Online survey available through May 30, 2011

NEWPORT, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife launched an effort this week to learn people’s preferred methods to obtain or give information about ocean fishing, shellfishing and conservation.

The agency is asking anglers, clammers, crabbers, commercial fishers and those interested in marine education and conservation efforts to participate in a short online survey to improve how information is distributed and public feedback received.

The survey is available at www.surveygizmo.com/s3/525787/ODFWMRPCommunications

Biologists are receiving more written feedback via email and there are additional electronic tools available to distribute information efficiently. At the same time, ODFW’s Marine Resources Program has held public meetings to receive input on new harvest rules where few people attended.

“We know that people are very interested in the issues and we want their feedback, but we’ve recognized that people may not be able to go to a meeting,” said Gway Kirchner, assistant program manager at the ODFW Marine Resources Program. “We want to know if we need to adjust our communications and outreach efforts.”

Results from the survey and other evaluation methods will inform future planning and public engagement efforts.