Annual Economic Survey of Federal Gulf and South Atlantic Shrimp Permit Holders

We are requesting an extension of a currently approved data collection with no changes. Economic data is collected from vessel owners who operate in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic and who have one or more federal permits for the commercial catch of shrimp. The Annual Economic Survey of Federal Gulf and Atlantic Shrimp Permit Holders is conducted by the Social Science Research Group of the Southeast Region Fishery Science Center (SEFSC) of the National Fisheries Marine Service (NMFS). Now in its 15th year, the survey collects data about operating expenses and the costs of owning and maintaining shrimp vessels. Each spring, surveys are sent by mail to a random sample of about a third of all vessels with federal permits for the harvest of Gulf of Mexico penaeid shrimp or South Atlantic penaeid or rock shrimp. The survey has been very successful, with high response rates. For the 2018 data year---a typical year---the raw response rates was 82.7%; ranging from 74.2% to 90.2% by permit type; with open access permits at the lower end as would be expected (permit non-renewal is less of a motivation to complete the survey if you can always get a new one). The response rate for the 2019 survey---conduct primarily during the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic---was uncharacteristically low at only 73%. A collection of economic information from fishermen affected by the management of federal commercial fisheries is needed to ensure that national goals, objectives, and requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MFCMA) and other laws are met. This information is vital in assessing the economic and social effects of management decisions and regulations on individual fishing enterprises, fishing communities, and the nation as a whole.

The latest form for Annual Economic Survey of Federal Gulf and South Atlantic Shrimp Permit Holders expires 2026-04-30 and can be found here.