Vessels fishing for Atlantic tuna and
swordfish that use pelagic longline gear are required to install
and operate vessel monitoring systems. Automatic position reports
are submitted on an hourly basis whenever the vessel is at sea.
NMFS proposes to revise the current requirements to add an
installation checklist that vessel operators would follow and then
submit to NMFS. The checklist provides inforation on the hardware
and communications service selected by each vessel. NMFS will use
the returned checklists to ensure that position reports are
received and to aid NMFS in troubleshooting problmes.
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.