Early this summer, letters went out to 10,000 recreational boaters in Massachusetts inviting them to participate in the Massachusetts Recreational Boater Survey 2010. And now, even those who did not receive a letter about the survey can participate by clicking here: Massachusetts Recreational Boater Survey 2010 - Participants (http://www.maboatersurvey.com/participants.php). This online survey is gathering detailed information on the recreational uses of coastal waters and boaters' spending habits. The information gathered will serve a number of purposes, including ensuring that boaters' favorite routes and destinations receive appropriate attention when management decisions are made about Massachusetts' ocean waters.

Additionally, a small paper-based pilot study is being conducted to gather spatial and spending information from out of state boaters who visit certain boating facilities in Massachusetts. This survey is being distributed at select gateway locations: Onset Bay Marina and Yacht Sales, Cape Ann's Marina Resort, Hyannis Marina, Newburyport Marinas, Boston Harbor Shipyard & Marina, The Nantucket Harbormaster's Office, and The Tisbury Harbormaster.

The project is being led by the University of Massachusetts Boston's Urban Harbors Institute and the Massachusetts Ocean Partnership, together with Marine Consulting Services and the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management. The team is working in partnership with the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, the Massachusetts Boating and Yacht Clubs Association, the Massachusetts Harbormasters Association and Sailors for the Sea.

For more information on the Massachusetts Recreational Boater Survey 2010 and how to participate, please visit Massachusetts Recreational Boater Survey 2010 (http://www.maboatersurvey.com) or call 617-287-5576.