Date of Award

1996

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Marine Affairs

Abstract

The passage of the Wallop-Breaux Amendments to the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Program (FASRP), in 1984, significantly increased the funding available to states participating in the Program. Subsequently, the FASRP became the largest single source of funding for state marine artificial reef development activities. In recent years, there has been concern among program constituents that FASRP funds are not being utilized as intended. The principle question of the current research focused on how effective FASRP subsidies have been in providing meaningful benefits to state fisheries management programs. Specifically, the research focused on the application of FASRP monies in promoting state marine artificial reef development activities. States vary in their respective emphasis on projects to improve sport fish habitat. For this reason, the present research employed a three round Policy Delphi process as a means to gain an understanding of the variable importance respective states place on marine artificial reef development activities. Four subgroups representing state marine artificial reef program managers, state chief marine fisheries administrators, United States Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Aid personnel, and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission participated. A variety of statistical tests found that the success or state marine artificial reef development activities was not dependent on FARSP inputs. Management recommendations include; clearer goals and objectives for FASRP funded projects, better communications between levels of project administration, and further investigation of the impact of saltwater license revenues on the use of FASRP funds.

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