0603 SS 1-15-13 Part B

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

AMENDMENTS 15B, 18A, AND 18B TO THE SNAPPER-GROUPER FISHERY OF THE SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0603

B. COLLECTIONS 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.

Part B applies to the ELB information collection only.

The information is collected from commercial and for-hire fishing vessels, with private recreational vessel information to be added at a later time. For commercial vessels, there are 857 vessels, with 2% having been selected originally (17). The potential respondent universe for Amendment 18A is for-hire vessels with federal permits that fish in the South Atlantic EEZ. It is estimated that there are 1,487 for-hire vessels (2010 data), including the 33 already using ELBs.

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.

As these information collections will be mandatory for selected vessels, and applicable vessel permits will not be renewed if there is noncompliance, we continue to expect a 100% response rate.

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.

A number of methods are used to maximize the response rate. The information is collected autonomously by electronic equipment. Therefore, response time for collection of data is small for captain/crew. Captain and crew are trained on the use of ELBs. Technicians set up the gear and provide any needed maintenance on equipment. Renewal of commercial and for-hire permits meets the fulfillments of the requirements.

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.

A pilot study has recently been conducted in the shrimp fishery pilot program (0648-0543) and there has been an equivalent test, through implementation of Amendment 15B (0648-0603). The results of these programs and from Amendment 18A will be used to design ELB systems appropriate for the various fisheries in the South Atlantic.

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.

David R. Gloeckner, Ph.D. - Analysis

National Marine Fisheries Service

Southeast Fisheries Science Center

Beaufort Laboratory

(252) 728-8721

James M. Nance, Ph.D. – Analysis

National Marine Fisheries Service

Southeast Fisheries Science Center

Galveston Laboratory

(409) 766-3507

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