Abstract
The Workshop on Unavoidable Survey Effort Reduction 3 (WKUSER3) focused on identifying and evaluating the best available approaches for addressing unavoidable changes in survey effort. The workshop reviewed current research, existing practices, and future needs across four key themes: i) Preparedness for change – how to anticipate and plan for potential modifications to survey effort. ii) Methods for testing and evaluating impacts – approaches for assessing the consequences of survey changes. iii) Transitioning between time series – considerations when moving from an established survey design to a revised one. iv) New technologies and sampling methods – evaluating emerging tools and approaches that can complement existing survey programs.
A roadmap was developed to help scientists, survey coordinators, and other stakeholders follow essential steps for preparing for changes and assessing their impacts. Evaluations should rely on sensitivity analyses and/or simulation testing, grounded in clearly defined objectives and performance criteria. Proper accounting of total uncertainty (e.g. time series calibration uncertainty) was also found crucial for assessing impacts to assessment outputs. Although many tools already exist, further development is needed to ensure they remain accessible, reproducible, and easy to use, particularly in light of emerging technologies that can enhance or support traditional survey methods.
Echoing conclusions from WKUSER2, the group emphasized the ongoing need to establish clear survey objectives and priorities. Such clarity is fundamental for properly evaluating the consequences and risks associated with any changes to survey design or implementation.