Justification for change

JUSTIFICATION FOR CHANGE

SHIPBOARD OBSERVATION FORM FOR FLOATING MARINE DEBRIS

OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0644

Justification

While at-sea marine debris data collection with recreational sailors and non-governmental organizations is already ongoing, in light of the growing issue of marine debris generated by the March 11, 2011 tsunami in Japan, there is a need to reach out to the commercial vessels sailing our oceans, particularly the North Pacific Ocean.

Purpose

There is still much information needed on how much and what types of Japan tsunami marine debris are still afloat. Building an understanding of these items is critical for effective response and mitigation planning for this marine debris, in U.S. states of potential impact including Hawaii/Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, Washington, Oregon, California, and Alaska.

Methods

We will reach out to commercial mariners who traverse the North Pacific for data and photos of any significant or unusual sightings of marine debris. The call-out will be distributed through various partners, NOAA newsletters, Web sites, and social and digital media sites, traditional media venues, and at outreach events and conferences.

A list of instructions will request: date, time, latitude/longitude of sighting, debris type and description, photos (if any were taken), and whether or not debris was removed from the water. We will provide a reporting email address to which to send the information and photos, or postage-paid envelopes if needed, and will dedicate a staff member’s time to responding to these reports and inputting data submitted. This data may be shared on a public Web site.

Added Burden

The number of additional anticipated respondents and responses each year is 60. This estimate is based on inquiries received from commercial mariners interested in assisting in data collection. Response frequency is one time per year with the average response time per respondent being ten minutes, based on time necessary to log the information requested, take photos (if possible), and submit the information and photos via email. The total additional annual response time is 10 hours.