As a contracting Nation to ICCAT, the
U.S., under the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, implements ICCAT
recommendations. As a result of the 1996 stock assessment of
Atlantic swordfish, ICCAT decreased the 1997, 1998, 1999 annual
quota for the North Atlantic stock and allocated a quota to the
U.S. for a South Atlantic catch. In order to monitor this quota
accurately, NMFS will implement mandatory reporting for fishing
vessels targeting swordfish in the South Atlantic Ocean. This is an
extension of previously approved logbook reporting which will
affect 24 vessels.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.