GMFM SS 012913 Part B

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

GULF OF MEXICO FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION SURVEY

OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-xxxx

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.

Stakeholder Group	Direct Contacts
Recreational Anglers	744
Charter Operators	98
Commercial Fishermen	157
Non-Governmental Organizations	36
Scientists/Academia	41
Other/Unknown	186
TOTAL	1262
All numbers are approximate.

We estimate that of the respondents on the list, we will hear from about 50%. We expect a large number of recreational fishermen and charterboat/headboat operators to self-select and complete the survey through our web site and/or Facebook page.

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.

The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council has developed a stakeholder list to ensure interested parties are kept informed about Council activities. The list is made up of individuals who requested to be notified about Council activities. This survey will be sent to the entire list. As such, there is no sampling or stratification, rather a census. The survey will also be made available to others through our web site – www.gulfcouncil.org, blog - http://gulfcouncil.blogspot.com/, and Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/GulfCouncil.

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.

In our efforts to maximize the response rate, both a pre-survey notification and a follow-up notification will be emailed to respondents on our stakeholder list, to encourage participation.

Additionally, the survey is simple and brief, with only 12 questions.

A random sampling of non-respondents will also receive a request to respond to an abridged version of the original survey after the original survey deadline has passed. Non-respondents will be selected only from the names of those actually contacted directly, of course; none from those who self-select. For further addressing of non-response bias, we can use the information we have on each stakeholder, including their roles.

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.

The survey will be tested in-house among Gulf Council staff.

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.

John Froeschke

Fishery Biologist

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

813-348-1630 ext. 235

John Froeschke is responsible for overseeing data acquisition, management, and subsequent analyses of the survey results.

Charlene Ponce

Public Information Officer

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council

813-348-1630 ext. 229

Charlene Ponce is responsible for meeting all PRA requirements and survey design. She will also administer the survey and prepare a summary report of the survey results.

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