homes (new home purchase, insurance, maintenance, property taxes, purchase fees, and real estate 

commissions). The NORES and USFWS studies exclude second home expenditures. Additionally, the NORES only 

shows the annualized value of marine angler purchases of vehicles and boats if an angler indicated the purchase was 

financed. FEUS shows the entire purchase price of a vehicle or boat purchased primarily for fishing.

Turning to the economic contribution estimates shown in this report, there are several caveats associated with 

the region-level contribution estimates that readers should be aware of. Since separate input-output models were 

Table 7.1. Comparison of Ocean Recreation Activities.

U.S. Marine Recreational Fishing

Report Participation

(millions)

Effort

(days fished, 

millions)

Expenditures

($ billions)

NORES (2012) 11 192 29

FEUS (2012) 11 72 25

USFWS (2011) 9 100 10

NSRE (2000) 21 259 -

U.S. Hunting Ocean Waterfowl

Report Participation

(thousands)

Effort

(days fished, 

millions)

Expenditures

($ millions)

NORES (2012) 781 7 376

NSRE (2000) 680 6 -
45

Discussion

constructed for each region, the estimated contributions are limited to economic activity within a region and may 

underestimate the region-level effects of ocean recreation spending. Contributions generated through the imports 

of goods and services from other regions in the United States are excluded in each individual regional assessment. 

For example, if a retail store in the Gulf of Mexico region sold a wakeboard that was manufactured in the South 

Atlantic region, the economic contributions associated with the production of the wakeboard are excluded from 

both region’s contribution assessments. The wholesale, distribution, and retail contributions that occurred in the 

Gulf of Mexico region are included in the Gulf of Mexico’s contribution assessment, but the amount attributable 

to wakeboard manufacturing is derived from outside of the Gulf of Mexico region so it is excluded. Cross-region 

effects, however, are captured in the aggregate U.S. input-output model estimates.

In terms of the input-output models themselves, it is prudent to be aware of simplifying assumptions regarding 

linear production functions and constant relative prices that are required to construct the technical coefficients 

used to calculate the multiplier effects in input-output models. Nonetheless, input-output modeling is the most 

commonly employed approach for describing the structure and interactions of regional economies, and the 

approach has been shown to provide plausible results if primary data are supplied by users as was done for this 

study (Propst and Gavrilis 1987).

Lastly, the economic contribution estimates shown in this report are not equivalent to total net economic value. 

Benefit cost analysis measures the total net economic value of an activity, i.e., the difference between total 

economic value and total costs. In the context of recreation spending, total net economic value is generally defined 

as willingness to pay in excess of actual expenditures. The summation of this extra money across participants 

represents total net economic value (from the ocean recreators’ perspective) and is used to determine if resources 

are being put to their best use. In contrast, input-output analysis reveals how actual expenditures affect economic 

activity in a region at a single point in time.

California students participate in a whale watching trip with Camp Science, Ecucation, and Adventure (SEA) Lab. Photo: NOAA Education
46

NOAA Fisheries began work on this project in 2010 after recognizing that national level, standardized data related 

to a comprehensive list of ocean and coastal (marine) recreation activities were not available. This study sought to 

fill this data gap and contribute to the growing literature on recreational use of our Nation’s marine resources. Such 

data and analyses are necessary for improving our understanding of how Americans utilize marine and coastal 

resources, and for informing efforts to manage our nation’s natural resources on an ecosystem level (ecosystembased management).

Though NOAA Fisheries’ mission and regulatory authority is focused primarily on commercial and recreational 

fisheries research and management, fisheries activities interact and overlap with many other ocean and coastal 

uses. Understanding these interactions continues to be important for providing context to the Agency’s fisheriesfocused mission, and for generating dialogue and a shared understanding with our Federal, Tribal, State, Local, 

and community partners (e.g., fisheries and environmental stakeholders). We hope this project contributes to this 

dialogue and to our collective understanding of marine resource use in the United States.
47

References

References

Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. National Ocean Recreational Expenditure (NORE) Survey. 

OMB Control Number: 0648-0637. Submitted on 5/6/11; approved with change on 11/22/11. Available at: http://www.cio.noaa.gov/

itmanagement/pdfs/0637sub.pdf (accessed 7/6/17).

GfK Group. 2015. The GfK Group Project Report for the Marine Recreation Use Study. GfK Project Number C526271900.

Leeworthy, B., Vernon R., and C. P. Wiley. 2001. National Survey on Recreation and the Environment 2000: Current Participation Patterns in 

Marine Recreation. U.S. Dept. Commerce, National Ocean Service, Silver Spring, MD.

Lovell, S., Steinback, S., and J. Hilger. 2013. The Economic Contribution of Marine Angler Expenditures in the United States, 2011. U.S. 

Dept. Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo. NMFS-F/SPO-134, 188 p.

National Marine Fisheries Service. 2014. Fisheries Economics of the United States, 2012. U.S. Dept. Commerce, NOAA Tech Memo. NMFS-F/

SPO-137, 175 p.

Propst, D. B. and D. G. Gavrilis. 1987. Role of economic impact assessment procedures in recreational fisheries management. Transactions 

of the American Fisheries Society, 116: 450-460.

U.S. Census Bureau. 2012. Statistical Abstract of the United States: 2012. U.S. Department of Commerce, 876 p. Available at: https://www2.

census.gov/library/publications/2011/compendia/statab/131ed/2012-statab.pdf (accessed 11/3/17).

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2014. U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Department of Commerce, 

U.S. Census Bureau. 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. Available at: https://www.census.gov/

prod/2012pubs/fhw11-nat.pdf (accessed 10/18/17).
48
49

Appendix A | Glossary

Appendix A.

Glossary

Table A.1. Glossary

Terminology Definition

Days Also known as effort; describes a day where some amount of time was spent engaging in one or more ocean 

recreation activities. One ocean recreation day can describe a day spent surfing for many hours or a day spent 

walking along a coastal trail for 20 minutes. These “days” are considered equivalent for this analysis.

Direct contribution 

or impact

Purchases made by ocean recreators at retail and service oriented businesses.

Durable expenses 

or expenditures

Purchases made by ocean recreators that could be used for more than one ocean recreation trip (e.g., 

wetsuit, hiking boots, waders, boat, vehicle).

Employee 

compensation

Total payroll costs of employees paid by employers. This includes wage and salary, all benefits (e.g., health, 

retirement) and payroll taxes (both sides of social security, unemployment taxes, etc.).

Economic impact The economic activity generated by purchases made by ocean recreation participants in a particular 

geographic area. This activity is often characterized in terms of total sales made to ocean recreators, income

earned by employees of businesses who sell goods and services to ocean recreators, value-added/Gross

Domestic Product resulting from sales activity and income, and full- and part-time jobs supported by

ocean recreation-related purchases.

Economic activity The monetary contribution from purchases resulting from ocean recreation activities within a study region. 

This is the sum of direct, indirect, and induced contributions to the study region’s economy and excludes 

purchases of goods and services originating from outside the study region.

Effort Number of days spent engaged in an ocean recreation activity. Includes partial and full days.

Gross Domestic

Product or GDP

Otherwise known as gross value-added and is equivalent to the value of output (i.e., sales) less the value of 

intermediate consumption.

Gross Regional 

Product or GRP

Equivalent to GDP for a particular region.
50

Appendix A | Glossary

Terminology Definition

IMPLAN An acronym for Impact Analysis for Planning, an input-output model originally developed in 1976 by the U.S. 

Forest Service (U.S. Department of Agriculture) and currently maintained and developed by IMPLAN Group, 

LLC. An input-output model is a type of regional economic model that considers the relationship between 

industries within a given study region and estimates the economic activity generated from the purchase of 

final goods and services (outputs) and industry-to-industry purchases (inputs) within the supply chain that 

support the production of that final good or service.

Indirect 

contribution or 

impact

The economic activity of local businesses buying goods and services from other local industries. The cycle 

of spending works its way backward through the supply chain until all money leaks from the local economy, 

either through imports or by payments to value-added.

Induced

contribution or 

impact

Economic activity generated by purchases made by employees who work in industries where direct and 

indirect sales were made. These are purchases made within the study region resulting from the salary and 

wages paid to these employees.

Labor income All forms of employment income, including Employee Compensation (wages and benefits) and Proprietor 

Income.

Nonresident A respondent who lives outside of the geographic area being reported, e.g., a New England nonresident does 

not reside in the New England Region.

Participation Number of respondents who participated in an ocean recreation activity in the geographic area being 

reported.

Proprietor income Payments received by self-employed individuals and unincorporated business owners. This income also 

includes the capital consumption allowance and is recorded on Federal Tax form 1040C.

Resident A respondent who lives in the geographic area being reported, e.g., a New England resident resides in the 

New England Region.

Sales The value of industry production derived from expenditures by ocean recreators in each region.

Trip Describes a visit to the ocean or coast to engage in one or more ocean recreation activities. A trip can last 

a few hours or many days. If a trip does not include an overnight stay, it is considered a day trip whether it 

lasted a few minutes or several hours. If a trip includes at least one overnight stay, it is defined as a multiday trip.

Trip expenses or 

expenditures

Expenditures during an ocean recreation trip. For example, food and beverages, transportation costs (fuel, 

parking, etc.), fishing licenses purchasing during a trip. 

Value-added Equivalent to GRP for a particular region or GDP for the Nation. The value of output (i.e., sales) less the 

value of intermediate consumption.
51

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Appendix B.

Detailed Methods and Analysis

The National Ocean Recreation Expenditure Survey (NORES) questionnaire was developed through extensive 

qualitative testing. From April through August 2010, six focus groups and 18 cognitive (one-on-one) interviews 

were conducted to test the questionnaire with members of the general public. Focus groups and interviews 

helped to evaluate the content and flow of the questionnaire, and whether the information was presented in an 

understandable way to a range of individuals. Participants were recruited using random recruitment protocols by 

a focus group or market research facility that NOAA Fisheries contracted with in various locations nationwide 

(Charleston, Seattle, New Orleans, San Diego, and Boston).

GfK Group, formerly Knowledge Networks, was contracted to conduct this national study. GfK Group maintains 

a probability-based web-enabled panel of survey respondents.1 The composition of the panel is designed to be 

statistically representative of the U.S. population based on U.S. Census benchmark attributes such as age, gender, and 

household income. The relative number of panel members in each area of the U.S. is designed to be proportional to the 

population sizes in those areas. To be eligible to participate in this study, respondents were civilian, non-institutionalized 

adults of at least 18 years of age who were U.S. residents living in English or Spanish-speaking households. The survey 

questionnaire was available in both English and Spanish. The English version is available in Appendix D.

Based on feedback from our focus groups and interviews, GfK Group updated the online questionnaire and a pretest of the English version of the survey was conducted in February 2012. Approximately 3,500 surveys were fielded 

nationwide and over 2,200 surveys were completed, a survey completion rate of 64%. Some technical issues were 

identified and resolved based on this pre-test.

The main survey period for this study was from March 2012 through September 2013 and households in all 50 

states and the District of Columbia were sampled with replacement. That is, a household was eligible to be sampled 

throughout the survey period. Due to a fielding error, Hawaii and Alaska were not sampled until November 2012. To 

correct for this omission, sampling in these two states started in November 2012 and continued through September 2013.

The survey questionnaire was sent every two months throughout the survey period and collected information about 

activities that occurred during the last twelve or two months. For example, a questionnaire received in July collected 

information about recent ocean activity and trip-related purchases in May and June. That same questionnaire also 

collected information about durable purchases made within the last twelve months. Six, two month waves were 

planned but as noted above, four additional waves to include Hawaii and Alaska were needed. Table B.1 provides 

information about survey frequency, sampling regions, and the number of surveys that were fielded and completed 

during this period.

Survey participants were contacted by e-mail and informed that a survey opportunity was available to them. 

Three e-mail reminders were sent to non-responders at prescribed intervals after the initial survey invitation. This 

project achieved a survey completion rate of 68% with nearly 114,000 surveys fielded and 78,000 panel members 

responding. The median survey completion time was 14-18 minutes.

1

 See GfK KnowledgePanel® Recruitment and Sample Survey Methodologies report, http://www.gfk.com/products-a-z/us/knowledgepanel-united-states/.
52

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Table B.1. Main survey, March 2012 – September 2013.

Wave Survey month Region sampled N fielded N surveys 

completed

% surveys 

completed

N recreated

in wave

% wave 

recreation

1 March 2012 Atlantic, Gulf 12,135 8,032 66.2 856 10.7

Other states 6,676 4,518 67.7 306 6.8

2 May 2012 Atlantic, Gulf 12,100 8,181 67.6 1361 16.6

Other states 6,668 4,552 68.3 412 9.1

3 July 2012 Atlantic, Gulf 12,354 8,168 66.1 1926 23.6

Other states 6,703 4,659 69.5 615 13.2

4 September 2012 Atlantic, Gulf 12,340 8,026 65.0 2256 28.1

Other states 6,668 4,488 67.3 650 14.5

5 November 2012 Atlantic, Gulf 12,104 8,532 70.5 1217 14.3

Other states, AK, HI 6,956 4,787 68.8 434 9.1

6 January 2013

Atlantic, Gulf 12,165 8,688 71.4 859 9.9

Other states, AK, HI 6,712 4,953 73.8 333 6.7

1 March 2013 AK, HI 55 39 70.9 5 12.8

2 May 2013 AK, HI 55 43 78.1 15 34.9

3 July 2013 AK, HI 55 31 56.3 14 45.2

4 September 2013 AK, HI 55 30 54.5 17 56.7

Total Main Survey 113,801 77,727 68.3 11,276 14.5

Nonresponse Bias

Potential nonresponse bias was evaluated through a comparison of demographic characteristics among survey 

respondents and nonrespondents. GfK maintains a rich set of demographic profile data for all online panel 

members. These data are collected by GfK as part of the online panel recruitment process, which eliminated the 

need for inclusion of demographic questions in our survey and allowed us to obtain demographic data from both 

survey respondents and nonrespondents.

A respondent was defined as someone who, at a minimum, answered yes or no to Question 1 (Q1: Did you 

participate in ocean recreation within the U.S. over the past 12 months?). A nonrespondent was considered 

someone who did not click on the web link contained in a GfK e-mail invitation letting them know that there was a 

new survey available for them to take, or someone who opened the survey web link but failed to continue on from 

the first screen that introduced the survey (i.e., Q1 on the second screen was not answered).

Pearson chi-squared tests were conducted to evaluate differences in gender, age, education, and household income 

between respondents and nonrespondents (Table B.2). To be consistent with the stratified random sampling design, 

the significance tests were conducted at the region and wave level. No statistically significant differences (p<0.05) 

were detected for almost all of the comparisons we tested across regions and waves. The small number of differences 

that were detected were not systematic across waves within a region, suggesting that the likelihood of potential 

nonresponse bias due to differences in demographics between respondents and nonrespondents is minimal.
53

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Table B.2. Nonresponse bias test results by wave and demographic characteristics, 2012-13.

Wave Region Gender,

2 groups

Age,

4 groups

Education, 

4 groups

Household income,

6 groups

March

2012

United States 0.7425 0.5505 0.9537 0.3781

Pacific 0.7729 0.0988 0.2529 0.4144

New England 0.0280* 0.0127* 0.8160 0.5157

Mid-Atlantic 0.8741 0.9442 0.2972 0.6789

South Atlantic 0.7865 0.0724 0.5330 0.4341

Gulf of Mexico 0.6800 0.8174 0.4912 0.0075*

May

2012

United States 0.9506 0.4540 0.9208 0.2074

Pacific 0.3621 0.0735 0.6319 0.5295

New England 0.2802 0.4096 0.9477 0.8653

Mid-Atlantic 0.8231 0.1689 0.8067 0.3619

South Atlantic 0.6427 0.2265 0.5621 0.4134

Gulf of Mexico 0.3690 0.4526 0.3235 0.8287

July

2012

United States 0.9561 0.6527 0.9772 0.0355*

Pacific 0.9345 0.3226 0.5794 0.3046

New England 0.9890 0.7868 0.0403* 0.2711

Mid-Atlantic 0.2097 0.4909 0.8346 0.0162*

South Atlantic 0.1952 0.3862 0.6109 0.0907

Gulf of Mexico 0.2660 0.2721 0.5727 0.0882

September

2012

United States 0.7320 0.6811 0.8265 0.1919

Pacific 0.3606 0.2724 0.1124 0.3955

New England 0.0643 0.7755 0.2127 0.8094

Mid-Atlantic 0.6271 0.3687 0.0364* 0.3666

South Atlantic 0.7240 0.0053* 0.9145 0.2405

Gulf of Mexico 0.6461 0.7117 0.8280 0.5019

November

2012

United States 0.8934 0.8058 0.8373 0.3101

Pacific 0.9722 0.2490 0.2269 0.4164

New England 0.4381 0.1954 0.9754 0.9705

Mid-Atlantic 0.0814 0.9563 0.9720 0.0605

South Atlantic 0.1091 0.2604 0.6807 0.9677

Gulf of Mexico 0.3760 0.7161 0.2622 0.4203

January

2013

United States 0.9282 0.7656 0.9487 0.4448

Pacific 0.3057 0.0101* 0.0702 0.1254

New England 0.7163 0.7798 0.7810 0.5583

Mid-Atlantic 0.7576 0.3986 0.4873 0.3310

South Atlantic 0.8243 0.8664 0.3511 0.3055

Gulf of Mexico 0.8726 0.0460* 0.1762 0.2615

* Pearson’s chi-squared test. Significant differences at the 0.05 level.
54

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

In addition to demographic comparisons, we contracted with GfK to follow-up with a sample of nonrespondents 

by e-mail. The purpose of the follow-up survey was to collect some baseline information on ocean recreation 

participation to evaluate whether the ocean recreation participation rate was similar across respondents and 

nonrespondents. Any differences between respondents and nonrespondents could signal potential nonresponse 

coverage bias.

The nonresponse follow-up survey (NRFUS) was sent to a sample of nonrespondents from the March and 

September 2012 survey waves. The NRFUS consisted of the first three questions from the main survey and one 

additional question that asked why the individual did not participate in the main survey. Table B.3 provides 

information about the number of follow-up surveys fielded and completed.

While over 1,100 NRFUS surveys were completed, statistically significant differences (p<0.05) in demographics 

were detected between the NRFUS participants and all of the remaining nonrespondents to the main survey. Thus, 

the responses from the NRFUS participants may not accurately reflect the behavior of all of the nonrespondents. 

However, no statistical differences (p<0.05) in ocean recreation participation rates were found between the 

NRFUS participants and respondents to the main survey, except for household income in the U.S. region for those 

interviewed during the September survey wave. Results of these statistical tests are available upon request.

Table B.3. Nonresponse follow-up survey (NRFUS), April and October 2012. 

Wave Survey month Region sampled N fielded N surveys 

completed

% surveys 

completed

N recreated

in wave

% wave 

recreation

NRFUS April Atlantic, Gulf 783 370 47.3 370 100

Other states 470 234 49.8 234 100

October Atlantic, Gulf 1,252 348 27.8 348 100

Other states 752 192 25.5 192 100

Total NRFUS 3,257 1,144 35.1 1,144 35.1

After the survey data were collected, GfK computed post-stratification weights by wave and region to adjust 

for any survey nonresponse as well as any noncoverage or under- and over-sampling resulting from the sample 

design. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey estimates of demographic distributions for the noninstitutionalized, civilian population ages 18 and over by region and wave were used as the benchmark controls 

in this adjustment. The demographic weighting criteria consisted of gender, race/Hispanic ethnicity, education, 

household income, Census region, internet access, and primary language (GfK Group 2015). Even though the sample 

weighting criteria were the same across the six waves contained in the study, wave weights were calculated to account 

for varying degrees of nonresponse in each wave. For example, nonresponse from young adults may be higher during 

the summer months; the weights are adjusted for each wave to account for these unique variations in completion.

Final analysis weights were produced using an iterative proportional fitting (raking) procedure to ensure that the 

resulting sample weights were aligned with the U.S. Census Bureau’s benchmark demographic distributions. If 

necessary, outliers were then trimmed at the extreme upper and lower tails of the weight distributions. The poststratified and trimmed weights were then scaled to the complete and qualified sample size by region and wave.

A final dataset was provided to NOAA Fisheries in October 2013. The dataset included responses to all survey 

questions including write-in responses; demographic information, zip code, and Federal Information Processing 
55

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Standards (FIPS) codes for all sampled panel members (respondents and nonrespondents); and post-stratification 

statistical weights. These weights were used for analysis of these data.

Data Analysis

For data analysis, seven regions were defined (Table B.4). As mentioned previously, residents from all 50 states 

and the District of Columbia were sampled for this study and their activities in their own region (if coastal) and 

across the U.S. were collected. This included ocean recreation activities that occurred in U.S. Territories and 

Commonwealths such as Guam and Puerto Rico. That is, these location options were available to respondents when 

asked about the location of their ocean recreation and related purchases. Recreation and expenditures made in 

these locations, collectively referred to as the Island Region in Table B.4, are not included in the U.S. estimates due 

to the small number of observations collected. 

Table B.4. Regions used for data analysis.

Region States, District of Columbia, U.S. Territories and Commonwealths

Pacific Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington

New England Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont

Mid-Atlantic Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia

South Atlantic East Florida*, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina

Gulf of Mexico Alabama, West Florida*, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas

Inland

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, 

Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, West 

Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Islands American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

* Florida was divided into East and West Florida. Coastal county residents were assigned to East or West FL based on definitions provided by the NMFS

Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). Non-coastal county residents were assigned to East or West FL based on whether their county of

residence was geographically closest to the Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico coasts.

The survey questionnaire collected location information related to where ocean activities occurred such as state of 

recreation and in some cases, town/city or county/parish. Location (state) of ocean recreation-related purchases 

was also collected and respondent residence (zip code) was made available by GfK.2 When recreation and purchase 

locations were left blank by a respondent, decision rules were applied based on other information provided by the 

respondent (e.g., responses to previous questions, residence location).3

Participation, effort, and durable and trip-related expenses that occurred at the U.S. level and in the Pacific, New 

England, Mid-Atlantic, South Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico Regions were then estimated. The economic activity that 

was supported by ocean recreation-related expenditures was also estimated at the national and regional levels.

2 Zip code information of GfK KnowledgePanel® members was only made available after we signed a nondisclosure agreement to ensure the privacy and 

confidentiality of this information.

3 Similarly, we used our discretion when considering typed-in responses to the “Other, please specify” response category. For some questions, this 

option was provided to respondents in case the existing response categories seemed not to apply to them. For example, if a respondent typed a 

response indicating that she attended a wedding on the beach, this response and related expenses were grouped with the “Outdoor activities not 

involving water contact” category. If the respondent’s typed response did not fit any of the existing response categories (e.g., watched an ocean 

program on television), this response was not included in the analysis.
56

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Estimating Participation and Effort

Annual participation in ocean recreation is reported at the region and national levels for each ocean recreation 

category and for all ocean activities combined. These estimates were made using responses from Question 19 (Q19). 

This question asked respondents to estimate the number of full and partial days they spent engaged in one or more 

ocean activities within the last two months. If they participated in an activity at least once during the two month 

period, that response was included in estimating participation for that activity in that wave. Annual participation 

was estimated for each activity, wave, and region combination. The wave with the highest participation level for 

each activity/region combination was reported. These region level estimates were then summed to get an estimate 

of U.S. participation levels in each activity.

Some respondents participated in more than one ocean 

recreation activity during the last two months. That 

individual was included in estimating participation for 

each of those activities. To estimate annual participation 

in “All ocean activities combined” and to avoid double (or 

more) counting, an individual who participated in multiple 

activities was assigned to one activity they spent the most 

days participating in. Therefore participation estimates 

for all ocean activities combined represents distinct 

participants and not the same participant counted multiple 

times in multiple activities.

Annual effort is also reported at the region and national 

levels for each ocean recreation category and for all 

ocean activities combined. Like annual participation, 

annual effort (number of days) was estimated using Q19. 

Respondents indicated the number of days they spent 

engaged in ocean activities during the last two months. 

These values were pooled across all six waves and an 

annual estimate for each activity and all ocean activities 

combined was calculated for each region. Region level effort 

estimates were then summed to estimate U.S. effort levels.

Estimating Durable and Trip Expenditures

Total annual expenditures on each durable and trip item were estimated. For durable items, we included only 

observations where the respondent indicated using a particular item at least 50% of the time for ocean activities. 

For both durable and trip items, we analyzed each item at the region of purchase, resident status (resident or 

nonresident), and ocean activity levels, then excluded observations (expenses) above the 99th percentile. This 

was done because in most cases, a few very large expenditures resulted in mean estimates much larger than the 

majority of reported expenditures. Removing the top 1% of the expense distribution for each item resulted in more 

reasonable mean estimates given the distributions observed.

Additional adjustments were made for some trip items. For fuel purchases, we excluded reported values that 

exceeded $150 per day. This was done because some of the reported values indicated spending $1000 on fuel each 

day, which seemed implausible. For example, if we assume that a car travels at 20 miles per gallon and each gallon 

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) after a great white shark 

(Carcharodon carcharias) took a bite, off of Cape Cod, 

Massachusetts. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/ Scott Steinback
57

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

costs $5, a respondent would have had to travel 4,000 miles in order to incur a fuel cost of $1000 per day. Driving 

4,000 miles in a day does not seem likely but 600 miles a day, though high, may be possible (600 miles = $150 per 

day / $5 per gallon * 20 miles per gallon).

Professional judgment was similarly applied to nonresident, boating-related lodging expenses in the Pacific Region. 

The initial estimate resulted in a value of $78.71 per night which was much higher than for all other activities in the 

Pacific Region, and for other regions. When looking at the resident and nonresident distributions for this expense, the 

Pacific was the only one where respondents reported lodging costs as high as $300 per night. Because this value was so 

much higher than other regions, in addition to excluding the top 1% as defined above, we also excluded an additional 

top two expense values (both were above $280 per night). Doing this resulted in a mean lodging expense of $55.60 per 

night, a value still higher than other activities and regions but within a reasonable range of those other estimates.

Based on these mean estimates, we calculated total expenditures for each item. To calculate total expenditures 

on durable items (e.g., boats, vehicles, trailers, etc.) and activity-related durable items (rods and reels, surfboards, 

wetsuits, etc.), the mean expenditure for each item was multiplied by annual participation levels estimated for each 

region, resident status, and activity. Region level estimates were summed to get national level, total expenditure 

estimates for each durable item.

To calculate total trip expenditures (e.g., lodging, fuel cost, restaurant purchases, etc.), mean expenditure estimates 

for each item were multiplied by annual effort levels (number of days) estimated for each region, resident status, and 

activity. Region level estimates were summed to get national level, total expenditure estimates for each trip item. Total 

durable and trip expenditures at the region and national levels are available; see Appendix C for more detail.

Estimating Expenditure-Related Economic Activity 

Input-output models require all values to be in producer prices (manufacturer prices) so each type of ocean 

recreator’s expenditure (durable or trip) a was associated with its corresponding IMPLAN producing sector. Tables 

B.5 to B.12 show how ocean recreation expenditures were allocated to IMPLAN sectors for each ocean recreation 

activity. Ocean recreator’s expenditure categories that included more than one IMPLAN sector were assigned to 

individual IMPLAN sectors based on the proportion of final household demand in each IMPLAN sector within 

the region of interest. In IMPLAN, margins are used to convert the retail level prices paid by ocean recreators 

into appropriate producer values. Margins ensure that correct values are assigned to products as they move from 

producers, to wholesalers, through the transportation sectors, and finally on to retail establishments. While 

IMPLAN’s default margins were used in almost all cases, adjustments were made to the retail margins associated with 

fuel and bait to properly account for boat fuel purchases, and live or frozen bait purchased by recreational fishermen.

IMPLAN’s default local purchase coefficients (LPPs) were applied to retail-level expenditure estimates to ensure 

that imported goods and services were excluded from the regional input-output models. IMPLAN’s LPPs reflect the 

proportion of retail level sales that are derived from manufacturers within a particular region. The one exception 

was for live or frozen bait purchased by recreational fishermen. Retail bait supplies are almost always derived from 

local harvesters, so region level LPP values for bait purchases were set to 100%.

Several of the IMPLAN expenditure assignments warrant further clarification. Grocery store purchases by ocean 

recreators were assigned to IMPLAN sectors according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ 2013 national average 

expenditure pattern for food purchased for off-premise consumption (i.e., groceries). This expenditure pattern 

consists of approximately 50 food processing and agricultural producing sectors that represent the average grocery list.

Spending reported by ocean recreators on registration and license fees for boats, trailers, and vehicles was excluded 
58

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

from the input-output assessment. Payments to state and local governments by households are internalized in an 

input-output model. Therefore, inclusion of license and registration fees would lead to double-counting. For the 

same reason, we also excluded ocean recreator’s expenditures on licenses, tags, stamps, and permits associated with 

fishing, shellfishing, hunting, viewing, beachcombing, and water contact sports.

Ocean recreator’s were asked to differentiate between “new” versus “used” purchases of boats (motor and 

nonmotor), boating electronics, and vehicles. If purchased “used”, survey respondents were asked to distinguish 

between purchases made at the retail level and those made through private party sales (i.e., household-to-household 

sales). In an input-output model, private party sales are assumed to be transfer payments generating no economic 

impacts. Thus, for any of these items that were purchased “new”, or purchased “used” from a retailer, the expense was 

included in the model. A “used” purchase derived from a private party sale was not included. However, if a loan was 

obtained for a “used” private party purchase, finance charges were included and assumed to be 2% of the principal.4

In contrast to the amortized annual expenditure estimates shown in this report for purchases that were considered 

“new” and financed (motor boats, nonmotor boats, boating electronics, and vehicles), the full purchase price was 

used for the input-output assessment. Whereas the amortized expenditure values provide an estimate of the actual 

outlays of financed purchases of ocean recreators during 2012, these values do not reflect the total activity generated 

from the financed sale. Inclusion of the total purchase price was necessary to properly attribute the full suite of 

multiplier effects that take place through financed purchases.

4 A large portion of bank fees and interest on loans generate no economic impacts in an input-output model. The sales of most industries in an input 

output model are expressed in terms of business receipts, but the banking sector is measured on a net basis. The output of the banking sector includes 

loan fees and interest payments, but also many other income-generating activities, and takes into account the interest paid by banks on depositors’ 

funds and for bank services where no explicit charges are made. Therefore, if the total estimated value of bank fees and interest payments incurred by 

ocean recreators in 2012 were applied to the input-output multipliers, the impact on the local economy would be overstated. To provide net expenditure 

estimates that would equate to the values contained within IMPLAN, the average net profit margin percentage for the banking industry in the U.S. was 

used to adjust expenditures on bank fees and interest payments (18%).

Enjoying the sea and sealife from a stand up paddleboard. Photo: NOAA’s National Ocean Service/Claire Fackler
59

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Table B.5. Recreational fishing IMPLAN sectoring scheme.

Expenditure Category IMPLAN Sector(s) IMPLAN Activity Type

Trip Auto Fuel 3156 Commodity

Auto Rental 442 Industry

Bait and Ice 3017, 3107 Commodity

Boat Fuel 3156 Commodity

Boat Rental 443 Industry

Charter Fees 414 Industry

Fish Filleting 414 Industry

Fish Processing 93 Industry

Food - Grocery Stores Various Household PCE Vector

Food - Restaurants 501, 502, 503 Industry

Lodging - All Inclusive Resort 499, 410 Industry

Lodging - Hotel, Campground 499, 500 Industry

Parking and Site Access 512 Industry

Public Transportation - Day Trips 412 Industry

Public Transportation - Overnight Trips 412, 408 Industry

Durable Binoculars and Cameras 3272, 3307 Commodity

Boat - New Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - New Non-Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Non-Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - Accessories New 3315, 3305, 3123 Commodity

Boat - Accessories Used 398 Industry

Boat - Maintenance 508, 396 Industry

Boat - Insurance 437 Industry

Boat - Storage 496 Industry

Camping Equipment 3385, 3121 Commodity

Clothing 3127, 3128, 3132, 3385 Commodity

Club Dues 496 Industry

Loan - Bank Fees 434 Industry

Loan - Interest 434 Industry

Magazine/Electronic Subscriptions 3418, 3417, 3419, 3422 Commodity

Non-profit Contributions 514 Industry

Rods and Reels 3385 Commodity

Tackle and Gear 3385 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - New 3343, 3344, 3348, 3349, 3367 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - Used 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Maintenance 504, 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Insurance 437 Industry

Wetsuits 3385 Commodity
60

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Table B.6. Recreational shellfishing IMPLAN sectoring scheme.

Expenditure Category IMPLAN Sector(s) IMPLAN Activity Type

Trip Auto Fuel 3156 Commodity

Auto Rental 442 Industry

Bait and Ice 3017, 3107 Commodity

Boat Fuel 3156 Commodity

Boat Rental 443 Industry

Guide Fees 414 Industry

Shucking 414 Industry

Shellfish Processing 93 Industry

Food - Grocery Stores Various Household PCE Vector

Food - Restaurants 501, 502, 503 Industry

Lodging - All Inclusive Resort 499, 410 Industry

Lodging - Hotel, Campground 499, 500 Industry

Parking and Site Access 512 Industry

Public Transportation - Day Trips 412 Industry

Public Transportation - Overnight Trips 412, 408 Industry

Durable Boat - New Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - New Non-Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Non-Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - Accessories New 3315, 3305, 3123 Commodity

Boat - Accessories Used 398 Industry

Boat - Maintenance 508, 396 Industry

Boat - Insurance 437 Industry

Boat - Storage 496 Industry

Camping Equipment 3385, 3121 Commodity

Clothing 3127, 3128, 3132, 3385 Commodity

Club Dues 496 Industry

Equipment 3236, 3248 Commodity

Gear 3195, 3235 Commodity

Loan - Bank Fees 434 Industry

Loan - Interest 434 Industry

Magazine/Electronic Subscriptions 3418, 3417, 3419, 3422 Commodity

Non-profit Contributions 514 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - New 3343, 3344, 3348, 3349, 3367 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - Used 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Maintenance 504, 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Insurance 437 Industry

Wetsuits 3385 Commodity
61

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Table B.7. Hunting waterfowl or other animals IMPLAN sectoring scheme.

Expenditure Category IMPLAN Sector(s) IMPLAN Activity Type

Trip Auto Fuel 3156 Commodity

Auto Rental 442 Industry

Boat Fuel 3156 Commodity

Boat Rental 443 Industry

Food - Grocery Stores Various Household PCE Vector

Food - Restaurants 501, 502, 503 Industry

Lodging - All Inclusive Resort 499, 410 Industry

Lodging - Hotel, Campground 499, 500 Industry

Parking and Site Access 512 Industry

Public Transportation - Day Trips 412 Industry

Public Transportation - Overnight Trips 412, 408 Industry

Equipment Rental 443 Industry

Durable Binoculars and Cameras 3272, 3307 Commodity

Boat - New Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - New Non-Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Non-Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - Accessories New 3315, 3305, 3123 Commodity

Boat - Accessories Used 398 Industry

Boat - Maintenance 508, 396 Industry

Boat - Insurance 437 Industry

Boat - Storage 496 Industry

Bows and Arrows 3385 Commodity

Camping Equipment 3385, 3121 Commodity

Clothing 3127, 3128, 3132, 3385 Commodity

Club Dues 496 Industry

Decoys and Game Calls 3385 Commodity

Dog Costs 3065, 459 Commodity/Industry

Guns and Ammunition 3257, 3259 Commodity

Loan - Bank Fees 434 Industry

Loan - Interest 434 Industry

Magazine/Electronic Subscriptions 3418, 3417, 3419, 3422 Commodity

Non-profit Contributions 514 Industry

Taxidermy 492 Industry

Telescope Sights 3272 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - New 3343, 3344, 3348, 3349, 3367 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - Used 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Maintenance 504, 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Insurance 437 Industry
62

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Table B.8. Viewing or photographing the ocean IMPLAN sectoring scheme.

Expenditure Category IMPLAN Sector(s) IMPLAN Activity Type

Trip Auto Fuel 3156 Commodity

Auto Rental 442 Industry

Boat Fuel 3156 Commodity

Boat Rental 443 Industry

Food - Grocery Stores Various Household PCE Vector

Food - Restaurants 501, 502, 503 Industry

Lodging - All Inclusive Resort 499, 410 Industry

Lodging - Hotel, Campground 499, 500 Industry

Parking and Site Access 512 Industry

Public Transportation - Day Trips 412 Industry

Public Transportation - Overnight Trips 412, 408 Industry

Whale Watch 414 Industry

Durable Binoculars 3272 Commodity

Boat - New Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - New Non-Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Non-Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - Accessories New 3315, 3305, 3123 Commodity

Boat - Accessories Used 398 Industry

Boat - Maintenance 508, 396 Industry

Boat - Insurance 437 Industry

Boat - Storage 496 Industry

Camera and Equipment 3307, 3305 Commodity

Camping Equipment 3385, 3121 Commodity

Clothing 3127, 3128, 3132, 3385 Commodity

Club Dues 496 Industry

Field Guides and Charts 3154 Commodity

Loan - Bank Fees 434 Industry

Loan - Interest 434 Industry

Magazine/Electronic Subscriptions 3418, 3417, 3419, 3422 Commodity

Non-profit Contributions 514 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - New 3343, 3344, 3348, 3349, 3367 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - Used 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Maintenance 504, 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Insurance 437 Industry
63

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Table B.9. Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items IMPLAN sectoring scheme.

Expenditure Category IMPLAN Sector(s) IMPLAN Activity Type

Trip Auto Fuel 3156 Commodity

Auto Rental 442 Industry

Boat Fuel 3156 Commodity

Boat Rental 443 Industry

Food - Grocery Stores Various Household PCE Vector

Food - Restaurants 501, 502, 503 Industry

Lodging - All Inclusive Resort 499, 410 Industry

Lodging - Hotel, Campground 499, 500 Industry

Parking and Site Access 512 Industry

Public Transportation - Day Trips 412 Industry

Public Transportation - Overnight Trips 412, 408 Industry

Durable Binoculars and Cameras 3272, 3307 Commodity

Boat - New Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - New Non-Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Non-Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - Accessories New 3315, 3305, 3123 Commodity

Boat - Accessories Used 398 Industry

Boat - Maintenance 508, 396 Industry

Boat - Insurance 437 Industry

Boat - Storage 496 Industry

Clothing 3130, 3132, 3195 Commodity

Club Dues 496 Industry

Equipment 3322, 3195, 3121 Commodity

Field Guides/Charts 3154 Commodity

Loan - Bank Fees 434 Industry

Loan - Interest 434 Industry

Magazine/Electronic Subsriptions 3418, 3417, 3419, 3422 Commodity

Non-profit Contributions 514 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - New 3343, 3344, 3348, 3349, 3367 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - Used 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Maintenance 504, 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Insurance 437 Industry
64

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Table B.10. Water contact sports IMPLAN sectoring scheme.

Expenditure Category IMPLAN Sector(s) IMPLAN Activity Type

Trip Auto Fuel 3156 Commodity

Auto Rental 442 Industry

Boat Fuel 3156 Commodity

Boat Rental 443 Industry

Food - Grocery Stores Various Household PCE Vector

Food - Restaurants 501, 502, 503 Industry

Kayaking Equipment Rental 443 Industry

Lodging - All Inclusive Resort 499, 410 Industry

Lodging - Hotel, Campground 499, 500 Industry

Parking and Site Access 512 Industry

Public Transportation - Day Trips 412 Industry

Public Transportation - Overnight Trips 412, 408 Industry

Snorkeling Equipment Rental 443 Industry

Surfing Equipment Rental 443 Industry

Durable Binoculars and Cameras 3272, 3307 Commodity

Boat - New Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - New Non-Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Non-Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - Accessories New 3315, 3305, 3123 Commodity

Boat - Accessories Used 398 Industry

Boat - Maintenance 508, 396 Industry

Boat - Insurance 437 Industry

Boat - Storage 496 Industry

Clothing 3127, 3128, 3132, 3385 Commodity

Club Dues 496 Industry

Jet Ski and Equipment 3367 Commodity

Field Guides and Charts 3154 Commodity

Loan - Bank Fees 434 Industry

Loan - Interest 434 Industry

Magazine/Electronic Subscriptions 3418, 3417, 3419, 3422 Commodity

Non-profit Contributions 514 Industry

Safety Equipment 3380, 3187, 3394, 3261 Commodity

Surfing, Snorkeling, and Diving Equipment 3385 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - New 3343, 3344, 3348, 3349, 3367 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - Used 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Maintenance 504, 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Insurance 437 Industry

Wetsuits and Booties 3385, 3132 Commodity
65

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Table B.11. Boating and associated activities IMPLAN sectoring scheme.

Expenditure Category IMPLAN Sector(s) IMPLAN Activity Type

Trip Auto Fuel 3156 Commodity

Auto Rental 442 Industry

Boat Fuel 3156 Commodity

Boat Rental 443 Industry

Food - Grocery Stores Various Household PCE Vector

Food - Restaurants 501, 502, 503 Industry

Lodging - All Inclusive Resort 499, 410 Industry

Lodging - Hotel, Campground 499, 500 Industry

Parking and Site Access 512 Industry

Public Transportation - Day Trips 412 Industry

Public Transportation - Overnight Trips 412, 408 Industry

Durable Binoculars and Cameras 3272, 3307 Commodity

Boat - New Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - New Non-Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Non-Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - Accessories New 3315, 3305, 3123 Commodity

Boat - Accessories Used 398 Industry

Boat - Maintenance 508, 396 Industry

Boat - Insurance 437 Industry

Boat - Storage 496 Industry

Camping Equipment 3385, 3121 Commodity

Clothing 3127, 3128, 3132, 3385 Commodity

Club Dues 496 Industry

Field Guides and Charts 3154 Commodity

Loan - Bank Fees 434 Industry

Loan - Interest 434 Industry

Magazine/Electronic Subscriptions 3418, 3417, 3419, 3422 Commodity

Non-profit Contributions 514 Industry

Safety Equipment 3380, 3187, 3394, 3261 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - New 3343, 3344, 3348, 3349, 3367 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - Used 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Maintenance 504, 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Insurance 437 Industry

Watersking, Wakeboarding, Tubing Equipment 3385 Commodity

Wetsuits and Booties 3385, 3132 Commodity
66

Appendix B | Detailed Methods and Analysis

Table B.12. Outdoor activities not involving water contact IMPLAN sectoring scheme.

Expenditure Category IMPLAN Sector(s) IMPLAN Activity Type

Trip Auto Fuel 3156 Commodity

Auto Rental 442 Industry

Boat Fuel 3156 Commodity

Boat Rental 443 Industry

Food - Grocery Stores Various Household PCE Vector

Food - Restaurants 501, 502, 503 Industry

Horseback Riding 496 Industry

Lodging - All Inclusive Resort 499, 410 Industry

Lodging - Hotel, Campground 499, 500 Industry

Parking and Site Access 512 Industry

Public Transportation - Day Trips 412 Industry

Public Transportation - Overnight Trips 412, 408 Industry

Rental Equipment 443 Industry

Durable Biking Equipment 3365, 3247, 3385 Commodity

Binoculars and Cameras 3272, 3307 Commodity

Boat - New Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - New Non-Motorized 3364 Commodity

Boat - Used Non-Motorized 396 Industry

Boat - Accessories New 3315, 3305, 3123 Commodity

Boat - Accessories Used 398 Industry

Boat - Maintenance 508, 396 Industry

Boat - Insurance 437 Industry

Boat - Storage 496 Industry

Camping Equipment 3385, 3121 Commodity

Clothing 3130, 3127, 3128, 3129, 3132, 3386 Commodity

Club Dues 496 Industry

Field Guides and Charts 3154 Commodity

Horseback Riding Equipment 3133, 3385 Commodity

Horse Boarding 19 Industry

Loan - Bank Fees 434 Industry

Loan - Interest 434 Industry

Magazine/Electronic Subscriptions 3418, 3417, 3419, 3422 Commodity

Non-profit Contributions 514 Industry

Parasailing or Hangliding Equipment 3385 Commodity

Rollerblading and Skateboarding Equipment 3385 Commodity

Sun Protection, Towel 3182 Commodity

Volleyball, Frisbee and Kite Flying Equipment 3385, 3386 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - New 3343, 3344, 3348, 3349, 3367 Commodity

Vehicle/Trailer - Used 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Maintenance 504, 396 Industry

Vehicle/Trailer - Insurance 437 Industry

Walking, Running, Hiking Equipment 3385, 3322 Commodity

Wetsuits 3385 Commodity
67

Appendix C | Total Expenditures by Region and Activity

Appendix C.

Total Expenditures

by Region and Activity

Total trip and durable expenditure estimates for a range of items that were purchased by ocean recreation 

participants were calculated. These expenditures were used to estimate total economic activity – i.e., total sales, 

employment, labor income, and gross domestic product – at the U.S. and region levels. Item-level expenditure 

estimates are available by geographic region and ocean activity (Supplemental Tables: https://spo.nmfs.noaa.gov/

sites/default/files/TMSPO185_supp_tables.pdf).

A final game of chase at sunset. Photo: NOAA’s National Ocean Service/Claire Fackler
68
69

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Appendix D.

Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Ocean Recreation Activities within the U.S.

Thank you for participating in this study funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA), a U.S. government agency with ocean and coastal natural resource management responsibilities. The goal 

of this study is to learn about the types of ocean recreation you participate in and how important these activities 

are to you. The information that is collected is vital for evaluating the importance of ocean and coastal recreation 

in your region in terms of how frequently Americans participate in ocean recreation, the number of jobs these 

activities support, and the revenue that is generated. Your responses will be combined with others so that all of the 

information you provide will remain confidential. Your participation in this important study is voluntary.

The focus of this study is ocean recreation within the U.S. – that is, recreation on, in, or in view of oceans, bays, 

estuaries, coastal wetlands, saltwater bayous, or other seawater areas. This study is not about freshwater activities 

associated with rivers, creeks, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds. 

For this survey, ocean recreation includes the following activities that occur at, in, or in view of oceans, bays, 

estuaries, coastal wetlands, saltwater bayous, or other seawater areas:

• Recreational fishing from a boat/kayak/canoe/rowboat, from shore, or while diving or spear fishing

• Recreational shellfishing from a boat/kayak/canoe/rowboat, from shore, or while diving

• Hunting waterfowl or other animals for recreation at the ocean or coast 

• Viewing or photographing the ocean – including ocean features such as waves and wildlife such as birds, whales, or sea lions – 

from a boat/kayak/canoe/ rowboat, from shore, or from a car

• Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items such as shells, rocks, fossils, or driftwood

• Water contact sports such as swimming, surfing, wind surfing, body surfing, skimboarding, snorkeling, diving (not associated with 

fishing), kitesurfing, or jet skiing

• Boating and associated activities such as sailing, kayaking, canoeing, motorized boating, water skiing, wake boarding, or tubing

• Outdoor activities not involving water contact – that you chose to do at the ocean or coast because of the view or access to 

the water – such as sunbathing, building sandcastles, walking, running, hiking, biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, volleyball, frisbee, 

kite flying, kite buggies, parasailing, hang gliding, horseback riding, camping, or bonfires 

OMB No.: 0648-0637 National Ocean Recreational Expenditure Survey Approval

Expiration: 11/30/2014
70

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

□ Alabama

□ Alaska

□ California

□ Connecticut

□ Delaware

□ Florida

□ Georgia

□ Hawaii

□ Louisiana

□ Maine

□ Maryland

□ Massachusetts

□ Mississippi

□ New Jersey

□ New York

□ North Carolina

□ Oregon

□ Pennsylvania

□ Rhode Island

□ South Carolina

□ Texas

□ Virginia

□ Washington

□ American Samoa 

□ Commonwealth of the

 Northern Mariana

 Islands (CNMI) 

□ Guam 

□ Puerto Rico 

□ U.S. Virgin Islands

 (USVI)

Section 1 - Introduction

Q1. Did you participate in ocean recreation within the U.S. over the past 12 months? 

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

□ Yes □ No

[If Q1 = “No”, go to Section 5]

[Show if Q1 = “Yes”]

Q2. Which ocean activities did you participate in over the past 12 months? 

[Instruction text: Please check all that apply.]

□ Recreational fishing 

□ Recreational shellfishing 

□ Hunting waterfowl or other animals 

□ Viewing or photographing the ocean 

□ Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items 

□ Water contact sports 

□ Boating and associated activities 

□ Outdoor activities not involving water contact 

□ Other, please specify ______________________________________________

[Dropdown box with coastal states; show if Q1 = “Yes”]

Q3. Within the U.S., in which state or U.S. territory did you do most or all of your ocean recreation in the past 12 months?

[Instruction text: Please select your answer from the list below.]
71

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Section 2 - Durable Items

EXPENSES ON DURABLE ITEMS RELATED TO OCEAN RECREATION

In this section, we will ask you some questions about big ticket items such as a boat, a vehicle, or a second home. 

Q4. Do you own a boat or boats (such as a kayak, canoe, motorboat, or sailboat) that you have used for ocean 

recreation in the past 12 months?

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

□ Yes □ No

[Show if Q4 = “Yes”]

Q5. When using this boat(s) for ocean recreation, which one activity was most enjoyable to you? 

[Instruction text: Please choose one.]

[List Responses from Q2 Here]

□ Recreational fishing 

□ Recreational shellfishing 

□ Hunting waterfowl or other animals 

□ Viewing or photographing the ocean 

□ Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items 

□ Water contact sports 

□ Boating and associated activities 

□ Outdoor activities not involving water contact 

□ Other, please specify ________________________________________________________________________

[Show if Q4 = “Yes”]

Q6. How long is the boat you used most often for ocean recreation?

[Instruction text: Please type a number for your answer.]

_________ feet

[Show if Q4 = “Yes”]

Q7. Does this boat have an engine?

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

□ Yes □ No
72

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if Q7 = “Yes”]

Q8. Please tell us the horsepower of this motorized boat. 

[Instruction text: Please type a number for your answer.]

____________ horsepower

[Show if Q4 = “Yes”]

Q9. Approximately how much did you personally spend on boats and boating accessories in the past 12 months? If 

you own more than one boat used for ocean recreation, please include expenses for all of these boats. 

[Instruction text: Please type a number for each expense you made and select all that apply.]

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you 

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State 

where

purchase 

was made

Was this 

purchase 

financed?

Purchased 

new or 

used?

Purchased from 

whom?

Purchase of a motorized 

boat including 

accessories purchased 

with the boat

[This Row Should Only 

Appear if Q7=”Yes”]

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______

□ Yes

□ No

□ New

□ Used

□ Store, broker,

 or dealer

□ Private party

Purchase of a nonmotorized boat (canoe, 

kayak, etc.)

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______

□ Yes

□ No

□ New

□ Used

□ Store, broker,

 or dealer

□ Private party

Boat accessories 

purchased separate 

from the boat

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______

□ Yes

□ No

□ New

□ Used

□ Store, broker,

 or dealer

□ Private party

Boat mooring, haul out, 

launch, or storage fees □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______

Boat or trailer 

maintenance or repairs □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______

Boat or trailer license or 

registration □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______

Boat insurance □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______
73

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if Q4= “Yes”]

Q10. When you used your boat(s) during the last 12 months, what percentage of this time was your boat(s) used for 

ocean recreation (rather than for recreation on a lake, river, etc.)? 

[Instruction text: Please type a number for your answer.]

__________ % of the time I used my boat(s), I used it for ocean recreation. 

Q11. Do you own a vehicle(s) (such as a car, truck, motorhome or RV, off-road vehicle, motorcycle, etc.) that you 

used for ocean recreation in the past 12 months? For example, a car you used to travel to and from the ocean, or a 

truck used to pull a boat.

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

□ Yes □ No

[Show if Q11 = “Yes”]

Q12. When using this vehicle(s) for ocean recreation, which one activity was most enjoyable to you? 

[Instruction text: Please choose one.]

[List Responses from Q2 Here]

□ Recreational fishing 

□ Recreational shellfishing 

□ Hunting waterfowl or other animals 

□ Viewing or photographing the ocean 

□ Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items 

□ Water contact sports 

□ Boating and associated activities 

□ Outdoor activities not involving water contact 

□ Other, please specify ________________________________________________________________________
74

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if Q4= “Yes”]

Q13. Approximately how much did you personally spend on this vehicle(s) in the past 12 months? If you own more 

than one vehicle used for ocean recreation, please include expenses for all of these vehicles.

[Instruction text: Please type a number for each expense you made and select all that apply.]

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you 

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State 

where

purchase 

was made

Was this 

purchase 

financed?

Purchased 

new or 

used?

Purchased from 

whom?

Purchase of a vehicle(s) 

(car, truck, RV, ATV, 

etc.) 

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______

□ Yes

□ No

□ New

□ Used

□ Broker,

 dealer,

 or store

□ Private party

Repair and maintenance 

for vehicle(s) □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______

Insurance for vehicle(s) □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______

[Show if Q11= “Yes”]

Q14. When you used your vehicle(s) during the last 12 months, what percentage of this time was your vehicle(s) 

used for ocean recreation (rather than for commuting, driving to a lake, etc.)? 

[Instruction text: Please type a number for your answer.]

_________ % of the time used my vehicle(s), I used it for ocean recreation.

Q15. Do you own a second home(s) (such as a cabin, timeshare, or vacation home) that you used for ocean 

recreation in the past 12 months?

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

□ Yes □ No
75

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if Q15= “Yes”]

Q16. When staying at this second home(s), which one activity was most enjoyable to you? 

[Instruction text: Please choose one.]

[List Responses from Q2 Here]

□ Recreational fishing 

□ Recreational shellfishing 

□ Hunting waterfowl or other animals 

□ Viewing or photographing the ocean 

□ Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items 

□ Water contact sports 

□ Boating and associated activities 

□ Outdoor activities not involving water contact 

□ Other, please specify ________________________________________________________________________

[Dropdown Box with Coastal States; show if Q15 = “Yes”]

Q17. For the second home you used most often, in which state or U.S. territory is it located?

[Instruction text: Please select your answer from the list below.]

□ Not located within

 the U.S.

□ Alabama

□ Alaska

□ California

□ Connecticut

□ Delaware

□ Florida

□ Georgia

□ Hawaii

□ Louisiana

□ Maine

□ Maryland

□ Massachusetts

□ Mississippi

□ New Jersey

□ New York

□ North Carolina

□ Oregon

□ Pennsylvania

□ Rhode Island

□ South Carolina

□ Texas

□ Virginia

□ Washington

□ American Samoa 

□ Commonwealth of the

 Northern Mariana

 Islands (CNMI) 

□ Guam 

□ Puerto Rico 

□ U.S. Virgin Islands

 (USVI)
76

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if Q15= “Yes”]

Q18. In the past 12 months, approximately how much did you personally spend on this second home? If you own 

more than one second home used for ocean recreation, please include expenses for the one second home that you 

used the most.

[Instruction text: Please type a number for each expense you made and select all that apply.]

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you 

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State 

where

purchase 

was made

Was this 

purchase 

financed?

Purchased 

new or 

used?

Purchased from 

whom?

Purchase of this

second home □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______

□ Yes

□ No

□ New

□ Used

□ Real estate

 agent

□ Homeowner

Repair and maintenance 

for this second home 

(including condo fees)

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______

Insurance for this 

second home □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______

[Show if Q15= “Yes”]

Q19. When you used your second home during the last 12 months, what percentage of this time was your second 

home used for ocean recreation? 

[Instruction text: Please type a number for your answer.]

_________ % of the time I used my second home, I used it for ocean recreation.
77

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Section 3 - Participation and Effort

PARTICIPATION IN OCEAN RECREATION ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE U.S.

We would like to learn about how often you participate in ocean activities and any associated expenses you might have.

Q20. Did you participate in any ocean recreation within the U.S. in [MONTH 1] or [MONTH 2]?

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

□ Yes □ No

[If Q20 = “No”, go to Section 5]

Q21. How many days in [MONTH 1] AND [MONTH 2] did you participate in ocean recreation?

[Instruction text: For each month below, please type a number for your answer and count partial days as full days.]

Number of days in

[MONTH 1] [MONTH 2]
78

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Q22. You mentioned that you spent [Days from Q21] days in [Month1] and [Days from Q21] days in [Month2]

participating in ocean recreation. In the table below, please assign each of these days to an ocean activity.

If you participated in more than one activity on a single day, please attribute that day to the one activity that was 

most enjoyable to you. 

For instance, if you went shellfishing and wildlife viewing on the same day but shellfishing was more enjoyable to you, 

assign that day to “Recreational shellfishing.”

[In the table below, show only rows that coincide with responses from Q2]

Ocean Recreation Activity (within the U.S.) Number of days in

[Month1] [Month2]

Recreational fishing 

Recreational shellfishing 

Hunting waterfowl or other animals 

Viewing or photographing the ocean 

Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items 

Water contact sports 

Boating and associated activities 

Outdoor activities not involving water contact 

Other, please specify ________________________________

Total Number Of Days In From Q21;

Respondents Do Not See This Row.

[Sum of this column 

should equal Q21]

[Sum of this column 

should equal Q21]

[Last row in this table will not be seen by respondents. It is intended to check that the number of days included 

in this table equals the number of days stated in Q21. If these numbers are not the same, show a prompt that 

asks respondents to “please adjust the number of days so that they equal the number of days you mentioned for 

[Month1] and [Month2].” Show prompt only once.]
79

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Dropdown box with coastal states]

Q23. In which state or U.S. territory did you spend the most time participating in ocean recreation?

[Instruction text: Please select your answer from the list below.]

□ Alabama

□ Alaska

□ California

□ Connecticut

□ Delaware

□ Florida

□ Georgia

□ Hawaii

□ Louisiana

□ Maine

□ Maryland

□ Massachusetts

□ Mississippi

□ New Jersey

□ New York

□ North Carolina

□ Oregon

□ Pennsylvania

□ Rhode Island

□ South Carolina

□ Texas

□ Virginia

□ Washington

□ American Samoa 

□ Commonwealth of the

 Northern Mariana

 Islands (CNMI) 

□ Guam 

□ Puerto Rico 

□ U.S. Virgin Islands

 (USVI)

Q24. Intro. [Expenditures on semi-durable items]

In the following table, we would like to learn about equipment or gear that you may have purchased (not rented) in 

[Month1] and [Month2] for ocean activities. 

We will not ask you about food, drinks, rental equipment or gear, fuel costs, or other items that you may have 

purchased or used on your most recent visit to the ocean. These items will be included in the next section.

[Only one of the following tables (Q24a-Q24h) will be shown to a respondent. The table displayed will be based on 

the activity in Q22 that had the highest number of days. If multiple activities have the same highest number of days, 

randomly select one from these activities. If “other” has the highest number of days, go to Q24e.]
80

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if “Recreational fishing” has the highest number of days in Q22]

Q24a. Approximately how much did you personally spend on the following items in [Month1] and [Month2]? 

RECREATIONAL FISHING

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State where

purchase was 

made

Was this

purchase

financed?

Rods, poles, reels, and components 

for rodmaking 

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Tackle and gear such as lures, hooks, 

sinkers, fishing line, tackle boxes, 

nets, knives, gaffs, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Clothing used for fishing such as 

foul weather gear, boots, waders, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Wetsuits, booties, etc. □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Binoculars, field glasses, cameras, 

video cameras, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Camping equipment such as sleeping 

bags, packs, tents, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Saltwater fishing licenses, fees, or 

stamps

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Magazine, newspaper, and electronic 

subscriptions related to this activity

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to clubs

related to this activity

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contribution to nonprofit 

organizations related to this activity

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Other equipment or gear, please 

specify____________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %
81

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if “Recreational shellfishing” has the highest number of days in Q22]

Q24b. Approximately how much did you personally spend on the following items in [Month1] and [Month2]? 

RECREATIONAL SHELLFISHING

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State where

purchase was 

made

Was this

purchase

financed?

Rakes, baskets, cages □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Gear such as poles, buckets, nets, 

knives, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Clothing such as foul weather gear, 

boots, waders, gloves, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Wetsuits, booties, etc. □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Camping equipment such as sleeping 

bags, packs, tents, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Saltwater shellfishing licenses, fees, 

or stamps

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Magazine, newspaper, and electronic 

subscriptions related to this activity

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Contributions or dues to clubs

related to this activity

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Contributions to nonprofit

organizations related to this activity

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Other equipment or gear, please 

specify____________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %
82

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if “Hunting waterfowl or other animals” has the highest number of days in Q22]

Q24c. Approximately how much did you personally spend on the following items in [Month1] and [Month2]?

HUNTING WATERFOWL OR OTHER ANIMALS

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State where

purchase was 

made

Was this

purchase

financed?

Shotgun, muzzleloader, 

ammunition, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Bows, arrows, etc. □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Decoys or game calls □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Telescopic sights □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Clothing for hunting such as waders, 

etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Hunting dogs and associated costs □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Processing or taxidermy fees □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Binoculars, field glasses, cameras, 

video cameras, etc.

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Camping equipment such as sleeping 

bags, packs, tents, etc.

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Hunting licenses, fees, duck stamps, 

etc.

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to clubs

related to this activity

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to nonprofit 

organizations related to this activity

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Other equipment or gear, please 

specify____________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %
83

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if “Viewing or photographing the ocean” has the highest number of days in Q22]

Q24d. Approximately how much did you personally spend on the following items in [Month1] and [Month2]?

VIEWING OR PHOTOGRAPHING THE OCEAN

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State where

purchase was 

made

Was this

purchase

financed?

Binoculars, field glasses, etc. □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Cameras, video cameras, lenses, 

tripods, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Field guides or charts for identifying 

ocean or coastal features, animals, or 

plants 

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Clothing used for these activities 

such as hats, etc. 

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Camping equipment such as sleeping 

bags, packs, tents, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Licenses, permits, or fees related to 

these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Magazine, newspaper, and electronic 

subscriptions related to these 

activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to clubs

related to these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to nonprofit 

organizations related to these 

activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Other equipment or gear, please 

specify____________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %
84

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if “Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items” has the highest number of days in Q22]

Q24e. Approximately how much did you personally spend on the following items in [Month1] and [Month2]?

BEACHCOMBING, TIDEPOOLING, OR COLLECTING ITEMS

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State where

purchase was 

made

Was this

purchase

financed?

Equipment or gear used for this 

activity such as a metal detector, 

buckets, etc. 

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Clothing used for this activity such 

as water shoes, etc.

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Binoculars, field glasses, cameras, 

video cameras, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Field guides, tide tables, etc. □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Licenses, permits, or fees related to 

these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Magazine, newspaper, and electronic 

subscriptions related to these 

activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to clubs

related to this activity. 

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to nonprofit 

organizations related to this activity 

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Other equipment or gear, please 

specify____________

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %
85

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if “Water contact activities” has the highest number of days in Q22]

Q24f. Approximately how much did you personally spend on the following items in [Month1] and [Month2]?

WATER CONTACT ACTIVITIES

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State where

purchase was 

made

Was this

purchase

financed?

Clothing for these activities such as 

swimsuit, swim cap, hat, water shoes, 

etc. 

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Wetsuit, booties, rash guard, etc. □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Life jacket, other safety items □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for swimming 

or body surfing such as goggles, 

kickboard, fins, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for surfing such 

as a surfboard, leash, wax, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for boogie

boarding such as boogie board, fins, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for skimboarding

such as a skimboard, traction pad, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for snorkeling, 

scuba diving, or free diving such 

as a snorkel, mask, weights, fins, 

buoyancy compensator, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for windsurfing

such as a board, mast, sail, booms, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for kitesurfing or 

kite buggying such as an inflatable 

kite, kite buggy, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

(table continued on next page) 
86

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Q24f. (table continued from previous page) 

WATER CONTACT ACTIVITIES

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State where

purchase was 

made

Was this

purchase

financed?

Equipment or gear for jet skiing such 

as a jet ski, jet ski cover, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Binoculars, field glasses, cameras, 

video cameras, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Field guides, tide tables, charts, etc. 

used for these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Licenses, permits, or certifications 

related to these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Magazine, newspaper, and electronic 

subscriptions related to these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to clubs

related to these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to nonprofit 

organizations related to these

activities such as Surfrider, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Other equipment or gear, please 

specify____________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %
87

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if “Boating and associated activities” has the highest number of days in Q22]

Q24g. Approximately how much did you personally spend on the following items in [Month1] and [Month2]?

BOATING AND ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State where

purchase was 

made

Was this

purchase

financed?

Clothing for these activities such as 

hats, water shoes, etc.

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Wetsuit, booties, rash guard, etc. □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Life jacket, other safety items □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for water skiing

such as water skis, helmets, bindings, 

etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for wakeboarding

such as wakeboard, board bags, 

helmets, bindings, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for tubing such as 

tube, tow line, etc.

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Binoculars, field glasses, cameras, 

video cameras, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Field guides, tide tables, etc. □ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Magazine, newspaper, and electronic 

subscriptions related to these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to clubs

related to these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to nonprofit 

organizations related to these activities

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Other equipment or gear, please 

specify____________

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %
88

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if “Outdoor activities not involving water contact” has the highest number of days in Q22]

Q24g. Approximately how much did you personally spend on the following items in [Month1] and [Month2]?

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES NOT INVOLVING WATER CONTACT

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State where

purchase was 

made

Was this

purchase

financed?

Clothing for these activities such 

as hats, swimsuit, hiking boots, 

running shoes, biking gloves, riding 

boots, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear purchased for 

sunbathing such as sunscreen, towel, 

etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear purchased for 

walking, running, or hiking such as 

hiking poles, compass, pedometer, 

etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for biking such as 

a bike, lock, helmet, tire pump, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear purchased for 

rollerblading, skateboarding, or 

roller skating such as rollerblades, 

skateboard, knee pads, helmet, wheels, 

bearings, etc.

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for activities for 

beach volleyball, frisbee, kite flying, 

etc. such as volleyballs, nets, kites, 

equipment bags, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for parasailing 

or hang gliding such as parasails, 

harness, windsocks, wind meters, 

parachutes, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Equipment or gear for camping such 

as tents, packs, sleeping bags, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %
89

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Q24f. (table continued from previous page) 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES NOT INVOLVING WATER CONTACT

[Insert dropdown with all states for column, “State where most of your purchases were made”]

Type of expense

Did you

purchase this 

item(s)?

Your

expenses

State where

purchase was 

made

Was this

purchase

financed?

Equipment or gear for horseback 

riding such as halters, leads, crops, 

brushes, helmets, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Horse maintenance costs, stable fees, 

etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Binoculars, field glasses, cameras, 

video cameras, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Field guides, maps, etc. □ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Magazine, newspaper, and electronic 

subscriptions related to these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to clubs

related to these activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Dues or contributions to nonprofit 

organizations related to these 

activities

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %

Other equipment or gear, please 

specify____________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______ _______ ______ %
90

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Section 4 - Trips Expenses

MOST RECENT OCEAN RECREATION WITHIN THE U.S.

In this last section, we would like to learn about your most recent ocean recreation activity that you participated in 

within the U.S.

Q25. Did you participate in your most recent ocean activity during a longer trip where you spent one or more nights 

away from your permanent or seasonal residence?

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

□ Yes □ No

[Show if Q25 = “Yes”]

Q26. How many nights were you away from your residence on this trip?

[Instruction text: Please type a number for your answer.]

_________ nights away from residence

[Show if Q25 = “Yes”]

Q27. How many days of this trip did you engage in ocean recreation?

[Instruction text: Please type a number for your answer and count partial days as full days.]

 _________ days engaged in ocean recreation

Q28. Sometimes people go to the ocean specifically for recreation. Other times they may engage in some ocean 

recreation while they are at or near the ocean for another reason such as for a business trip.

What was the main reason for your visit to the ocean or coast?

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

□ Pleasure 

□ Business

□ Other, please specify ______________________________________________
91

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Q29. Sometimes people participate in more than one recreation activity when they visit the ocean or coast.

Please check all of the ocean recreation activities that you participated in during your most recent visit.

[Instruction text: Please check all that apply.]

[List only activities that coincide with a non-zero response from Q22]

□ Recreational fishing 

□ Recreational shellfishing 

□ Hunting waterfowl or other animals 

□ Viewing or photographing the ocean 

□ Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items 

□ Water contact sports 

□ Boating and associated activities 

□ Outdoor activities not involving water contact 

□ Other, please specify ______________________________________________

Q30. Of the activities you participated in, which one activity was the most enjoyable to you? 

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

[List only activities chosen in Q29]

□ Recreational fishing 

□ Recreational shellfishing 

□ Hunting waterfowl or other animals 

□ Viewing or photographing the ocean

□ Beachcombing, tidepooling, or collecting items 

□ Water contact sports 

□ Boating and associated activities 

□ Outdoor activities not involving water contact 

□ Other, please specify ______________________________________________
92

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Dropdown box with coastal states]

Q31. In which state or U.S. territory did you engage in this activity?

[Instruction text: Please select your answer from the list below.]

□ Alabama

□ Alaska

□ California

□ Connecticut

□ Delaware

□ Florida

□ Georgia

□ Hawaii

□ Louisiana

□ Maine

□ Maryland

□ Massachusetts

□ Mississippi

□ New Jersey

□ New York

□ North Carolina

□ Oregon

□ Pennsylvania

□ Rhode Island

□ South Carolina

□ Texas

□ Virginia

□ Washington

□ American Samoa 

□ Commonwealth of the

 Northern Mariana

 Islands (CNMI) 

□ Guam 

□ Puerto Rico 

□ U.S. Virgin Islands

 (USVI)

Q32a. In which city or town did you engage in this activity? 

[Instruction text: Please select your answer from the list below.]

[Show dropdown menu of coastal cities based on state selected in Q31]

□ I don’t know or don’t remember.

[Show if Q32a = “I don’t know or don’t remember.”]

Q32b. In which coastal county or parish did you engage in this activity? 

[Instruction text: Please select your answer from the list below.]

[Show dropdown menu of coastal cities based on state selected in Q31]

□ I don’t know or don’t remember.

Q33. Which mode(s) of transportation did you use to get to and from [Text of location from Q32a/b or Q31 if they 

did not answer Q32a/b or “this coastal location” if Q31/Q32a/b refused]? 

[Instruction text: Please check all that apply.]

[Show dropdown menu of coastal cities based on state selected in Q31]

□ Personal car, rental car, taxi, or carpool

□ Bus

□ Train or subway

□ Motorcycle or scooter

□ Bike

□ Boat

□ Airplane 

□ Walk

□ Other, please specify ________________________
93

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Q34. In the table below, please indicate how much you personally spent on each item that you purchased or rented 

during your most recent visit to the ocean or coast. Please include expenses for your entire trip away from home, not 

just the time you spent recreating at the ocean.

[Instruction text: Please type a number for each expense you made and people you paid for.]

I did not have any expenses during my most recent visit to the ocean or coast...........................x

[If the above statement is checked, “0”s will automatically be filled in for this table.]

[In the table below, show only the rows that are associated with the ocean activity indicated in Q30. For example, 

if they indicated “water contact activities” in Q30, the rows for this activity will pop up. In addition to the ocean 

activity chosen, “transportation,” “lodging,” “food and drink,” “other equipment” and “other expenses” should popup for all respondents. The “other activity” row would only pop-up if “other activity” was checked in Q30.]

Type of expense Did you purchase

this item(s)?

Your expenses for

this visit or trip

Transportation

Fuel cost – car, truck, or RV □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Rental cost – car, truck, or RV □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Other transportation such as bus, taxi, airline, 

subway fare, ferry, etc.

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Parking, beach, or site access fees □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Other transportation fees such as carbon offsets, 

etc., please specify: _______________________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Lodging

Lodging such as a hotel, campground, trailer park, 

cabin, vacation rental, timeshare, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

All-inclusive vacation package for a resort location

within the U.S. or a U.S. territory, or a cruise ship

that departed from the U.S. or a U.S. territory

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Food and drink

Restaurants, bars, cafes, or snack shacks □ Yes

□ No $ ______

Grocery stores or convenience stores □ Yes

□ No $ ______

Other food and drink, please specify: 

______________________________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

(table continued on next page) 
94

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Q34. (table continued from previous page) 

Type of expense Did you purchase

this item(s)?

Your expenses for

this visit or trip

Recreational 

fishing

Rental cost for a boat, kayak, canoe, etc. □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Boat fuel or lubricants □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Fishing bait and ice □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Party, charter, or guide fees □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Fish filleting fee □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Processing, taxidermy, freezing, or shipping □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Other activity-related equipment or gear, please 

specify: __________________________

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Recreational 

shellfishing

Rental cost for a boat, kayak, canoe, etc. □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Boat fuel or lubricants □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Shellfishing bait and ce □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Rented shellfishing equipment or gear such as 

wetsuits, diving gear, snorkel, mask, etc.

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Party, charter, or guide fees (including tips) □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Shellfish cleaning or dressing fee paid to charter 

operator or crew

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Processing, taxidermy, freezing, or shipping □ Yes

□ No

$ ______

Other recreational shellfishing supplies, please 

specify: __________________________

□ Yes

□ No

$ ______

(table continued on next page) 
95

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Q34. (table continued from previous page) 

Type of expense Did you purchase

this item(s)?

Your expenses for

this visit or trip

Hunting 

waterfowl or 

other animals

Rented hunting equipment or gear □ Yes

□ No $ ______

Other activity-related equipment or gear, please 

specify: __________________________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Viewing or 

photography

Whale or other wildlife watching boat fees

(including tips)

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Rental fees for sailboat or other boat □ Yes

□ No $ ______

Other activity-related equipment or gear, please 

specify: __________________________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Water contact 

activities

Rented equipment or gear for snorkeling or diving 

such as fins, masks, wetsuit, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Rented equipment or gear for surfing, windsurfing, 

or skimboarding such as a surfboard, wetsuit, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Rented equipment or gear for kayaking , canoeing,

or rowing

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Other activity-related equipment or gear, please 

specify: ___________________________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Boating activities

Rental cost for a boat, kayak, canoe, etc. □ Yes

□ No $ ______

Rented equipment or gear for activities such as 

waterskiing, wakeboarding, or tubing

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Rental equipment or gear for kayaking , canoeing, 

rowing, or sailing

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Fuel cost □ Yes

□ No $ ______

Other activity-related equipment or gear,please 

specify: _________________________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

(table continued on next page) 
96

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Q34. (table continued from previous page) 

Type of expense Did you purchase

this item(s)?

Your expenses for

this visit or trip

Activities 

not 

involving 

water 

contact

Rented equipment or gear for activities in ocean 

areas such as walking, hiking, rollerblading, biking, 

skateboarding, or horseback riding

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Rented equipment or gear for games or sports in ocean 

areas such as a volleyball or frisbee

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Horseback riding fees

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Camping equipment or gear

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Other activity-related equipment or gear, please specify: 

______________________________

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Other 

activity Activity-related equipment or gear, please specify

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Other 

equipment

Other equipment or gear not included above but used 

for ocean recreation activities such as beach toys, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______

Other 

expenses

Other expenses not included above but used for ocean 

recreation activities such as sunscreen, hat, towel, etc.

□ Yes

□ No $ ______
97

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if the respondent indicated an expense in the row, “all inclusive vacation package” under “lodging” in the 

above table, Q34]

Q35. You indicated that you purchased an all-inclusive vacation package for a resort in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, or 

a cruise ship vacation that departed from the U.S. or a U.S. territory. What was included in this vacation package?

[Instruction text: Please check all that apply.]

[Show dropdown menu of coastal cities based on state selected in Q31]

□ Transportation to and from your vacation location (flights, taxis, etc.)

□ Food and beverages while at your vacation location

□ Lodging while at your vacation location

□ Equipment rental for recreational fishing or shellfishing activities

□ Equipment rental for viewing or photographing wildlife 

□ Equipment rental for water contact activities

□ Equipment rental for outdoor activities not involving water contact

□ Tours or excursions if they occurred within the U.S. or U.S. territories

□ Other, please specify _________________________________________

[Shown only if respondent input value(s) in Q34 and “i did not have any expenses during my most recent visit to 

the ocean or coast” is not chosen]

Q36. Approximately what percentage of these expenses were made in [State from Q31]? 

[Instruction text: Please type a number for your answer.]

_________ % of expenses were made in [State from Q31]
98

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Q37. Intro.

On the next four screens, we will ask you about factors that may have influenced your choice of location for your 

most recent ocean activity.

Q37. How important were the following factors when you chose [Text of location from Q32a/b or Q31 if they did not 

answer Q32a/b or “this coastal location” if Q31/Q32a/b refused or dk] as the location for your most recent ocean 

activity?

[Instruction text: Please check the box that best represents the importance of each factor.]

Very

important Important Somewhat important

Not

important

Ocean conditions (wave size, break, undertow, etc.) □ □ □ □

Weather conditions □ □ □ □

Water quality (temperature, clarity, cleanliness, etc.) □ □ □ □

Sand quality or quantity (fine sand versus pebbles) □ □ □ □

Quality of the view from this location □ □ □ □

The number of people at this location □ □ □ □

Feeling of safety and security at this location, including 

availability of lifeguards □ □ □ □

Access to the water from shore including a boat slip or ramp, 

pier, jetty, wharf, etc. □ □ □ □

Parking availability □ □ □ □

The cost of going to this location (entrance, access, or 

parking fees) □ □ □ □

Availability of wheelchair access or other mobility easement □ □ □ □

Availability of restrooms, showers, BBQ grills, picnic tables, 

etc. at this location □ □ □ □

Proximity to restaurants, shopping, casinos, and other 

amenities near this location □ □ □ □

Pet policy □ □ □ □

Familiarity with, or history of, visiting this location □ □ □ □

Proximity to my residence □ □ □ □

Other, please specify _____________________________ □ □ □ □
99

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show if respondent ranked “Weather conditions” in Q37 as “Very important” or “Important”]

Q38. How important were the following weather conditions when you chose to participate in [Activity from Q30]?

[Instruction text: Please check the box that best represents your answer.]

Very

important Important Somewhat important

Not

important

Presence of wind □ □ □ □

Lack of humidity □ □ □ □

Presence of warm air temperature □ □ □ □

Lack of rain □ □ □ □

Presence of sunshine □ □ □ □

Presence of storms, hurricanes, or typhoons □ □ □ □

[Show if “Very important” or “Important” is selected in Q38 for “Presence of warm air temperatures”; highest temp 

should be greater than or equal to lowest temp]

Q39. When you participated in your most recent ocean activity, what were the highest and lowest outdoor 

temperatures that you experienced?

[Instruction text: Please check the box that best represents your answer.]

________ °F was approximately the highest temperature

________ °F was approximately the lowest temperature

□ I don’t know or don’t remember. 

[If Q39 = “I don’t know or don’t remember” or respondents refuse to answer Q39, skip to Section 5.]

[Show Q40 if respondent answered Q39 with temperatures]

Q40. How confident are you in your high and low temperature estimates?

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

□ Very confident

□ Confident

□ Somewhat confident

□ Not confident
100

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[If Q40 = “Somewhat confident” or “Not confident”, skip to Section 5.]

Q41.

On the following screens, we are interested in learning whether a change in outdoor temperature would influence 

your participation in ocean recreation.

Q41a. If the outdoor temperature was expected to be between [Lower temp from Q39 – 15] and [Higher temp from 

Q39 + 15] degrees Fahrenheit (°F), what is the likelihood that you would have participated in the following activity? 

[Instruction text: Please check the box that best represents your answer.]

[Lower and higher temps should not be lower/higher than what is historically possible for that state. Also, 

“Activity1” should be the activity indicated in Q30.]

I would have participated in [activity1],

if the temperature was:

Very

likely Likely Somewhat likely

Not

likely

A [lower temp from Q39 - 15]°F □ □ □ □

B [lower temp from Q39 - 10]°F □ □ □ □

C [lower temp from Q39 - 5]°F □ □ □ □

D [higher temp from Q39 + 5]°F □ □ □ □

E [higher temp from Q39 + 10]°F □ □ □ □

F [higher temp from Q39 + 15]°F □ □ □ □

[Show Q41b only if in Q41a a, b or c is “Not likely”. If more than one of Q41a a, b or c is “Not likely”, select the 

highest “Not likely” temperature out of Q41a a, b or c to be displayed in Q41b.]

Q41b. [If choose “Not likely”: for the highest low temperature that they chose “Not likely”] You said that if the 

temperature was [Highest low temp where “Not likely” is checked], you would not likely participate in [Activity1]. 

What would you have done instead? 

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

□ I would have participated in a different ocean recreation activity.

□ I would have participated in a non-ocean recreation activity (an outdoor activity that was not an ocean activity). 

□ I would have participated in an indoor recreation activity.

□ I would have done something other than what was listed here.
101

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

Q42a. If the outdoor temperature was expected to be between [lower temp from Q39 – 15] and [higher temp from 

Q39 + 15] degrees Fahrenheit (°F), what is the likelihood that you would have participated in the following activity? 

[Instruction text: Please check the box that best represents your answer.]

[Lower and higher temps should not be lower/higher than what is historically possible for that state. Also, 

“Activity2” should be randomly selected from activities in Q29 if more than one activity was selected in Q29. 

“Activity2” should not = “Activity1”. If only one activity was selected in Q29 then Q42a-42c should be skipped.]

I would have participated in [activity1],

if the temperature was:

Very

likely Likely Somewhat likely

Not

likely

A [lower temp from Q39 - 15]°F □ □ □ □

B [lower temp from Q39 - 10]°F □ □ □ □

C [lower temp from Q39 - 5]°F □ □ □ □

D [higher temp from Q39 + 5]°F □ □ □ □

E [higher temp from Q39 + 10]°F □ □ □ □

F [higher temp from Q39 + 15]°F □ □ □ □

[Show Q42b only if any of Q42a a, b or c is “Not likely”. If more than one of Q42a a, b or c is “Not likely”, select the 

highest “Not likely” temperature out of Q42a a, b or c to be displayed in Q42b.]

Q42b. [If choose “Not likely”: for the highest low temperature that they chose “Not likely”] You said that if the 

temperature was [Highest low temp where “Not likely” is checked], you would not likely participate in [Activity2]. 

What would you have done instead? 

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

[Lower and higher temps should not be lower/higher than what is historically possible for that state. Also, 

“Activity2” should be randomly selected from activities in Q29 if more than one activity was selected in Q29. 

“Activity2” should not = “Activity1”. If only one activity was selected in Q29 then Q42a-42c should be skipped.]

□ I would have participated in a different ocean recreation activity.

□ I would have participated in a non-ocean recreation activity (an outdoor activity that was not an ocean activity). 

□ I would have participated in an indoor recreation activity.

□ I would have done something other than what was listed here.
102

Appendix D | Survey Questionnaire (English Version)

[Show Q42c if any of Q42a d, e or f is “Not likely”. If more than one of Q42a d, e or f is “Not likely”, select the lowest 

“Not likely” temperature out of Q42a d, e or f to be displayed in Q42c.]

Q42c. [If choose “Not likely”: for the lowest high temperature that they chose “Not likely”] You said that if the 

temperature was [Lowest high temp where “Not likely” is checked], you would not likely participate in [Activity2]. 

What would you have done instead? 

[Instruction text: Please check one.]

[Lower and higher temps should not be lower/higher than what is historically possible for that state. Also, 

“Activity2” should be randomly selected from activities in Q29 if more than one activity was selected in Q29. 

“Activity2” should not = “Activity1”. If only one activity was selected in Q29 then Q42a-42c should be skipped.]

□ I would have chosen to do a different ocean recreation activity.

□ I would have chosen to do a non-ocean recreation activity (an outdoor activity that was not an ocean activity). 

□ I would have chosen to do an indoor recreation activity.

□ I would have done something other than what was listed here.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION!

Your responses are very important! They will be combined with others and will remain confidential. As 

mentioned at the beginning of this survey, the information from your responses will help the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) learn more about how important ocean recreation activities are to you. 

This nationwide survey is collecting information from respondents like you over a 12 month period from 

March 2011 through January 2012. To ensure that your responses are accurately accounted for, your continued 

participation is crucial to the success of this survey. By collecting information throughout the year, we can learn 

about the variety of ocean recreation activities you do and how often you do them. In the next few months, you may 

be contacted again and asked to participate in this survey. Your continued participation is truly appreciated! 

If you would like to be notified when preliminary results are available in 2012, please check the box below:

□I would like to receive an e-mail notification when preliminary survey results are available.

We want your feedback! If you would like to provide us with comments related to this survey, please do so here:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________

If you have questions about this survey, please feel free to contact

Rosemary Kosaka at Rosemary.Kosaka@noaa.gov or 831-420-3988.

Thank you again for your participation! We look forward to your responses.