The National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) plans to collect data to increase the agency's understanding
of California saltwater angler preferences relative to Pacific
groundfish. Pacific groundfish caught in California's recreational
fishery include about 17 species of rockfish, as well as lingcod,
cabezon, and California scorpionfish. The number and diversity of
species caught in this fishery poses a regulatory challenge for
State and Federal fisheries managers. Information to be collected
pertains to anglers' recreational saltwater fishing activities in
California (including groundfish); their attitudes and preferences
regarding particular groundfish species and groundfish regulations;
and angler demographics. The data collected will provide NMFS, as
well as state agency partners such as the California Department of
Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), with information useful for understanding
current groundfish fishing behavior and possible responses to
potential regulatory changes.
US Code:
16 USC 1801 et seq. Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
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.