0330 ss rev 053007

SUPPORTING STATEMENT
NMFS ALASKA REGION SCALE AND CATCH WEIGHING REQUIREMENTS
OMB CONTROL NO.: 0648-0330

INTRODUCTION
Since 1995, the non-American Fisheries Act (non-AFA) trawl catcher/processor sector has had
the highest discard rate in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI) groundfish fisheries.
Although the overall retention level in that sector has increased in the last decade, it is still well
below other BSAI sectors. The non-AFA trawl catcher/processor fleet consists of a relatively
wide variety of vessels that range from 107 ft to 295 ft length overall. As would be expected, the
smaller vessels are relatively less productive than the larger vessels. From 1995-2001, the
smaller vessels generated approximately 12 percent of both catch and product value. However,
the smaller vessels accounted for roughly 18 percent of the total discards in the sector. Vessels
less than 125 ft discarded 48 percent of their catch over the seven year period, while vessels 125
ft or greater discarded 38 percent. Industry sources indicate that the smaller vessels are unable to
retain as many fish as larger vessels because of limitations in hold size and processing space.
This collection-of-information is revised to incorporate the Amendment 80 Quota Shares
Fisheries Program (Program). Adjustments also are made to the total number of
catcher/processors required to obtain at-sea scales. Implementing regulations are found at
50 CFR part 679.
A.

JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.
Fishery management which features exclusive allocations to individual cooperatives allows each
cooperative to slow its fishing and to focus its effort toward bycatch reduction, without
sacrificing its share of the catch. A cooperative program for the non-AFA trawl catcher/processor
sector would allow participants to manage discards in the aggregate at the cooperative level.
Cooperatives typically increase communication among members, which should facilitate the
exchange of information concerning fishing patterns and practices that affect discard and
retention rates. Application of retention standards at the cooperative level ensure that overall
retention goals are met and allow groups of individuals to develop private contracts to balance
discards by members with relatively high discard rates with those members with relatively low
discard rates. Cooperative management also provides the opportunity for members to increase
production efficiency in general, which eases the cost burden of complying with the retention
standard.

1

2. Explain how, by whom, how frequently, and for what purpose the information will be
used. If the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to support
information that will be disseminated to the public, then explain how the collection
complies with all applicable Information Quality Guidelines.

a. At-sea scales.
Non-AFA trawl catcher/processors in the BSAI would be required to install and weigh each haul
individually on a motion-compensated flow scale. Flow scales are intended to provide accurate
records of total catch, and have been used successfully in directed pollock fisheries and Western
Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program groundfish fisheries. National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) approved scales are inspected annually and tested daily when in use to
ensure they are accurate within an approved range. Because observer samples would be
expanded to the entire haul, catch from each haul would be required to be weighed separately on
the scale. To facilitate separate weighing, catch from each haul would be prohibited from being
mixed with other hauls at any location prior to the scale and the location an observer would
collect his or her sample.
The owner of a catcher/processor, if required to purchase an at-sea scale, must select one from
the list of scales approved by NMFS for weighing catch at-sea. This list is displayed on the
NMFS Alaska Region website at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/scales/default.htm#approved
The total number of catcher/processors (including one mothership) with approved scales,
including this action, is 53. Two vessels must install at-sea scales to participate in the
Amendment 80 program.
NMFS-approved flow scales, Respondent
Number of respondents (total 53 scales)
2 vessels required to purchase scales w/Amendment 80 program
21 vessels have scales w/AFA program
22 vessels have scales w/GRS program
8 vessels have scales w/crab program
Total annual responses
Total initial capital costs
NMFS-approved flow scale @ $50,000 ea x 2 = $100,000
Equipment Installation = $20,000 to $100,000 = $60,000 ea
x 2 = $120,000
Total = $220,000/3 yr = $73,333
Total burden hours
Total personnel costs
Total annual miscellaneous
NMFS-approved flow scales, Federal Government
Total burden hours
Total personnel cost
Total miscellaneous cost

2

2

2
$73,333

0
0
0

0
0
0

b. At-sea scale inspection request form.
After a scale is installed on a vessel and approved by NMFS for use to weigh catch at-sea, the
scale must be inspected and approved annually by a NMFS scale inspector prior to participation
in any fishery requiring the weighing of catch at sea.
At the time of scale inspection, the scale must be installed in a rigid and level manner. The
display and printer must be connected and operational. The belts leading to the scale must be
connected and operational (not applicable to platform and hanging scales). Test weights and test
weight certification documents must be available for inspection (platform scales only). And, a
crew member must be available to help the inspector transport test materials and conduct the
testing.
An inspection is a visual assessment and test of a scale after it is installed on the vessel, and
while the vessel is tied up at a dock and not under power at sea, to determine if the scale meets
all of the applicable performance and technical requirements. A scale will be approved by the
inspector if it meets all of the applicable performance and technical requirements in
§ 679.28(b)(2) and Appendix A to §679.28.
The inspector will check to ensure the scale is properly installed, all components of the scale are
functioning (printer, display, software), and the scale can pass a performance test. The
performance test consists of weighing a known quantity of test material (sand in bags) and
ensuring the scale being tested weighs the material accurately. In order to perform this test on a
flow scale or hopper scale, the inspector will be passing the test material across the scale in the
same manner fish/crab would pass across the scale. Therefore, in-feed belts must be operational
before the test can be done.
The owner may arrange the inspection time and place by submitting to NMFS by fax (907-5867465) or typing online http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/index/comment/scales.asp an Inspection
Request for At-sea Scales available on the NMFS Alaska Region web site at
(http://www.fakr.noaa.gov). A request for a scale inspection must be submitted at least 10
working days in advance of the requested inspection. Scale inspections will be conducted in
Dutch Harbor, Alaska, Kodiak, Alaska, or the Puget Sound area of Washington State. The
request is used by NMFS scale inspectors to schedule and conduct a scale inspection on belt
scales, flow scales, automatic hopper scales, and platform scales.
Inspection Request, At-sea Scales
General
Company name
Vessel name and exact location including street address and city
Name of contact person onboard
Business mailing address, telephone number, and fax number
Requested inspection date
Today’s date
Telephone number on vessel where inspector may be contacted during inspection
Scales to be inspected
Manufacturer name and model
Indicate YES or NO whether the repair company will be onsite at time of inspection
Repair company name
Contact person name and telephone number

3

At-sea scale inspection request, Respondent
Number of respondents
Total annual responses
Annual responses = 1
Total initial capital costs
Printer ($420/3 yr = $140 x 2 = 280 )
Total burden hours (2 x 0.1 = 0.2)
Time per response = 0.1 hr
Total personnel cost (1 x $25)
Total miscellaneous cost
Photocopy = 0.05 x 1 x 2 = 0.10
Internet = 0.05 x 2 = 0.1

At-sea scale inspection request, Federal Government
Total annual responses
Total burden hours
Time per response: 0.83 hr = 1.66
Total personnel cost ($25/hr)
Total miscellaneous cost

2
2
$280
1
$25
$1

2
2
$50
0

c. Scale inspection report/sticker.
After installing a NMFS-approved scale and requesting a scale inspection, the operator must
make the vessel and scale available for inspection by the NMFS inspector. The operator must
also:
● Provide a copy of the scale manual supplied by the scale manufacturer to the inspector
at the beginning of the inspection.
● Transport test weights, test material, and equipment required to perform the test to and
from the inspector's vehicle and the location on the vessel where the scale is installed.
● Apply test weights to the scale or convey test materials across the scale, if requested
by the scale inspector.
● Assist the scale inspector in performing the scale inspection and testing.
A scale is approved for use when the scale inspector completes and signs a scale inspection
report verifying that the scale meets all of the requirements specified in § 679.28(b)(2) and
Appendix A to 50 CFR part 679. Annually, one sticker is completed by the NMFS scale
inspector for each scale approved. The operator must ensure that a “NMFS approved scale”
sticker is on each approved scale and that the scale sticker remains legible. The sticker lists the
month and year the scale was approved.
The scale inspector must provide the original inspection report to the vessel operator. The
operator must ensure that the scale approval report is available for inspection by authorized
personnel (NMFS staff or observers, United States Coast Guard personnel).

4

At-sea Scale approval report/sticker, Respondent
Number of respondents
Total annual responses
Responses per respondent = 1
Total burden hours (2 x 2)
Time per response = 2 hr
Total personnel cost ($25/hr)
Total miscellaneous cost
At-sea Scale approval report/sticker, Federal Government
Total annual responses
Total burden hours
Time per response = 0.8 hours
replace lost stickers (2 hr/yr)
maintain test records (2 hr/yr)
Total personnel cost
Personnel cost per hr = $25
Total miscellaneous cost

2
2
4 hr
$100
0

2
4 hr

$100
0

d. Observer sampling station.
Non-AFA trawl catcher/processors in the BSAI would be required to provide an observer work
station where an observer can work safely and effectively. Observer sampling stations would
need to meet specifications for size and location and be equipped with an observer sampling
station scale, a table, adequate lighting, floor grating, and running water. Details of the sampling
station requirements are included in § 679.28. Each observer sampling station must be inspected
and approved by NMFS annually.
Observer sampling of each haul is necessary to determine the percentage of the total catch that is
comprised of groundfish. To effectively manage fisheries, NMFS must have data that will
provide reliable independent estimates of the total catch. Each observer sampling station must
be inspected and approved by NMFS annually.
Observer sampling station, Respondent
Number of respondents (total 53 stations)
2 vessels required to purchase sampling station w/Amendment 80 program
21 vessels have stations w/AFA program
22 vessels have stations w/GRS program
8 vessels have stations w/crab program
Total annual responses
Total initial capital costs
Observer sampling station equipment
$6,000 to $12,000 = $9,000 ea x 2
Total = $18,000/3 yr = $6,000
Total burden hours
Total personnel cost
Total miscellaneous costs
Observer sampling station, Federal Government
Total burden hours
Total personnel cost
Total miscellaneous cost

5

2

2
$6,000

0
0
0

0
0
0

e. Observer sampling station inspection request form.
This action splits the previous form into two separate forms: one for bin monitoring inspection
and one for observer sampling station inspection. It also provides a new time limit (2 hours) for
completion of the request form due to the time requirements of the attachments.
The owner may arrange the inspection time and place by submitting to NMFS by fax (206-5264066) or e-mail ([email protected]) an Inspection Request for Observer Sampling
Station available on the NMFS Alaska Region web site at (http://www.fakr.noaa.gov).
Inspections will be scheduled no later than 10 working days after NMFS receives a complete
application for an inspection.
Observer sampling station inspection request form.
Vessel name;
Federal fishery permit number
Requested inspection date
Name of contact person on vessel
Business mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address (if available) of contact person
Location of vessel, including street address and city
Today’s date
Requesting person’s signature
Whether the vessel or processor has received an observer sampling scale inspection before
If YES, date of the most recent inspection report;
For catcher/processors using trawl gear and motherships, attach a diagram drawn to scale showing the
location(s) where all catch will be weighed, the location where observers will sample unsorted catch, and
the location of the observer sampling station, including the observer sampling scale, the name of the
manufacturer, and the model of the observer sampling scale.
For all other vessels, attach a diagram drawn to scale showing the location(s) where catch comes onboard the
vessel, the location where observers will sample unsorted catch, and the location of the observer sampling
station, including the observer sampling scale, the name of the manufacturer, and the model of the observer
sampling scale.
Observer sampling station inspection request, Respondent
Number of respondents
Total annual responses
Annual responses per respondent = 1
Total burden hours
Time per response = 2 hr
Total personnel cost
Personnel cost = $25/hr
Total miscellaneous cost
Photocopy = 0.05 x 1 x 2 = 0.10
FAX = $5 x 1 = $5
Email = .05 x 1 = 0.05

2
2
4 hr
$100
$5

Observer sampling station inspection request, Federal Government
Total annual responses
2
Total burden hours
1 hr
Time per response = 0.11 hr
Total personnel cost
$25
Total miscellaneous cost
0

6

Bin monitoring
Non-AFA trawl catcher/processors in the BSAI would be required to provide observation and
monitoring of all crew activities within any bin or tank prior to the observer sampling unsorted
catch. This would reduce the incentive and ability to under-report halibut catch.
Each operator must facilitate observation and monitoring of crew activities within a bin or tank
by one of three options:
a. Prohibit crew members from entering bins unless the observer is able to monitor all
crew activities within the bin;
b. Install viewing ports in the bins; or
c. Install video monitoring system in the bins.
Prohibit crew members from entering bins unless the observer is able to monitor all crew
activities within the bin. Vessel operators that choose the first option must ensure that crew
members do not enter a fish bin when fish are in it, unless the observer has been given a chance
to observe the activities of the crew inside the bin. Based on conversations with vessel owners
and operators in this sector, a crew member may be required to be inside the bin to facilitate the
movement of fish from the bin. Crew members would be allowed inside bins if the flow of fish
has been stopped between the tank and the location where the observer collects unsorted catch,
all catch has been cleared from all locations between the tank and the location where the
observer collects unsorted catch, and the observer has been given notice that the vessel crew
must enter the tank.
When informed by an observer that all sampling has been completed for a given haul, crew
would be able to enter a tank containing fish from that haul without stopping the flow of fish or
clearing catch between the tank and the observer sampling station. Vessel operators may be able
to use water to facilitate the movement of fish in some fisheries. However, industry has
indicated that water may degrade the quality of some fish species (e.g., Aleutian Islands Pacific
Ocean Perch), which could decrease the value of these fish. Therefore, options were developed
to allow an observer to see inside the bin while fish are exiting the bin, and ensure that presorting
activities are not occurring.
Install viewing ports in the bins. Vessel operators that choose the second option would be
required to provide a viewing window into the bin. The observer must be able to see all actions
of the crew member inside the bin from the same position they are conducting their normal
sampling duties. For example, while the observer is sorting catch at the observer sample station
table, crew member activities inside the bin must be viewable by the observer through the
window from the sample station table. This option would be acceptable for vessels that may not
need a crew member in the bin frequently or have uniformly shaped bins and an observer
sampling station in close proximity to the bin area.
Install video monitoring system in the bins. Vessel operators that choose the third option would
be required to develop and install a digital video monitoring system. The system would include
a sufficient number of cameras to view all activities of anyone inside the bin. Video cameras
would be required to record images in color and in low light conditions. To ensure that an
observer can monitor crew member activities in the bin while sampling, a color monitor would
7

be required to be located in the observer sampling station. An observer would be given the
opportunity to review any video data at any time during a trip. Each video system would be
required to provide enough storage capacity to store all video data for an entire trip. Because
NMFS may not be aware of potential presorting violations until after an observer disembarks the
vessel and is debriefed, the vessel must retain all data for a minimum of 120 days from the
beginning of each trip, unless notified by NMFS that the data may be removed. Specific
requirements for cameras, resolution, recording formats, and other technical information is
detailed in the regulatory text under § 679.28(i)(1)(iii).
If at any time during a trip, the viewing port or video options do not allow an observer to monitor
crew activities within the fish bin or do not meet the required specifications, the vessel must
revert to the first option and prohibit crew from entering the bin. The use of options two and
three would be approved by NMFS during the vessel’s annual bin monitoring inspection as
described at
§ 679.28(d).

f. Video monitoring system
If the video monitoring option is chosen, non-AFA trawl catcher/processors in the BSAI would
be required to provide and maintain cameras, a monitor, and a digital video recording system for
all areas of the bin or tank where crew could be located preceding the point where the observer
collects catch. The vessel owner or operator must ensure that:
● The system has sufficient data storage capacity to store all video data from an entire trip.
Each frame of stored video data must record a time/date stamp in Alaska local time (A.l.t.). At a
minimum, all periods of time when fish are inside the bin must be recorded and stored;
● The system must include at least one external USB (1.1 or 2.0) hard drive or other
removable storage device approved by NMFS;
● The system uses commercially available software;
● Color cameras must have at a minimum 420 TV lines of resolution, a lux rating of 0.1,
and auto-iris capabilities;
● The video data must be maintained and made available to NMFS staff, or any individual
authorized by NMFS, upon request. These data must be retained onboard the vessel for no less
than 120 days after the beginning of a trip, unless NMFS has notified the vessel operator that the
video data may be retained for less than this 120 day period;
● The system provides sufficient resolution and field of view to see and read a text sample
written in 130 point type (corresponding to line two of a standard Snellen eye chart) from any
location within the tank where crew could be located, or as approved by NMFS;
● The system is recording at a speed of no less than 5 frames per second at all times when
fish are inside the tank;

8

● A 16-bit or better color monitor, for viewing activities within the tank in real time, is
provided within the observer sampling station (or location where the observer sorts and weighs
samples, if applicable). The monitor must:
Have the capacity to display all cameras simultaneously;
Be operating at all times when fish are in the tank;
Be securely mounted at or near eye level;
Provide the same resolution as specified in § 679.28(i)(1)(iii)(F).
● The observer is able to view any earlier footage from any point in the trip and is assisted
by crew knowledgeable in the operation of the system in doing so;
● The vessel owner has provided written specifications of the system to the Regional
Administrator. At a minimum, this must include:
The length and width (in pixels) of each image;
The file type in which the data are recorded;
The type and extent of compression;
The frame rate at which the data will be recorded;
The brand and model number of the cameras used;
The brand, model, and specifications of the lenses used;
A scale drawing of the location of each camera and its coverage area;
The size and type of storage device;
The type, speed, and operating system of any computer that is part of the system;
The individual or company responsible for installing and maintaining the system;
The individual onboard the vessel responsible for maintaining the system and
working with the observer on its use; and
Any additional information requested by the Regional Administrator.
● Any change to the video system that would affect the system’s functionality must be
submitted to, and approved by the Regional Administrator in writing before that change is made.
Video monitoring system, Respondent
Number of respondents
Total annual responses
Number of responses/year = 12 (1 per month)
Total burden hours
Time per response = 1 hr
Total personnel cost
Cost per hour = $25
Total annualized capital cost
Digital video recorder (DVR)/computer system
($1500 to $10000 = avg $5,750)
Video camera ($75 to $300 = avg $188)
Installation ($2000 to $10,000 = avg $6,000)
$5,750 + $188 + $6,000 = $11938/3 = $3979
Total miscellaneous cost
Data storage ($400 to $3000 = avg $1,700)
Annual system maintenance
($680 to $4,100= avg $2390)
$1,700 + $2,390 = 4,090

9

1
12
12 hr
$300
$3,979

$4,090

Video monitoring system, Federal Government
Total burden hours
Total personnel cost
Total miscellaneous cost

0
0
0

g. Bin monitoring inspection request form.
This action splits the previous form into two separate forms: one for bin monitoring inspection
and one for observer sampling station inspection. It also provides a new time limit (2 hours) for
completion of the request form due to the time requirements of the attachments.
The owner may arrange the inspection time and place by submitting to NMFS by fax (206-5264066) or e-mail ([email protected]) an Inspection Request for Observer Sampling
Station available on the NMFS Alaska Region web site at (http://www.fakr.noaa.gov).
Inspections will be scheduled no later than 10 working days after NMFS receives a complete
application for an inspection.
Bin monitoring inspection request form
Identification information
Vessel name;
Federal fishery permit number;
Requested inspection date
Requested location of sampling station inspection, including street address and city
Name and signature of the contact person and the date of the application
Business mailing address, telephone number, fax number, and e-mail address (if available) of contact person
Bin monitoring information
Whether the vessel or processor has received and passed a bin monitoring inspection before
If YES, date of the most recent inspection report
Indicate bin-monitoring option used on this vessel: line of sight, video, no crew in bin, n/a
Attachment
For line of sight option: include a diagram drawn to scale showing the location(s) where all catch will be
weighed and sorted by the observer, the location where unsorted catch will be collected, and the location of any
viewing panels or ports.
For video option: include a diagram drawn to scale showing the location(s) where all catch will be weighed and
sorted by the observer, the location where unsorted catch will be collected, and the location of any video
monitoring equipment (camera, monitors, hard drives, etc.).
Bin monitoring inspection request, Respondent
Number of respondents
Total annual responses
Annual responses per respondent = 1
Total burden hours
Time per response = 2 hr
Total personnel cost
Personnel cost = $25/hr
Total miscellaneous cost
Photocopy = 0.05 x 1 = 0.05
Email = .05 x 1 = 0.05
Bin monitoring inspection request, Federal Government
Total annual responses
Total burden hours
Time per response = 0.11 hr
Total personnel cost
Total miscellaneous cost

10

1
1
2 hr
$50
$5

1
1 hr
$25
0

h. Observer notification of scale tests
The operator must notify the observer 15 minutes before the time that a scale test will be
conducted and must conduct the test while the observer is present. This notice consists of vessel
personnel verbally informing the observer that a scale test is scheduled.
Notify Observer of scale tests, Respondent
Number of respondents
Total annual responses
Frequency of response = 30 fishing days
Total burden hours
Hours per response (2 min /60 min= 0.03 x 2 = 0.06)
Total personnel cost ($25 x 1 )
Total miscellaneous cost

$25
0

Notify Observer of scale tests, Federal Government
Total burden hours
Total personnel cost
Total miscellaneous cost

0
0
0

2
60
1

i. Records of at-sea scale tests
To verify that each scale used to weigh total catch meets the Maximum Permissible Error
specified in § 679.28(b)(3), the vessel operator must test each scale or scale system used to
weigh total catch one time during each 24-hour period when use of the scale is required and
ensure that the test is recorded on a test report form. The operator must ensure that these tests
are performed and recorded in an accurate and timely manner.
The observer must be notified at least 15 minutes before the time that the test will be conducted,
and the test must be conducted while the observer is present.
The daily test information may be recorded on either a “pdf” format file or an “excel”
spreadsheet, available from the Alaska Region home page at
http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/scales/dailytest_fillable.pdf
Although not submitted to NMFS, the forms must be available for inspection on board or onsite
until the end of the fishing year during which the tests were conducted and retained by the owner
for three years after the test occurred.
Information from the form is used by NMFS observers, NOAA Office for Law Enforcement
(OLE) staff, and NMFS scale program staff to ensure regulatory compliance and to monitor the
accuracy of the scales.
Records of daily flow scale tests
Vessel name
Month, day, and year of test
Time test started to the nearest minute

11

I. Weigh fish on observer platform scale
Collect approximately 400 kg of fish in baskets and weigh it on the platform scale.
Record the weight of each basket of fish (basket plus fish)
II. Calculate percent error of flow scale
Record the total weight of all baskets plus fish in the first box
Record the weight of the baskets in the second box.
Subtract the weight of the baskets from the total weight of fish plus baskets to determine the weight of the fish
only; record this weight in the third box. This is the platform scale weight of the fish (A).
Record the weight displayed on the flow scale before and after the test fish are weighed.
Weigh the fish from the baskets on the flow scale. Record the weight in the fourth box (B).
Calculate error of flow scale by subtracting the platform scale weight (A) from the flow scale weight (B).
Record the error (C) in the fifth box
Calculate percent error by dividing the error (C) by the known weight of the fish (A) and multiplying by 100.
Record this information in the last box of Section II. When tested, the total catch weighing scale and the
observer sampling station scale must agree within 3 percent. If the scale fails the daily test, it may be retested at any time. However, it may not be used to weigh fish until it passes the daily test. The scale is
weighing within 3 percent error if the result is between -3.0% and +3.0%.
III. Sea Conditions (Beaufort Scale) at Time of Scale Test (Check One)
Record Beaufort Scale sea conditions at time of test.
Signatures of vessel operator and observer.

Records of daily flow scale tests, Respondent
Number of respondents
Total annual responses
Frequency of response = 30 fishing days
Total burden hours
Time per response (45 min/60 min=0.75)
Total personnel cost ($25/hr)
Total miscellaneous costs
Binders, printer paper= $35
Records of daily flow scale tests, Federal Government
Total burden hours
Total personnel cost
Total miscellaneous cost

2
60
45
$1125
$70

0
0
0

j. Printed output, at-sea scales
Each scale used to weigh catch must be equipped with a printer. A printout(s) showing the total
weight of each delivery must be generated after each delivery has been weighed. Reports must
be printed at least once every 24 hours when use of the scale is required. Reports must be
printed before any information stored in the scale computer memory is replaced. The required
information on the printout is programmed into the scale software, and printing is nearly
automatic.
The printouts of the scale weight of each haul, set, or delivery must be made available upon
request by the authorized scale inspector at each scale inspection and must also be printed at any
time upon request of the observer, the scale inspector, NMFS staff, or an authorized officer at the
time printouts are generated and thereafter upon request for the duration of the fishing year.
12

The printed output of scale weights is used by NMFS staff and observers and OLE personnel to
maintain accurate records of catch and to ensure compliance with quotas. The printout also
forms the basis of an audit trail for each haul that can be used to resolve inconsistencies in catch
reports submitted by the observer and the vessel or processor. These printouts are not submitted
to NMFS, but they must be available for inspection on board the vessel or onsite during the
fishing year and retained by the vessel or plant owner for three years after the test occurred.
Printed output, at-sea scales
Vessel name
Federal fisheries permit number
Haul or set number
Total weight of the haul or set
Total cumulative weight of all fish or other material weighed on the scale
Printed output, at-sea scales, Respondent
Number of respondents
Total annual responses
Frequency of response = 30 fishing days
Total burden hours
Time per response (1 min/60 min=0.02 x 60 = 1.2)
Total personnel cost
Personnel cost per hr = $25
Total miscellaneous cost
Binders, paper = $35
Printed output, at-sea scales, Federal Government
Total burden hours
Total personnel cost
Total miscellaneous cost

2
60
1 hr
$25
$70

0
0
0

It is anticipated that the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to
support publicly disseminated information. As explained in the preceding paragraphs, the
information gathered has utility. NMFS will retain control over the information and safeguard it
from improper access, modification, and destruction, consistent with NOAA standards for
confidentiality, privacy, and electronic information. See response #10 of this Supporting
Statement for more information on confidentiality and privacy. The information collection is
designed to yield data that meet all applicable information quality guidelines. Prior to
dissemination, the information will be subjected to quality control measures and a predissemination review pursuant to Section 515 of Public Law 106-554.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques or other forms of
information technology.
The at-sea scale inspection request form and observer sampling station inspection request form
can be completed online at http://www.fakr.noaa.gov./cdq/scales.html . “Fillable” forms are
available at the NMFS Alaska Region Home Page at www.fakr.noaa.gov, for the participant to
download, print, and FAX to NMFS.
The required printed output format is programmed into each scale. Complying with NMFS’
requirements is either automatic when the scale operator changes memories or requires only
invoking the “print” command on the scale display.
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The daily scale test form is available as a Microsoft Excel template that can be installed on the
vessel’s computer if the operator wishes to do so. The daily scale test form also is available on
the web page indicated above.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.
None of the information collected as part of this information collection duplicates other
collections.
5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe
the methods used to minimize burden.
This collection of information does not impose a significant impact on small entities.
6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is
not conducted or is conducted less frequently.
Without the flow scale record of daily scale test form, NMFS is unable to effectively audit catch
in the non-AFA catcher/processor trawl fisheries. Without the daily scale testing and printed
output frequency, NMFS would not be as confident of the accuracy of the scales. Given that
scales are used only in fisheries where there are expectations of highly accurate catch
monitoring, this would not be acceptable
Without the inspection request forms, NMFS would be unable to coordinate and schedule
observer sampling station and bin monitoring inspections expeditiously. The video option for
crew monitoring in the tank or bin is one of three options to satisfy the regulatory requirement; it
is the NMFS-preferred option. Without the requirements to monitor crew, the Program’s ability
to control halibut prohibited species catch would be decreased.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a
manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.
No special circumstances are associated with this information collection.
8. Provide a copy of the PRA Federal Register notice that solicited public comments on the
information collection prior to this submission. Summarize the public comments received
in response to that notice and describe the actions taken by the agency in response to those
comments. Describe the efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their
views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and
recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be
recorded, disclosed, or reported.
The NMFS Alaska Region will submit a proposed rule, RIN 0648- AU68, coincident with this
submission, requesting comments from the public.

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9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than
remuneration of contractors or grantees.
No payment or gift will be provided under this program.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for
assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
The information collected under Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq.), as amended
by Public Law 109-479, is confidential under section 402(b). The information is also
confidential under NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, which sets forth procedures to protect
confidentiality of fishery statistics.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual
behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered
private.
This information collection does not involve information of a sensitive nature.
12. Provide an estimate in hours of the burden of the collection of information.
Total estimated unique respondents: 113 (3 scale manufacturers, 53 catcher/processors, 14
inshore processors, 43 Registered Crab Receivers). Total estimated responses: 9,301, down
from 24,202, a reduction of 14,897. Total estimated time burden: 5,209 hours down from 7,377,
a reduction of 2,168 hours. Total estimated personnel cost: $130,232 down from $184,425, a
reduction of $54,193.
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to the respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection (excluding the value of the burden hours in #12
above).
Total operation and maintenance costs: $51,131, down from $52,289, a reduction of $1,158.
Total annualized capital costs: $577,373, up from $551,873, a net increase of $25,500. The total
annualized costs are $628,504.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.
Total estimated time burden: 868 hr down from 1,253, a reduction of 305 hr. Total personnel
cost: $21,706 down from $31,325, a reduction of $9,619. No estimated miscellaneous costs.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 13 or
14 of the OMB 83-I.
This action is a program change, adding burden and costs. Two catcher/processors are added to
this collection, because of participation in the Amendment 80 Quota Shares Fisheries Program.
The added 199 responses, 70 hours, and $4,241 in operation and maintenance costs reflect
the addition of these two respondents under existing information collections. There are capital

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costs of $83,592 for additional at-sea scales, additional observer sampling station equipment,
additional printers for at-sea scales, and for the video recording system.
This action also contains program adjustments:
The number of catcher/processors currently affected by this collection’s requirements is
amended from 57 to 51, based on a list of actual participant names, rather than agency estimates.
This reduces the current burden by 15,147 responses and 2,446 hours. Operations and
maintenance costs are reduced by $5,399. Capital costs are reduced by $58,092.
The observer sampling station inspection request form is changed to become two forms, the
second one being the bin monitoring inspection request form, in total collecting essentially the
same information as requested in one form. The time requirement for each form is 2 hours each,
adding 4 hours (and 1 response) for each of the already participating 51 vessels: 51 responses
and 2 x 2 x 51 = 208 hours (the burden for the two new vessels is included in the program
change increases above).
Net changes: reductions of 14,897 responses, 2,168 hours and $1,158 in operations and
maintenance costs and an increase of $25,500 in capital costs.
16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and
publication.
The information collected will not be published.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the
information collection, explain the reasons why display would be inappropriate.
The expiration date is shown on all forms except scale printouts and at-sea scale approval
report/sticker. These exceptions are in formats that are not conducive to printing this
information.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in Item 19 of the
OMB 83-I.
The certification statement is shown on all forms except scale printouts and at-sea scale approval
report/sticker. These exceptions are in formats that are not conducive to printing this
information.

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
This collection does not employ statistical methods.

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