Under amendment 4 to the Sea Scallop
FMP, certain catgories of limited access scallop vessels must use a
VTS unit while fishing under the DAS program. This group includes
280 vessels with full and part-time scallop limited access permits.
The regulations require that VTS units must transmit a signal
indicating the vessel's accurate position at least every hour, 24
hours a day, without interruption, throughout the year. However,
not all vessels have reasonable access to a shoreside power supply
or run generators constantly while ashore. Some vessels would have
to run off battery power alone to provide uninterrupted hourly
VTS.
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.