The Large Pelagic Fishing Survey
consists of dockside and telephone surveys of recreational anglers
for large pelagic fish (tunas, sharks, and billfish) in the
Atlantic Ocean. The survey provides National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) with information to monitor catch of bluefin tuna
and marlin. Catch monitoring in these fisheries and collection of
catch and effort statistics for all pelagic fish is required under
the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act. The information collected is
essential for the United States (U.S.) to meet its reporting
obligations to the International Commission for the Conservation of
Atlantic Tuna. Due to funding limitations the Large Pelagic Fishing
Survey has only been conducted from Maine through Virginia in
previous years. In 2008 NMFS proposes to conduct pilot studies to
characterize the recreational large pelagic fisheries in the South
Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean regions.
US Code:
16
USC 971 Name of Law: Atlantic Tunas Conventions Act
The increase of 2,500 hours is
due to the addition of the HMS Characterization Survey component.
One hour was subtracted from the current burden, to correct a
mistakenly rounded up figure.
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.