The Comment Form will help North
Pacific Groundfish Observer Program (NPGOP) assess observer
performance, ensure higher data quality, and provide the
vessel/plant operators with a direct line of communication to the
program management. Improved communication and outreach is a
priority for the NPGOP. It is important to get the fishermens
opinions about the program and have a method for them to report
their concerns and evaluations of the program. This is a tailored
qualitative survey for Vessel/Plant Operators who have had
observers on their vessels to provide direct feedback on observer
and observer program performance to the National Marine Fisheries
Service. This will be collected on a voluntary basis. The
Vessel/Plant Operator Comment Form is available to all operators
who have had a certified North Pacific Groundfish observer onboard
their vessel or plant. Vessel operators or plant operators are the
only ones who may complete the survey.
PL:
Pub.L. 94 - 265 403 Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
US Code: 16
USC 1387 Name of Law: Marine Mammal Protection Act
Vessels/plants may carry
several observers or the same observer on several trips throughout
the year. Due to extensive outreach, availability of the Comment
Form, and ease of completion and return (either via postage paid
mail or the internet), we expect 75% of the vessel/plant operators
to fill out the Comment Card. It is expected that NPGOP may observe
400 different vessels/plants a year. The average number of times a
vessel/plant is observed per year is three, for an average yearly
total of 1200 observations. At a 75% return rate, we expect to
receive 900 Comment Forms per year. With an average of 30 minutes
to complete a Comment Form, the estimated total number of annual
hours would be 450. We will also use a Non-response Follow-up Form.
This follow-up will be performed either in person or by phone. We
expect to use 300 of these forms per year. With an average of 10
minutes to complete this alternate form, the estimated total number
of additional hours would be 50, for an overall total of 500 hours,
annually.
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.