Gear-marking requirements will assist
NMFS in obtaining detailed information about which fisheries or
specific parts of fishing gear are responsible for incidental
mortality and serious injury of bottlenose dolphins, as well as
aiding enforcement efforts. Information obtained as a result of
gear marking that links incidental mortality and serious injury or
marine mammals to specific gear types, locations, and fishermen
will enable NMFS to focus future management measures on specific
problems areas and avoid instituting overly broad measures. This
collection of information would affect the following fisheries:
Mid-Atlantic
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.