NMFS North Pacific Groundfish Observer
Program was implemented in early 1990. Observers in this Program
collect and disseminate catch, bycatch, and biological data
necessary to support in- season monitoring and stock assessment.
Alaska Fisheries Science Center in Seattle, Washington, provides
the operational oversight of the program, certification training,
definition of observer sampling duties and methods, debriefing of
observers, and management of the data. Owners of vessels, shoreside
processors, or stationary floating processors required to carry
observers must arrange for observer services from an observer
provider.
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.