In accordance with the regulations
implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Oceanic
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS) initiated an ESA Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding the possible effects of
implementing Amendment 11 (71 FR 36999) to the Coastal Pelagic
Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP). USFWS determined that
formal consultation was necessary on the possible effects to the
threatened southern sea otter. USFWS completed a biological opinion
(BO) for this action and although it was concluded that fishing
activities were not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of
the southern sea otter there remained the potential to incidentally
take southern sea otters. USFWS determined that certain measures
should be put in place to ensure the continued protection of the
species. The reporting requirements and conservation measures put
forth in this action stem from this BO and are an attempt to
provide further conservation efforts for southern sea
otters.
PL:
Pub.L. 94 - 265 303 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.