Survey offers insight into surf-fishing program
Delaware State Parks officials are reviewing the results of a survey recently sent to everyone who obtained a surf-fishing permit in the last three years.
The goal is to use responses to find a better way to manage the surf-fishing program, while also developing a baseline measure to compare with future surveys.
Shauna McVey, community relations manager with Delaware State Parks, said about 7,000 people responded to the survey, which was sent to everyone who provided an email address when obtaining a permit. A hard copy of the survey was also sent to 1,000 randomly selected permit holders who did not provide an email address. Responses were anonymous.
McVey said the results will not be released to the public.
“The survey results will be used internally by the stakeholder group to determine the best path forward and as a foundation for future survey results to measure effectiveness,” McVey said in an email.
The survey comprised 32 questions. Delaware State Parks was seeking information on how often permit holders drive on the beach each season, what time they usually arrive, the duration of their typical stay, what beach they use most frequently and their top activities when using the beach. Also sought was the size of a typical group and the average number of children tagging along.
The final questions gauged the permit holders’ satisfaction with the surf-fishing process and the surf-fishing program as a whole. Each survey offered an opportunity at the end to share suggestions to improve the surf-fishing program.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.
