Boater Survey Aids State's Ocean Management

A recreational boater survey underway this summer could help shape Massachusetts officials' decisions about how to manage the state's coastal waters, and your input is needed, organizers say.

The survey, originally sent out to 10,000 boaters in the state, is now open for all boaters to participate in online. The information gathered – including favorite boating routes and destinations and spending habits – will help officials better understand how the waters are used by boaters, to take into account when ocean management decisions are made.

A small paper-based pilot study is also being conducted, to gather spatial and spending information from out-of-state boaters who visit certain boating facilities in Onset Bay, Cape Ann, Hyannis, Newburyport, Boston, Nantucket and Tisbury.

More information on the Massachusetts Recreational Boater Survey can be found at the survey website or by calling 617-287-5576.