This information collection consists
of a mandatory catch reporting program in the recreational fishery
for Atlantic bluefin tuna, Atlantic swordfish, Atlantic blue
marlin, Atlantic white marlin, and Atlantic sailfish. Anglers
harvesting these species must report through a toll-free telephone
system or an Internet site, or through landing card programs
administered by some states. Catch monitoring and collection of
catch and effort statistics in these fisheries are required under
the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act. The information collected through
this program is essential for the United States to meet its
reporting obligations to the International Commission for the
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) and to assure the harvest of
these species remains within ICCAT required quotas and landings
limits.
US Code:
16 USC 971 et seq. Name of Law: Atlantic Tunas Convention Act
of 1975
A program adjustment of + 36
hours occurred when the number of respondents was increased to
reflect the recent non-tournament recreational landing levels for
swordfish (SWO) and sailfish (SAI). Additionally, 10 percent was
added to the estimated SWO, SAI, and bluefin tuna landings to
provide a safety margin and account for increased use of the
reporting systems.
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.