There are currently approximately
2,500 permitted vessels that harvest shrimp from the Exclusive
Economic Zone, and the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Fishery Management
Council estimates that there are over 13,000 boats that fish in
state waters. With such a large number of vessels of differing
sizes, gears used, and fishing capabilities compounded by seasonal
variability in abundance and price and the broad geographic
distribution of the fleet, it is practically impossible to estimate
the actual amount of fishing effort using current methods and data.
The only practical way of improving the estimates of the amount and
type of bycatch is by
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.