The Socioeconomic Component of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Plan (NCRMP) gathers and monitors a collection of socioeconomic variables with the overall goal of tracking relevant information regarding each jurisdiction's population, social and economic structure, the impacts of society on coral reefs, and the impacts of coral management on communities.
Why Care about Coral Reefs?
Coral reefs provide many benefits to communities, regions, nations, and the world at large. They protect many marine species, and provide a significant source of protein to people all over the world, in addition to producing natural compounds that scientists have used to develop treatments for illness and disease. Coral reefs also act as natural barriers to coastal storms and aid in the protection of our coasts and coastal communities, as well as economically supporting local and global communities. Coral reefs and their protected beaches provide an attractive setting for travelers and locals, alike, and between the tourism industry and fisheries, coral reefs generate billions of dollars and millions of jobs in more than 100 countries around the world.
Sea anemone with anemonefish in coral reef habitat off the coast of Saipan, CNMI [Photo credit: David Burdick]
Why Care about Coral Reef Communities?
People are very much a part of coral reef ecosystems, and their connections can have lasting impacts. Because of this, NCRMP gathers data from coral reef communities about:
- Public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about coral reefs
- Participation in coral reef activities, such as fishing
- Economic and cultural value of coral reefs
- Community well-being
- Population changes and the distribution of people in coral reef locations
Researchers collect data through periodic surveys that include standardized questions, as well as questions specific to local management needs. Data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and local government agencies supplement these results. In addition to using this information for conservation and restoration efforts, scientists and communities use these data to measure social and economic conditions and document how people use and perceive coral reef resources.
Clown triggerfish in coral reef habitat off the coast of CNMI [Photo credit: Dr. Robert Schroeder, NOAA/NMFS]
View of Bird Island off the coast of Saipan, CNMI [Photo credit: David Burdick]
CNMI Trends
Trends in NCRMP socioeconomic data from CNMI's first (2016-2017) and second (2024) monitoring cycles are highlighted in this infographic. The trends shown are based on surveys of household residents in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan, Tinian, and Rota). The infographic shows how there have been some changes in residents' participation in coral reef activities, perceptions of resource conditions, importance of coral reefs, familiarity with threats, and support for management.
2024 CNMI Survey
Results of the 2024 NCRMP socioeconomic monitoring survey of Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands residents are shown here in this infographic. Using a stratified random sampling methodology, the survey targeted individuals aged 18 and older in CNMI (further stratified by the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota). Surveys were conducted in person and were offered in English, Chamorro, Tagalog, and Carolinian. A total of 709 surveys were completed with a response rate of 24%. All results are representative of the CNMI population and strata.
Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Survey
Results of the 2016-2017 NCRMP socioeconomic monitoring of Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) are shown here in this infographic. They highlight residents’ perceptions, values, and level of support for CNMI coral reef management alternatives.
Using a stratified random sampling approach, this survey targeted CNMI residents over the age of 18. Surveys were conducted through the telephone random digit dial survey method, as well as through the “face-to-face” interview method. Residents were sampled proportionate to the spread of CNMI’s total population across the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. A total of 722 surveys were conducted in English, Chamorro, Carolinian, or Tagalog (based on respondent preference). The results are statistically representative of the population of CNMI.
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