The informal, conversational format of the in-person interview would invite 

 anecdotes on observed marine mammal behavior. It was felt that even though 

 the reliability of the data from historical observations was marginal, if 

 enough workers were questioned patterns might become apparent in the distribu- 

 tion and behavior of marine mammals around offshore platforms. Anecdotes 

 about unusual behavior might also provide important clues on how the offshore 

 activities are affecting marine mammals. In addition, the contact with the 

 workers during the in-person interviews would provide an opportunity to explain 

 the sighting card program and personally elicit their coopration. 



It was originally envisioned that the interview program would proceed in the 

 following way. Scientists would go to each platform and put up the posters, 

 the sighting cards, and a box for completed sighting cards. The scientists 

 would then administer the historical questionnaire to as many workers as 

 possible. While talking to the workers, they would explain the program, ask 

 for cooperation, and ask for any suggestions that would make the program 

 easier for the workers. Two weeks later, the scientists would return to each 

 platform, collect the completed sighting cards and interview as many workers 

 as possible again. For those workers who were previously interviewed, the 

 second in-person interview would focus on the marine mammal observations 

 during the 2 weeks between interviews. The workers would be asked if they had 

 any difficulties filling out the sighting cards, and if they had any suggestions 

 for improving the program. 



2.2 THE IN-PERSON HISTORICAL INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE 



The in-person historical interview questionnaire consists of 37 questions 

 (Table 2-1, at end of section). If all questions are asked, the questionnaire 

 takes approximately 10 minutes to administer. If the worker being questioned 

 has seen only one or two categories of marine mammals, the time is considerably 

 shorter. 



Since the questionnaire elicits information about observations made over an 

 extended period of time (months and sometimes years), questions are only asked 

 about details that could reasonably be remembered. No attempt is made to ask 



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