0223 SS 050708 part b rev

SUPPORTING STATEMENT
PACIFIC ALBACORE LOGBOOK
OMB CONTROL NO.: 0648-0223

B. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any
sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities
(e.g. establishments, State and local governmental units, households, or persons) in the
universe and the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form. The tabulation
must also include expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection has
been conducted before, provide the actual response rate achieved.
The respondent universe consists of all U.S. participants in the Pacific albacore fishery.
Responses can vary from year to year, based on the success of the fishery and associated
fisheries. Since 2005, the response rate is close to 100% due to the requirements of the HMS
FMP.
2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for
stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy
needed for the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring
specialized sampling procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data
collection cycles to reduce burden.
All participants obtaining permits must submit logbooks as a requirement of the permit.
Statistical procedures are therefore not used. Coverage is 100%.
3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse.
The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for
the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be
provided if they will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe
studied.
If respondents do not return a logbook, they are contacted by the Regional Office for
enforcement action. Continued non-response will result in the revoking of the permit. Data are
checked for accuracy and returned to the respondent for corrections. Failure to submit correct
information can also result in the revoking of the permit.
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as
effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB
must give prior approval.
WFOA and its members recommend changes in the logbook collection as part of their annual
meeting. These recommendations are forwarded to NMFS. NMFS does not conduct tests with
the respondents but reviews the collection methods annually in-house.

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5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the statistical
aspects of the design, and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other
person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.
Annual evaluations are conducted by John Childers ((858) 546-7192) and Dr. Paul Crone ((858)
546-7068) of the Fisheries Resources Division, SWFSC, La Jolla, California.

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