0009 SS 080111 rev

SUPPORTING STATEMENT
BILLFISH TAGGING REPORT
OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0009

A.

JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.
This request is for a renewal of this information collection.
The Billfish Tagging Program began in 1963 and is an integral part of the Billfish Research
Program at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC). This Program is authorized under
16 U.S.C. 760(e), Study of migratory game fish; waters; research; purpose.
The SWFSC provides tagging supplies to individuals electing to tag and release the billfish they
catch. Each Billfish Tagging Report Card is issued with an individual billfish tag and is
imprinted with the number matching the accompanying tag. The Billfish Tagging Report Card is
the primary mechanism by which these cooperating anglers and commercial fishers return the tag
and release information concerning the billfish they have tagged. Individuals cooperating in the
Program do so on a strictly voluntary basis.
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.
The Program is conducted throughout the year to determine billfish habitat, mortality rates,
migration patterns, feeding habits, and growth rates. Fishery biologists investigating the health of
billfish resources throughout the Pacific utilize data from this Program. Results aid in ongoing
research concerning billfish resources and are published annually in the Billfish Newsletter (most
recent issue is 2010).
The information collection is designed to yield data that meet applicable information quality
guidelines. Prior to dissemination, the information will meet the quality control measures and
pre-dissemination 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.
Data is collected from observations taken at sea on small fishing boats. The data summarizes the
actual fishing event that just occurred. Anglers are requested to complete the Billfish Tagging
Report immediately and once they return to land they mail it to the SWFSC. Automated and/or
electronic reporting at the time of tagging is not possible due to the variety in vessel capability.
However, there is a plan to implement an online form through which the data can be submitted.
Anglers will be able to send the data through the online form as soon as possible. It is estimated
that up to 10% of the tag reports may be submitted electronically through the online form.
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4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.
This Program is unique to the billfish angling community because it provides free tagging
supplies throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans and results from tagging efforts are published
annually. Billfish conservation became very popular during the early 1980s and several foreign
and private conservation organizations began tagging programs. This Program cooperates
completely with these organizations so that research efforts are expanded and not duplicated.
5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe
the methods used to minimize burden.
The Program deals with individual anglers and commercial fishers cooperating in the Program
and does not impact any business entity.
6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is
not conducted or is conducted less frequently.
Fishery biologists at the SWFSC, and elsewhere, for the purpose of providing management
advice, use the Billfish Tagging Program results. A break in the Program time line would
jeopardize the usefulness of nearly 45 years of continuous billfish tag and recapture data.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a
manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.
None. Response to the Billfish Tagging Report is consistent with OMB guidelines and
completely voluntary.
8. Provide information on 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.
A Federal Register Notice published on January 4, 2011 (76 FR 328) solicited public comment.
No comments were received.
9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than
remuneration of contractors or grantees.
No payments are given to those returning the Billfish Tagging Report. Those who tag billfish and
submit the Billfish Tagging Report are awarded a Billfish Tagging Report tee shirt.

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10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for
assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
Program data results are not confidential; they are public information. Anglers who tag more
than a few fish each year are acknowledged by name only in the Billfish Newsletter (see link in
Question 2); however, the contact information of participating anglers is not available to the
public. No specific assurance is given regarding this non-availability, unless in response to
angler inquiries.
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.
No sensitive questions are asked.
12. Provide an estimate in hours of the burden of the collection of information.
Burden to complete the Billfish Tagging Report card is about five minutes per response. Our
active mailing list of taggers varies between 2,000 to 3,000 volunteers. Recent annual average
(2007-2009) number of Billfish Tagging Report cards received was 1,059. The projected annual
average is 1,000 responses. The estimated time burden is 83 hours (1,000 x 5/60 = 83).
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 Question
12 above).
There is no cost burden to the respondents. Postage is paid by the SWFSC if mailed from within
the U.S. For those mailing from foreign countries the only cost is that of postage for a postcard.
This would amount to less than $100 annually.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.
Annual cost to print the Billfish Tagging Report, provide tee shirts to anglers upon recapture of a
tagged billfish, and postage is under $1,000. This figure is based on actual expenses averaged
over the last few years. Other costs are part of regular staff time.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.
The estimated total annual average decreased from the previous estimate of 1,250 responses, due
to a declining trend in the number of Report Card returns.
16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and
publication.
The Program is conducted on a calendar year with the Billfish Newsletter published in the first
half of each year. The Billfish Newsletter is the method by which the SWFSC provides feedback
to the fishing community and is written for cooperating anglers participating in the Program.
Content of the Billfish Newsletter varies annually but always includes angling effort by area and
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species captured, reported catches, results from the Billfish Tagging Program as well as general
interest articles directed to the billfish angler.
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.
Not Applicable.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.
Not Applicable.

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

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