The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has extended an ongoing survey to find out what divers and snorkelers spend when they dive coral reefs around the country.
NOAA originally did a similar survey in 2019 in Hawaii and this year expanded it to not only Hawaii but also American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and the Caribbean, according to a notice published this week in the Federal Register:
“The objective of the survey will be to understand divers’ and snorkelers’ expenditures associated with recreational coral reef diving activities in Hawaii, American Samoa, CNMI, Guam, and the Caribbean.”
The survey will also collect information on divers’ attitudes, preferences, and concerns about recreational diving and coral reefs’ health, according to the notice.
“This survey will help to improve our understanding of divers’ and snorkelers’ expenditure patterns and to estimate the economic impact of coral reef related spending. Results of the survey will be used to inform coastal resource management planning and establish a baseline for outreach and education. The expenditure survey is also expected to provide useful information for local economic and business interests.”
Public comments can be submitted here. Comments are due by the end of June.
