The objective of this survey is to
assess the level of awareness on issues related to regulations
preventing feeding/harassment of wild bottlenose dolphins, which
are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In
particular, the survey is designed to determine what commercial
operators and the general public knows about specific regulations
prohibiting feeding and harassment of bottlenose dolphins, and how
they gained their knowledge and/or perceptions on the topic. This
information will be used to help refine outreach and education
materials and associated efforts. The initial geographic region for
this survey is Panama City, Florida, where numerous incidences of
dolphin harassment and feeding have been documented. The intent
ultimately is to also use this survey in other areas of the
southeast region to gain a similar understanding and ensure
outreach messages are appropriate for intended audiences.
US Code:
16 USC 1361 et seq. Name of Law: Marine Mammal Protection Act
of 1972 as amended in 2007
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.