Frequently Asked Questions
Click here for detailed instructions on using the online mapping application.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE?
This survey will gather information on recreational boating to ensure that this popular and important activity receives appropriate attention when management decisions are being made regarding the waters of Massachusetts.

This survey will document: where boaters go; how often they go out; what they do while boating (i.e. fishing, sightseeing, etc.); and how much they spend on boating. Once a month, during the 2010 boating season, a sample of boaters will be asked to provide spatial and economic information on their most recent boating trip.

HOW WILL THE INFORMATION BE USED?
Data gained through the survey will be combined to produce maps of recreational boating patterns and to provide a better understanding of boaters' contribution to the total economic value of recreational boating. The maps will be made available to the boating industry, policy makers, and the public to support the long term interests of recreational boaters in Massachusetts.

WHY DO YOU NEED MY E-MAIL ADDRESS?
All of the questionnaires will be completed online and we will be using periodic e-mail updates to let you know when it is time for your next report, so in order to participate, we need to have a working e-mail address for you. Your e-mail address will not be used for any other purpose and will not be shared with any third party. At the end of the study, your e-mail address will be deleted from our records.

WHO IS IN THE SAMPLE?
The owners of 10,000 recreational boats randomly selected from either the Massachusetts Boat Registration or US Coast Guard Documented Vessel databases.

DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE?
While your participation is extremely important, this study is voluntary - even if you initially agree to participate, you can withdraw at any time.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Each monthly online questionnaire should take less than 20 minutes to complete.

ARE MY ANSWERS CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes, completely. All of the information presented in study reports will be combined with responses from other respondents so that no individual can be identified.

WHO IS DOING THE STUDY?
The University of Massachusetts Boston's Urban Harbors Institute is leading a team which includes the Massachusetts Ocean Partnership, the Department of Environmental, Earth and Ocean Sciences (UMass Boston), Marine Consulting Services and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management.

The team is working in partnership with the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, the Massachusetts Boating and Yacht Clubs Association, the Massachusetts Harbormasters Association and Sailors for the Sea.

WHO IS SPONSORING THE STUDY?
The funding for this study is being provided by the Massachusetts Ocean Partnership (MOP). MOP is a broadly representative, independent public-private partnership, which aims to promote healthy, resilient ocean ecosystems and thriving, sustainable marine dependent communities, industries and businesses.

MOP is also generously providing the grand prize incentive - a $1,000 check for a lucky participant drawn at random when the study concludes.