SUPPORTING STATEMENT
ALASKA COMMUNITY QUOTA ENTITY (CQE) PROGRAM
OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0665
This request is for revision of an existing information collection due to an associated rule
[RIN 0648-BD03].
BACKGROUND
The groundfish fisheries in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off Alaska are managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., as amended in 2006 (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) developed the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI), the Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska (GOA), and the Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program for the Fixed-Gear Commercial Fisheries for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Waters in and off Alaska.
The Pacific halibut fishery off Alaska is managed by NMFS under the authority of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982, and in coordination with annual fishery management measures adopted by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) under the Convention between the United States and Canada for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the Northern Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea (Convention). The IFQ Program provides a limited access system for Pacific halibut in Convention waters in and off Alaska and sablefish fisheries in waters of the EEZ off Alaska. Regulations pursuant to the Convention are set forth at 50 CFR 300.60 through 300.65. Regulations for the IFQ program are set forth at 50 CFR part 679.
The IFQ Program issues quota share (QS) to qualified persons. Halibut QS is issued specific to one of eight IPHC halibut management areas throughout the BSAI and GOA. The amount of halibut and sablefish that each QS holder may harvest is calculated annually and issued as IFQ in pounds. NMFS issues IFQ to persons holding Pacific halibut and sablefish QS or to those persons who are recipients of IFQ transfers from QS holders.
INTRODUCTION
BSAI Amendment 102 would create a Community Quota Entity (CQE) Program in IPHC halibut regulatory area 4B and sablefish Aleutian Islands regulatory area similar to the existing CQE Program in the GOA. This program would allow an eligible community to establish a designated non-profit organization as a CQE to purchase halibut catcher vessel QS assigned to Area 4B, and sablefish QS assigned to the Aleutian Islands. The CQE is the holder of the QS and would assign the resulting annual halibut and sablefish IFQ to participants according to defined CQE Program provisions. This program structure creates a permanent asset for the community to use by promoting community access to QS to generate participation in, and fishery revenues from, the commercial halibut and sablefish fisheries.
A. JUSTIFICATION
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.
With this action NMFS would add a new CQE Program in IPHC halibut regulatory area 4B and sablefish Aleutian Islands regulatory area similar to the existing CQE Program in the GOA. NMFS would implement the new CQE Program in the Aleutian Islands to allow a CQE to purchase and hold catcher vessel QS on behalf of any rural community located adjacent to the coast of the Aleutian Islands (defined in regulations at § 679.2 as the Aleutian Islands Subarea of the BSAI).
Since the military station closed on Adak in 1994, the Aleut Corporation and Adak Community Development Corporation (ACDC) have invested significant effort into developing Adak as a commercial center and a civilian community with a private sector economy focused on commercial fishing. As part of that strategy, Adak has pursued a broad range of fisheries development opportunities to encourage a resident fishing fleet and delivery to the shoreside processor located in Adak. A CQE could add stability to shoreside processing operations which have been subject to periodic closure.
2. Explain how, by whom, how frequently, and for what purpose the information will be used. If the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to support information that will be disseminated to the public, then explain how the collection complies with all applicable Information Quality Guidelines.
The CQE Program allocates a portion of the quotas for groundfish, halibut, crab, and prohibited species in the BSAI. Forty-two eligible Western Alaska communities are eligible in the IFQ Program: 21 are in Southeast Alaska (Area 2C) and 21 are in Southcentral Alaska (14 in Area 3A and 7 in Area 3B); an additional three communities are eligible, making a total of 45. The allocations provide communities the means for starting or supporting commercial fisheries business activities that will result in an ongoing, regionally based, fisheries-related economy. A non-profit corporate entity that meets specific criteria to receive transferred halibut or sablefish QS on behalf of an eligible community may lease the resulting IFQ to persons who are residents of the eligible community.
The community of Adak, Alaska, would need to meet all the following criteria to participate in the proposed Aleutian Islands CQE Program. These specific criteria for community eligibility, with the exception of the first two criteria, would be identical to those implemented for the GOA CQE Program.
♦ Be located within the Aleutian Islands;
♦ Not be eligible for the Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ)1 Program;
♦ Have a population of more than 20 and less than 1,500 persons based on the 2000 U.S. Census;
♦ Have direct access to saltwater;
♦ Lack direct road access to communities with a population greater than 1,500 persons;
♦ Have historic participation in the halibut and sablefish fisheries; and
♦ Be specifically designated on a list adopted by the Council and included in regulation (see Table 21 to part 679).
Consistent with the definition of a CQE at § 679.2, an Aleutian Islands CQE must meet the three existing requirements that define a CQE.
♦ The CQE must be incorporated after April 10, 2002, the date the Council took final action on the GOA CQE Program.
♦ The community represented by the CQE must be listed in Table 21 to part 679.
♦ The CQE must be approved by NMFS to obtain QS by transfer, hold QS, and lease IFQ resulting from the QS on behalf of an eligible community (see § 679.41(l) for the CQE application process).
By adding Adak, the total number of eligible communities is 46. Table 21 to part 679, lists Eligible communities, Halibut IFQ Regulatory Area Location, Community Governing Body that Recommends the CQE, and the Fishing Programs and Associated Areas where a CQE Representing an Eligible Community may be Permitted to Participate. This table would be revised to add the new community, Adak.
Table 21 to Part 679 – Eligible communities, Halibut IFQ Regulatory Area Location, Community Governing Body that Recommends the CQE, and the Fishing Programs and Associated Areas where a CQE Representing an Eligible Community may be Permitted to Participate.
Eligible GOA or AI community |
Halibut IFQ regulatory area in which the community is located |
Community governing body that recommends the CQE |
May hold halibut QS only in halibut IFQ regulatory |
May hold sablefish QS in sablefish IFQ regulatory areas |
Maximum number of CHPs that may be held in halibut IFQ regulatory |
Maximum number of Pacific cod endorsed non-trawl groundfish licenses that may be assigned in the GOA groundfish regulatory area |
||||||
Area 2C |
Area 3A |
Area 3B |
Area 4B |
CG, SE, WG, and WY (All GOA) |
AI |
Area 2C |
Area 3A |
Central GOA |
Western GOA |
|||
Adak |
4B |
City of Adak |
|
|
|
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Akhiok |
3A |
City of Akhiok. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
2 |
|
Angoon |
2C |
City of Angoon. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Chenega Bay |
3A |
Chenega IRA Village. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
2 |
|
Chignik |
3B |
City of Chignik. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
3 |
|
Chignik Lagoon |
3B |
Chignik Lagoon Village Council. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
4 |
|
Chignik Lake |
3B |
Chignik Lake Traditional Council. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
2 |
|
Coffman Cove |
2C |
City of Coffman Cove. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Cold Bay |
3B |
City of Cold Bay. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Craig |
2C |
City of Craig. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Edna Bay |
2C |
Edna Bay Community Association. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Elfin Cove |
2C |
Community of Elfin Cove. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Game Creek |
2C |
N/A. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Gustavus |
2C |
Gustavus Community Association. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
|
Halibut Cove |
3A |
N/A. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
2 |
|
Hollis |
2C |
Hollis Community Council. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Hoonah |
2C |
City of Hoonah. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Hydaburg |
2C |
City of Hydaburg. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Ivanof Bay |
3B |
Ivanof Bay Village Council. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Kake |
2C |
City of Kake. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Karluk |
3A |
Native Village of Karluk. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
2 |
|
Kasaan |
2C |
City of Kasaan. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
King Cove |
3B |
City of King Cove. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
9 |
Klawock |
2C |
City of Klawock. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Larsen Bay |
3A |
City of Larsen Bay. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
2 |
|
Metlakatla |
2C |
Metlakatla Indian Village. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Meyers Chuck |
2C |
N/A |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Nanwalek |
3A |
Nanwalek IRA Council. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
2 |
|
Naukati Bay |
2C |
Naukati Bay, Inc. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Old Harbor |
3A |
City of Old Harbor. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
5 |
|
Ouzinkie |
3A |
City of Ouzinkie. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
9 |
|
Pelican |
2C |
City of Pelican. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Perryville |
3B |
Native Village of Perryville. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
2 |
Point Baker |
2C |
Point Baker Community. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Port Alexander |
2C |
City of Port Alexander. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Port Graham |
3A |
Port Graham Village Council. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
2 |
|
Port Lions |
3A |
City of Port Lions. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
6 |
|
Port Protection |
2C |
Port Protection Community Association. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Sand Point |
3B |
City of Sand Point. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
|
|
14 |
Seldovia |
3A |
City of Seldovia. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
8 |
|
Tatitlek |
3A |
Native Village of Tatitlek. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
2 |
|
Tenakee Springs |
2C |
City of Tenakee Springs. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Thorne Bay |
2C |
City of Thorne Bay. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Tyonek |
3A |
Native Village of Tyonek. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
2 |
|
Whale Pass |
2C |
Whale Pass Community Association. |
X |
X |
|
|
X |
|
4 |
|
|
|
Yakutat |
3A |
City of Yakutat. |
|
X |
X |
|
X |
|
|
7 |
3 |
|
N/A means there is not a governing body recognized in the community at this time. CHPs are Charter halibut permits.
a. Application for a Non-profit Corporation to be Designated as a Community Quota
Entity (CQE) [REVISED]
Consistent with regulations applicable to GOA CQEs at § 679.41(l)(3), the Aleutian Islands CQE would complete the same application as that currently required for GOA CQEs. However, because this action would allow an Aleutian Islands CQE to lease IFQ to eligible community residents and non-residents for the first 5 years after the effective date of the final rule, NMFS would modify the application to clarify the mechanisms for considering and distributing IFQ among eligible community residents and non-residents of Adak, discussed below. In addition to the application and other required documentation, the potential Aleutian Islands CQE must
♦ provide procedures to determine the distribution of IFQ to eligible community residents and non-residents of Adak,
♦ provide procedures to solicit requests from eligible community residents and non-residents to lease IFQ; and
♦ provide criteria to determine the distribution of IFQ leases among eligible community residents and non-residents and the relative weighting of those criteria.
Eligibility documentation as a CQE would demonstrate proof of support from the community that the non-profit organization is seeking to represent. NMFS would use this information both to evaluate the ability of the non-profit applicant to represent an eligible GOA or Aleutian Islands community and to ensure the non-profit has the support of the community’s government body.
When completed, the application may be submitted to NMFS
By mail to: NMFS Alaska Region
Restricted Access Management (RAM)
P.O. Box 21668
Juneau, Alaska 99802-1668
Or, deliver to: 709 West 9th Street, Room 713
Juneau, AK 99801
Fax submittal is not acceptable due to the Notary requirements. All signatures must be witnessed by a Notary Public (or, in some remote areas, the community Postmaster or Postmistress).
Application for a Non-profit Corporation to be Designated as a CQE
Block A - Identification of Applicant
Name of the non-profit organization
Name of the contact person
Permanent business mailing address, including street or P.O. Box, city, state, and zip code
Business telephone number, business fax number, and business e-mail address
Name of community represented by the non-profit
Name of the contact person for Community Governing Body
Block B - Required Attachments – Checklist of attachments
Block C - Notary Certification
Printed name and signature of applicant, and date signed.
If completed by representative, attach authorization
Signature of notary public, date when commission expires, and Notary stamp or seal
Each non-profit entity must apply to become a CQE representing a specific community. Each of the eligible communities must designate a CQE to represent it. One CQE can represent more than one community, although a community can only have one CQE. There are potentially a total of 46 IFQ and QS halibut and sablefish eligible communities (including Adak), of which are also CQE eligible communities, 32 charter halibut eligible communities, and 24 License Limitation Program (LLP) communities.
The previous analysis presented the addition of seven respondents and responses, 1,400 hours burden, $210,000 personnel costs, and $56 miscellaneous. The current analysis shows one additional respondent, 200 hr burden, $30,000 personnel costs, and $8 miscellaneous cost. The differences are due to one new CQE applying versus seven new CQEs in the previous analysis. This application is required only once (unless a particular eligible community withdraws support from a specific CQE). The existing CQEs do not need to reapply. A current list of CQEs and the communities represented is presented at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/daily/cqenamescontacts-en-us.pdf
Application to become a CQE, Respondent |
|
Estimated number of respondents Total annual responses Response per respondent = 1 initial Total burden hours Time per response = 200 hr Total personnel cost = $150/hr x 200 Total miscellaneous costs (7.95) Photocopy ( 50 pp x .05 x 1 = 2.50) Postage (0.45 x 1 = 0.45) Notary ($5 x 1 = 5) |
1 1
200 hr
$30,000 $8
|
Application to become a CQE, Federal Government |
|
Total annual responses Total burden hours Time /response = 4 hr Total personnel cost ($37/hr x 4) Total miscellaneous cost |
1 4 hr
$148 0 |
b. Application for Transfer of QS/IFQ to or from a Community Quota Entity (CQE) [REVISED]
NMFS has separated the existing Application for Transfer of QS/IFQ to or From a Community Quota Entity (CQE) into two application forms: one for transfer of QS to and from a CQE and the other for a CQE to transfer IFQ to or from an eligible community resident or non-resident.
This revised application is used by a CQE applying to permanently receive or permanently transfer QS (with or without IFQ). As stated above, the party seeking to receive the transfer of QS/IFQ must also use this application to obtain a Transfer Eligibility Certificate (TEC) (a person receives a TEC if the Application for Transfer of QS/IFQ to or from a Community Quota Entity (CQE) is submitted to and approved by NMFS).
If the CQE is applying to permanently transfer QS/IFQ, a representative of the community on whose behalf the QS is held must sign the application.
Consistent with the current QS transfer approval process for CQEs, NMFS would approve the transfer of QS held by an Aleutian Islands CQE only if the community for which the CQE holds the QS authorizes that transfer. This authorization would need to be in the form of a signature by an authorized representative of the governing body of the community on this application. The purpose of the authorization is to ensure that the community is fully aware of the transfer.
When completed, the original application may be submitted:
By mail to: Alaska Region, National Marine Fisheries Service
Restricted Access Management (RAM)
P.O. Box 21668
Juneau, AK 99802-1668
Or, deliver to: Room 713, Federal Building
709 West 9th Street
Application for Transfer of QS/IFQ to or from a CQE
(Use QS Holder Summary Report or TEC for official information)
Block A – Transferor (Seller) Information
Name of transferor
NMFS Person ID
Name of the community represented by the CQE
Permanent business mailing address
If appropriate, enter the temporary business mailing address
Business telephone number, business fax number, and e-mail address (if available)
Block B – Transferee (Buyer) Information
Name of transferee
NMFS Person ID
Name of the community represented by the CQE
Permanent business mailing address, including P.O. Box, street, city, state, and zip code
If appropriate, temporary business mailing address
Business telephone number, business fax number, and e-mail address (if available)
Block C – Questions for Transferee
Indicate if applicant intends this QS to be included in a sweep up
If YES, list the identifier into which this new piece should be combined
Attach the original QS Holder Summary Reports of both the transferor and the transferee
If this is a transfer of Catcher Vessel CDQ compensation QS and the vessel category has not been declared, indicate the category requested
Block D – Identification of QS to be Transferred
Quota share to be transferred
Total QS units
Designation of QS units
Block E – Required Transferor Supplemental Information
Indicate the reason(s) transfer is being proposed. Check all that apply and explain
Price per unit of QS
Total amount paid for the QS/IFQ in this transaction, including all fees
Indicate whether a broker is used for this transaction
If YES, indicate amount paid in brokerage fees or percentage of total price.
Indicate reason(s) for transferring QS/IFQ (check all that apply)
Block F – Required Transferee Supplemental Information
Indicate whether the QS/IFQ will have a lien attached
If YES, identify the person who will hold the lien
Primary source of financing for this transfer (check one)
Indicate how the QS/IFQ was located (check all that apply)
Relationship to the transferor (check all that apply)
Indicate whether an agreement exists to return the QS to the transferor or a condition placed on resale
If YES, explain
Block G -- Certification of Transferor
Printed name and signature of Transferor and date signed
If completed by representative, attach authorization
Signature, commission expiration date, and stamp of notary public
Block H -- Certification of Transferee
Printed name and signature of Transferee and date signed
If completed by representative, attach authorization
Signature, commission expiration date, and stamp of notary public
Block I -- Certification of CQE Community Representative
Signature of Community Representative and date signed
Printed name and title of Community Representative
Signature, commission expiration date, and stamp of notary public
There currently are 31 CQEs (see http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/daily/cqenamescontacts.pdf); this action adds one CQE for the Aleutian Islands which totals 32 CQEs.
Application for Transfer of QS/IFQ to or from a CQE, Respondent |
|
Estimated number of respondents Total annual responses Response per respondent = 2 Total burden hours Time per response = 2 hr Total personnel cost ($37/hr x 128) Total miscellaneous costs (383.80) Photocopy ( 4 pp x .05 x 64 = 12.80) Postage (0.45 x 60 = 27) Courier ($6 x 4 = 24) Notary ($5 x 64 = 320) |
32 64
128 hr
$4,736 $384
|
Application for Transfer of QS/IFQ to or from a CQE, Federal Government |
|
Total annual responses Total Time burden Time per response = 30 minutes Total personnel cost ($37/hr x 32) Total miscellaneous cost |
64 32 hr
$1,184 0 |
c. Application for a CQE to transfer IFQ to an eligible community resident or non-resident [NEW]
Once NMFS approves the transfer of QS to CQE, the CQE may transfer halibut and sablefish IFQ to individual, eligible community residents and non-residents. The CQE Program also promotes QS ownership by individual community residents. Individuals who lease annual IFQ from the CQE could use IFQ revenue to purchase their own QS.
An Aleutian Islands CQE could lease any IFQ derived from their QS to either eligible community residents of Adak or non-residents for a period of up to 5 years after the effective date of the final rule. After the 5 year period, the CQE would be required to lease the annual IFQ derived from QS it holds only to eligible community residents of Adak.
Those persons applying to receive QS or IFQ by transfer must submit an Application for Eligibility to Receive QS/IFQ containing accurate information to the Regional Administrator, to obtain a TEC. To be eligible, persons must have 150 or more days of experience working as part of a harvesting crew in any U.S. commercial fishery. Work in support of harvesting but not directly related to it is not considered harvesting crew work.
An eligible community resident receiving IFQ from an Aleutian Islands CQE would have to hold a TEC, but NMFS would not apply the 150-day criteria for the eligible community resident to receive the TEC.
Due to the notary requirement, when completed, the original application may only be submitted:
By mail to: Alaska Region, National Marine Fisheries Service
Restricted Access Management (RAM)
P.O. Box 21668
Juneau, AK 99802-1668
Or, deliver to: Room 713, Federal Building
709 West 9th Street
Application for a CQE to Transfer IFQ to an eligible community resident or non-resident
Block A – Transferor (Seller) Information
Name of transferor as it appears on the QS Holder Summary Report or TEC
NMFS Person ID
Name of the community represented by the CQE
Business mailing address. Indicate whether permanent or temporary address
If permanent address, include street or P.O. Box, city, state, and zip code
If temporary, include street or P.O. Box, city, state, and zip code
Business telephone number, business fax number, and e-mail address (if available).
Block B – Transferee (Buyer) Information
Name of transferee
NMFS Person ID (as set out on the QS Holder Summary Report or the TEC)
Business mailing address. Indicate whether permanent or temporary address.
If permanent address, include street or P.O. Box, city, state, and zip code.
If temporary, include street or P.O. Box, city, state, and zip code. This address will be used to send the transfer documentation, if different from the permanent address.
Business telephone number, business fax number, and e-mail address (if available).
Block C -- Transfer (Lease) of IFQ
Note: in the case of the city of Adak, the transferee does not need to be a community resident for the first five years of the program.
Identify IFQ to be transferred by entering the IFQ Permit Number(s) and Year
Name of the community to which IFQ are currently assigned
Indicate if a resident of the Aleutian Islands
If NO, enter city and state of residence
Note: Transferee must be a resident of the community represented by the CQE unless that community
is Adak
Name of city and state
Block D – Required Transferor Supplemental Information
Price per pound of IFQ
Indicate whether a broker is used for this transaction.
If YES, indicate amount paid in brokerage fees or percentage of total price.
Block E – Certification of Transferor
Printed name and signature of Transferor and date signed
If completed by representative, attach authorization
Signature, commission expiration date, and stamp of notary public
Block F -- Certification of Resident Transferee
Printed name and signature of resident transferee and date signed
If completed by representative, attach authorization
Signature, commission expiration date, and stamp of notary public
Block G -- Certification of Non-Resident Transferee
Printed name and signature of Transferee and date signed
If completed by representative, attach authorization
Signature, commission expiration date, and stamp of notary public
It is estimated that the Aleutian Islands CQE will request 10 IFQ leases to eligible community residents or non-residents per year.
Appln for CQE Transfer IFQ to cmty resident Respondent |
|
Estimated number of respondents Total annual responses Response per respondent = 1 Total burden hours Time per response = 2 hr Total personnel cost = $37/hr Total miscellaneous costs (5.50) Photocopy ( 2 pp x .05 x 10 = 1) Postage (0.45 x 10 = 4.50) Notary (5.00 x 10) = 50 |
10 10
20 hr
$740 $56
|
Appln for CQE Transfer IFQ to cmty resident, Federal Government |
|
Total annual responses Total burden hours (30 minutes) Total personnel cost = $37/hr Total miscellaneous cost |
10 5 hr $185 0 |
d. Application for Community Charter Halibut Permit (Community CHP)
The Charter Halibut Limited Access Program established new Federal Charter Halibut Permits (CHPs) for operators in the charter halibut fishery in Regulatory Areas 2C (Southeast Alaska) and 3A (South Central Alaska). The Program also provides a limited number of permits issuable on request to nonprofit corporations representing specified rural communities.
All vessel operators in IPHC Areas 2C and 3A with charter anglers onboard must have an original, valid permit onboard during every charter vessel fishing trip on which Pacific halibut are caught and retained. CHPs are endorsed for the appropriate regulatory area and the number of anglers that may catch and retain charter halibut on a trip. There is no deadline for application.
An eligible community must form a CQE to represent it prior to applying for a Community CHP. This CQE must be approved by NMFS. A CQE that represents an eligible community may receive one or more Community CHPs. The CQE must use a separate application for each community that it represents.
Only the following communities are eligible to obtain Community CHPs in the area designated for the community (see also Table 21 to part 679).
Eligible Communities for 2C Community Charter Halibut Permits |
Eligible Communities for 3A Community Charter Halibut Permits |
Angoon |
Akhiok |
Coffman Cove |
Chenega |
Edna bay |
Halibut Cove |
Hollis |
Karluk |
Hoonah |
Larsen Bay |
Hydaburg |
Nanwalek |
Kake |
Old Harbor |
Kassan |
Ouzinkie |
Klawock |
Port Graham |
Metlakatla |
Port Lions |
Meyers Chuck |
Seldovia |
Pelican |
Tatitlek |
Point Baker |
Tyonek |
Port Alexander |
Yakutat |
Port Protection |
|
Tenakee |
|
Thorne Bay |
|
Whale Pass |
When completed, the application may be submitted to NMFS by mail, fax, or delivery.
Application for Community Charter Halibut Permit (CCHP)
Block A—Type of Permit(S)
Indicate the type of permit(s) for which applying
If a CQE applying for Community CHP, enter the name of the community
Block B –Applicant Information
Applicant’s name
Permanent business mailing address, including P.O. Box or street, city, state, zip code
Business telephone number, business fax number, and business e-mail address
Block C – Community CHP Request
Name(s) of the community that the CQE represents
List the number of CHPs requested for this community
List location boundaries of community, including latitude and longitude, where all trips will begin or end
Block D – CQE Applicant Signature
Print name and title, signature and date signed
May be required to provide documentation demonstrate authorization
Application for Community CHP, Respondent |
|
Estimated number of respondents Total annual responses Response per respondent = 1 Total burden hours Time per response = 1 hr Total personnel cost = $25/hr Total miscellaneous costs (20.80) Photocopy (4pp x .05 x 32 = 6.40) Postage (0.45 x 32 = 14.40) |
32 32
32 hr
$800 $21 |
Application for Community Charter, Federal Government |
|
Total annual responses Total burden hours (30 minutes) Total personnel cost = $25/hr Total miscellaneous cost |
32 16 hr $400 0 |
e. Application for a CQE to Receive a Non-trawl Groundfish LLP License [NO CHANGES]
Each CQE that is approved by the Regional Administrator to represent a community may apply to receive a groundfish LLP license on behalf of any of the communities listed in Table 21 to part 679. A CQE may not apply for more than the maximum amount of groundfish licenses designated in the regulatory area specified for a community listed. This application need be submitted and approved only once.
A groundfish LLP license approved for issuance to a CQE by the Regional Administrator for an eligible community will have only a catcher vessel designation, a non-trawl gear endorsement, and will be assigned a Pacific cod endorsement with a non-trawl gear designation. The CQE applying to receive a non-trawl groundfish LLP license must provide all of the required documentation. The CQEs, representing specific communities in the Central GOA and Western GOA, would need to submit in addition to an application to receive a fixed-gear LLP license endorsed for Pacific cod:
♦ The selection of fixed gear type by CQEs in the Central GOA.
♦ A description of the methods used to assign any fixed gear LLP licenses received.
♦ A letter of authorization for persons using LLP licenses assigned to a CQE.
♦ An annual report detailing the distribution and use of LLP licenses.
To receive a groundfish LLP license a CQE must submit an original, completed application for a groundfish license by mail or courier to the Regional Administrator, NMFS, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802.
Application for a CQE to Receive a Non-trawl Groundfish LLP License
Block A - Identification of applicant
Name of Non-Profit (CQE) Organization
Name of CQE Contact Person
CQE NMFS Person ID
Name of Community on whose behalf the CQE is applying for an LLP(s)
Permanent Business Mailing Address
Business Telephone Number
Business Fax Number
Business E-mail Address
Block B – GOA Non-trawl LLP licenses & non-trawl gear designations
Total number of LLP groundfish licenses being requested
Non-trawl gear type to be designated on each groundfish license requested
License
Gear type
Block C – Attachments
A statement describing:
Procedures the CQE used to determine the distribution of LLP licenses to residents of the community
Procedures the CQE used to solicit requests from residents to be assigned an LLP license
Criteria the CQE used to determine the distribution of the use of LLP licenses among qualified community
residents and the relative weighting of those criteria.
Block
D - CQE certification
Signature
and printed name of applicant or Authorized Representative and date
signed
If representative, attach authorization.
Application for CQE to receive non-trawl groundfish LLP, Respondent |
|
Estimated number of respondents Total annual responses = 1 Frequency of response = initial application Total burden hours Time per response = 20 hr Total personnel cost = $25/hr Total miscellaneous costs (7.60) Photocopy ( 10 pp x .05 x 8 = 4) Postage (0.45 x 8 = 3.60) |
8 8
160 hr
$4,000 $8 |
Application for CQE to receive non-trawl groundfish LLP, Federal Government |
|
Total annual responses Total burden hours Time per response = 4 hr Total personnel cost ($25/hr x 32) Total miscellaneous cost |
8 32 hr
$800 0 |
f. Community Entity Quota (CQE) Program Annual Report [REVISED]
Consistent with current annual reporting requirements applicable to GOA CQEs, the Aleutian Islands CQE would need to submit an annual report by January 31 to NMFS and to the governing body for the community represented by the CQE (i.e., City of Adak), detailing the use of QS and IFQ by the CQE and fishery participants during the previous year’s fishing season.
The Aleutian Islands CQE must provide a description of the process used to solicit applications from eligible community residents and non-residents; the total number of eligible community residents and non-residents who applied to use IFQ; a detailed description of the criteria used by the CQE to distribute IFQ among eligible community residents and non-residents who applied to use IFQ; and any payments made to the CQE for use of the IFQ by eligible community residents and non-residents.
Consistent with regulations applicable to the GOA CQE Program, an individual who receives IFQ derived from QS held by a CQE may not designate a hired master to fish the community IFQ: the individual must be on board the vessel when the IFQ is being fished. This provision is intended to ensure that the potential benefits of QS held by communities would be realized by the IFQ lease holder.
Individuals who hold leases of IFQ from communities would be considered IFQ permit holders and would be subject to the regulations that govern other permit holders, including the payment of annual IFQ cost recovery fees as required under § 679.45.
The Aleutian Islands CQE could lease any IFQ derived from their QS to either eligible community residents of Adak or non-residents for a period of up to 5 years after the effective date of the final rule. After the 5 year period, the CQE would be required to lease the annual IFQ derived from QS it holds only to eligible community residents of Adak.
The Aleutian Islands CQE annual report would gather information on the use of IFQ by persons who are not residents of Adak during the first 5 years after the effective date of the final rule. These provisions would not affect GOA CQEs because existing regulations at § 679.42(e)(8) and (f)(7) prohibit persons other than eligible community residents from fishing the IFQ held by GOA CQEs; therefore, no additional reporting of information on non-residents would be required from GOA CQEs.
If an Aleutian Islands CQE fails to submit a timely and complete annual report, or if other information indicates that the CQE is not adhering to the procedures for distributing or managing QS and IFQ on behalf of a community as established under its application, then NMFS would initiate an administrative action to suspend the ability of the CQE to transfer QS and IFQ, and to receive additional QS by transfer. This action would be implemented consistent with the administrative review procedures provided at § 679.43.
To ensure that the CQE acts in the best interest of the community and fulfills all the requirements established in its application for eligibility and the regulations for this program, an eligible community is encouraged to provide a CQE monitoring mechanism.
The CQE may combine annual reports about its holdings of community CHP permits, IFQ, and LLPs in one report. A CQE must submit annual report data for the community CHP permit, IFQ, and LLP permits it held during the calendar year. A CQE is not required to submit an annual report for any calendar year in which it did not hold any community charter halibut permits, IFQ, or LLPs.
By January 31, the CQE must submit a complete annual report for the prior calendar year to the Regional Administrator, National Marine Fisheries Service, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802, and to the governing body of each community represented by the CQE as identified in Table 21 to part 679.
A complete annual report must contain all general report requirements and all program specific report requirements applicable to the CQE, as follows:
Community Entity Quota (CQE) Program Annual Report
General report requirements
Each CQE must report the following
Eligible community or communities represented by the CQE
Any new communities
Any withdrawn communities
Any changes in the bylaws of the CQE, board of directors, or other key management personnel
Attach copies of minutes and other relevant decision making documents from all CQE board meetings held during the prior calendar year
Charter Halibut Permit (CHP) Limited Access Program
For each community represented by the CQE, the program specific report for charter halibut permits held by a CQE
Total number of CHPs held by the CQE
at the start of the calendar year
at the end of the calendar year
projected to be held in the next calendar year
Process used by the CQE to solicit applications from persons to use CHPs
Total number of persons who applied to use one or more CHPs
Name, business address, city and state, and number of CHPs requested by each person who applied
Criteria used by the CQE to distribute CHPs among persons who applied to use one or more CHPs
For each person issued one or more CHPs, provide
Name
Business address, city and state
ADF&G logbook number(s)
Number(s) of CHPs authorized to use
with the corresponding regulatory area endorsement
and angler endorsement
For each vessel authorized to participate in the charter halibut fishery using one or more CHPs, provide
Vessel name
ADF&G vessel registration number
USCG documentation number
Length overall
Home port
CHP number held by the CQE and used onboard the vessel
Set of ports from which the vessel departed and to which it returned
Total number of trips that occurred to and from each set of ports
For each community represented by the CQE, provide
any payments made to the CQE for use of the CHPs.
Individual Fishing Quota Program
For each community represented by the CQE, the program specific report for halibut IFQ or sablefish IFQ:
Total amount of halibut QS and total amount of sablefish QS held by the CQE
at the start of the calendar year
at the end of the calendar year
projected to be held in the next calendar year
Process used by the CQE to solicit applications from eligible community residents and non-residents to use IFQ that is derived from QS that the CQE is holding on behalf of the community
Total number of eligible community residents and non-residents who applied to use IFQ held by the CQE
Name, business address, city and state, and amount of IFQ requested by each person who applied to use IFQ
Criteria used by the CQE to distribute IFQ among eligible community residents and non-residents who applied to use IFQ
For each person who leased IFQ derived from QS held by the CQE
Name
Business address, city and state
IFQ permit number
Total pounds of halibut IFQ authorized by each IFQ permit number
Total pounds of sablefish IFQ authorized by each IFQ permit number;
For each vessel used to harvest IFQ held by the CQE, provide
Vessel name
ADF&G vessel registration number
USCG documentation number
Length overall
Home port
IFQ permit number(s) used onboard
CQE efforts to ensure crew members onboard to harvest the IFQ are residents of the eligible community
For each person employed as a crew member
Name
Resident city and state
Business address
For each community whose eligible community residents and non-residents landed IFQ, describe payments made to the CQE for use of the IFQ
License Limitation Program
For each community represented by the CQE, the program specific report for GOA Pacific cod endorsed non-trawl groundfish licenses held by a CQE
Total number of LLP groundfish licenses by gear type endorsement held by the CQE
at the start of the calendar year
at the end of the calendar year
projected to be held in the next calendar year
CQE process used to solicit applications from residents of the eligible community to use LLP groundfish
license(s) held by the CQE
Total number of community residents who applied to use an LLP groundfish license
For each person who applied to use a LLP groundfish license
Name
Business address, city and state
Number of LLP groundfish licenses requested
CQE criteria to distribute LLP groundfish licenses among eligible community residents who applied to use LLP
For each person assigned one or more LLP groundfish licenses held by the CQE
Name
Business address, city and state
LLP groundfish license numbers of each gear endorsement type they were authorized to use
For each vessel authorized to harvest LLP groundfish using LLP groundfish licenses held by the CQE
Vessel name
ADF&G vessel registration number
USCG documentation number
Length overall
Home port
LLP groundfish license number used onboard
CQE efforts to ensure crew members onboard the vessels are residents of the eligible community
For each person employed as a crew member on each vessel using LLP groundfish licenses held by the CQE Name
Resident city and state
Business address, city and state
For each community whose residents made landings using LLP groundfish licenses held by the CQE list payments made to the CQE for use of the LLP groundfish licenses
Aleutian Islands CQE Program
For each Aleutian Islands community represented by the CQE, the program specific report
Description of the process used to solicit applications from eligible community residents and non-residents
Total number of eligible community residents and non-residents who applied to use IFQ
Criteria used by the CQE to distribute IFQ among eligible community residents and non-residents who applied
to use IFQ
Any payments made to the CQE for use of the IFQ by eligible community residents and non-residents.
CQE Annual Report, Respondent |
|
Estimated number of respondents Total annual responses Response per respondent = 1 Total burden hours Time per response = 40 hr Total personnel cost = $37/hr Total miscellaneous costs (102.30) Photocopy (10 pp x .05 x 32 x 3cc = 48) 1 cc to NMFS 1 cc to community 1 cc to CQE Postage (0.90 x 27= 24.30) Courier ($6 x 5 = 30) |
32 32
1,280 hr
$47,360 $102
|
CQE Annual Report, Federal Government |
|
Total annual responses Total burden hours = 4 hr Total personnel cost ($37/hr x 128) Total miscellaneous cost |
32 128 hr $4,736 0 |
g. Annual CQE LLP Letter of Authorization [NO CHANGES]
The LLP is issued to the CQE, and the CQE designates the vessel to which the LLP license is assigned. Prior to requesting an LLP, the CQE shall provide NMFS with a detailed plan for soliciting and determining recipients of the CQE permit.
Upon receipt of the LLPs from NMFS, the CQE shall determine who may use the LLP license and provide them with a letter of authorization. The LLP license issued cannot designate more than one vessel per LLP per calendar year. The CQE must provide an authorization letter assigning each community LLP to a specific vessel and designating the vessel operator.
The authorization letter must be sent to the authorized vessel, and the copy of that letter must be maintained onboard the vessel. This would help to ensure that only those persons and vessels that have been vetted through the CQE would be able to use the LLP license. The person specified for an LLP groundfish license in an annual CQE authorization letter must be on board the vessel during directed fishing. The CQE must send a copy of each letter to NMFS, and must maintain a copy.
As part of the authorization letter, NMFS requires that the CQE attest that the authorized representative using a groundfish license issued to a CQE:
♦ Is a citizen of the United States;
♦ Has maintained a domicile in a CQE community in the Central GOA or Western GOA eligible to receive an LLP license endorsed for Pacific cod for the 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the time when the assertion of residence is made; and
♦ Is not claiming residency in another community, state, territory, or country, except that residents of the Village of Seldovia shall be considered to be eligible community residents of the City of Seldovia for the purposes of eligibility to serve as an authorized vessel operator.
The residency requirements for a vessel operator using a CQE license ensures that residents of a specific community actively participate in the Pacific cod fishery consistent with the overall goal the Council established for CQE LLP licenses.
The authorization letter would require that the CQE attest to individuals’ residency, but would not require individuals to submit proof of residency to NMFS in order to use the LLP license issued to the CQE. This approach would reduce potential administrative burdens on NMFS that could be required to determine the residency of a specific person. In many cases, particularly in smaller communities, the representatives of CQEs are likely to have specific local knowledge that can be used to assess a person’s claim of residency in a particular community.
If an amendment is made to the annual CQE authorization letter, copies of the revised CQE authorization letter must be sent to the designated vessels. There are potentially a total of 46 IFQ and QS halibut and sablefish eligible communities (including Adak), some of which are also CQE eligible communities, 32 charter halibut eligible communities, and 24 License Limitation Program (LLP) communities.
CQE LLP Letter of authorization, Respondent |
|
Total respondents Total responses = 1 Frequency of response = 1 Total burden hours Time per response = 1 hr Total personnel cost ($25/hr x 24) Total miscellaneous costs (12) Postage (0.45 x 24 = 10.80) Photocopy (0.05 x 1pp x 24 = 1.20) |
24 24
24 hr
$600 $12
|
CQE LLP Letter of authorization, Federal Government |
|
Total responses Total burden hours = 1 hr Total personnel costs ($25/hr x 24) Total miscellaneous costs |
24 24 $600 0 |
g. Application for Transfer Between IFQ and Guided Angler Fish (GAF) by a Community Quota Entity (CQE) [NO CHANGES]
This application will be implemented by the halibut catch sharing final rule. The application is used to transfer annual IPHC Area 2C or 3A commercial IFQ held by a CQE for use as GAF by a community resident holding one or more CHPs for areas 2C or 3A. In addition, this application may be used to return unused GAF to the CQE from which it was obtained. The new Aleutian Islands CQE is implemented by a different final rule so this transfer does not apply to it.
CQEs that hold quota share are allowed to transfer IFQ as GAF. The limits on these transfers depend on whether the GAF permit holder is a CQE, an eligible community resident, or a non-resident.
♦ A CQE applying for a transfer between IFQ and GAF must be eligible to hold IFQ on behalf of an eligible community in Area 2C or Area 3A and have received NMFS’ notification of approval of eligibility to receive IFQ for that community. In addition,
♦ An individual applying to receive GAF from Area 2C or Area 3A IFQ held by a CQE must be an eligible community resident of the eligible community in whose name the CQE is holding IFQ.
♦ The CQE applying to receive GAF must hold one or more valid community CHPs.
♦ The CQE applying to transfer IFQ to GAF must submit a complete annual report(s) as required by 50 CFR part 679.5(l)(8).
NMFS will not transfer IFQ to GAF after November 1 and will return all unharvested GAF to the CQE on or about November 1 each year.
The CQE is responsible for all cost recovery fees (OMB Control No. 0648-0398) resulting from the GAF harvested as a result of this transfer. Unused GAF will be returned to the CQE from which they were obtained; no fees will be assessed for any unused GAF.
Applications may be submitted to NMFS by mail or by delivery.
Application for Transfer Between IFQ and GAF by a CQE
Attachments
Completed Application
Copy of IFQ permit (s)
Valid Charter Halibut Permit
Power of Attorney (if applicable)
Identification of proposed transferor
Name and NMFS Person ID of Transferor
Name of Community represented by the CQE
Permanent Business Mailing Address and Temporary Business Mailing Address
Business Telephone No. and Business Fax No
Business E-mail address (if available)
Identification of proposed transferee
Name and NMFS Person ID of Transferee
Name of Community represented by the CQE
Permanent Business Mailing Address and Temporary Business Mailing Address
Business Telephone No. and Business Fax No
Business E-mail address (if available)
Identification of IFQ and/or GAF To be Transferred
IFQ Permit Number
IPHC Area
Charter Halibut Permit Number
GAF Permit Number (only required when GAF is returning to the IFQ permit holder)
Number of GAF
Notarized certification of proposed transferor
Signature and printed name of transferor and date signed
If a representative, attach authorization
Signature of notary public, date commission expires, and notary stamp or seal
Notarized Certification of proposed transferee
Signature and printed name of transferee and date signed
If a representative, attach authorization
Signature of notary public, date commission expires, and notary stamp or seal
Eighteen Area 2C communities are eligible to each receive up to 4 halibut charter halibut permits at no cost; 14 Area 3A communities are eligible to each receive up to 7 halibut charter halibut permits at no cost. Note that eligibility for community charter halibut permits is conditioned on the fact that the community must be represented by a CQE approved by NMFS. Thus, the number of eligible community entities that would be authorized to engage in GAF transfers is a maximum estimate.
Application for Transfer Between IFQ and GAF by CQE, Respondent |
|
Number of respondents 18 Area 2C 14 Area 3A Total annualized responses Frequency of response = 1 Total burden hours Time per response = 2 hr Total personnel costs ($25 x 64) Total miscellaneous costs (91.60) Mail (1.32 x 30 = 39.60) Fax (6 x 2 = 12) Photocopy (.05 x 25pp x 32 = 40) |
32
32
64 hr
$1,600 $92 |
Application for Transfer Between IFQ and GAF by CQE, Federal Government |
|
Number of responses Total burden hours Time per response = 30 min Total personnel costs ($25 x Total miscellaneous costs |
32 16
$400 0 |
It is anticipated that the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to support publicly disseminated information. NOAA Fisheries will retain control over the information and safeguard it from improper access, modification, and destruction, consistent with NOAA standards for confidentiality, privacy, and electronic information. See response to Question 10 of this Supporting Statement for more information on confidentiality and privacy. The information collection is designed to yield data that meet all applicable information quality guidelines. Prior to dissemination, the information will be subjected to quality control measures and a pre-dissemination review pursuant to Section 515 of Public Law 106-554.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques or other forms of information technology.
Forms and applications are “fillable” on the computer screen at the NMFS Alaska Region Home Page at www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. The Application for a CQE to Receive a Non-trawl LLP License and the Application for Transfer of QS-IFQ to a CQE may be submitted to NMFS by mail, courier, or fax. The Application for a Non-profit Corporation to be Designated as a CQE and the Application for Transfer of QS-IFQ to a CQE may be submitted to NMFS by mail or delivery. Fax submittal is not acceptable due to the Notary requirements. The CQE final report is a large report with various sizes of pages which must be submitted by mail or in person. The CQE Authorization Letter may be submitted as an attachment to an email.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.
No duplication exists with other information collections.
5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize burden.
All available evidence suggests that by the voluntary nature of the CQE Program and the proposed provisions themselves there is no potential for this action to impose significant adverse economic impacts on a substantial number of small entities.
6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently.
Without the specified reporting scheme described in this Support Statement, the CQE Program would be unable to proceed.
The lack of adequate information to manage the CQE Program would result in the fishery management decision-making process being less objective, more political, and potentially less equitable. This would decrease the credibility of the fishery management process and result in an unnecessarily costly and ineffective management system. The cost of making decisions based on inadequate information would adversely affect the viability of the CQE fishing industry.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.
No special circumstances exist.
8. Provide information on the PRA Federal Register Notice that solicited public comments on the information collection prior to this submission. Summarize the public comments received in response to that notice and describe the actions taken by the agency in response to those comments. Describe the efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.
NMFS Alaska Region published a proposed rule (RIN 0648-BD03) coincident with this submission, requesting comments from the public.
9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
No payment or gift is provided under this program.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
The information collected is confidential under section 402(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act
(16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.); and also under NOAA Administrative Order (AO) 216-100, which sets forth procedures to protect confidentiality of fishery statistics.
A Privacy Act System of Records Notice (SORN), COMMERCE/NOAA System-19, Permits and Registrations for United States Federally Regulated Fisheries, was published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2008 (73 FR 20914). An updated SORN is under DOC review.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private.
This information collection does not involve information of a sensitive nature.
12. Provide an estimate in hours of the burden of the collection of information.
Estimated total respondents: 65, up from 64: 32 CQEs, 32 charter halibut permit holders and 1 applicant to become a CQE. Estimated total responses: 203, up from 169. Estimated total burden: 1,908, down from 2,724 hr. Estimated total personnel cost: $90,486 down from $243,100.
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to the respondents or record-keepers resulting from the collection (excluding the value of the burden hours in #12 above).
Estimated total miscellaneous cost: $683, up from $538.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.
Estimated total burden: 257, up from 233 hr. Estimated total personnel cost: $8,453, up from $5,125.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.
Program Change: A new information collection is created by adding the Aleutian Islands to the CQE Program. Adding one new CQE to the CQE Program makes 32 in total.
Application for a Non-profit Corporation to be Designated as a CQE
This application is filed only once by the CQE. Previous CQE applications are not listed.
A decrease of 6 respondents and responses, 1 instead of 7
A decrease of 1,200 hr burden, 200 hr instead of 1,400 hr
A decrease of $18,000 personnel costs, $30,000 instead of $210,000
A decrease of $48 miscellaneous costs, $8 instead of $56
Application to Transfer QS-IFQ to or from a CQE
An increase of 11 respondents, 32 instead of 21
An increase of 22 responses, 64 instead of 42
An increase of 44 hr burden, 128 hr instead of 84 hr
An increase of $2,636 personnel costs, $4,736 instead of $2,100
An increase of $147 miscellaneous costs, $384 instead of $237
Application for a CQE to transfer IFQ to an eligible community resident or non-resident (NEW)
An increase of 10 respondents and responses, 10 instead of 0
An increase of 20 hr burden, 20 hr instead of 0 hr
An increase of $740 personnel costs, $740 instead of $0
An increase of $6 miscellaneous costs, $6 instead of $0
CQE Annual Report
An increase of 1 respondent and response, 32 instead of 31
An increase of 40 hr burden, 1,280 hr instead of 1,240 hr
An increase of $1,480 personnel costs, $47,360 instead of $45,880
An increase of $3 miscellaneous costs, $102 instead of $99
Adjustments
(correction to a previously erroneous low count of annual reports)
CQE Annual Report
An increase of 7 respondents and responses, 31 instead of 24
An increase of 280 hours, 1,240 instead of 960.
An increase of $10,360 personnel costs, $45,880 instead of $35,520
An increase of $76 miscellaneous costs, $99 instead of 23.
Application for a Community Charter Halibut Permit
A decrease in costs of $89, $21 instead of $110.
16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and publication.
NMFS Alaska Region posts LLP license information on the web at http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/ram/llp.htm#list. The lists contain LLP groundfish and crab licenses issued as of the indicated preparation date. Data are sorted alphabetically and are updated daily. Under current regulations, vessels must be designated on the licenses and the identities of original qualifying vessels are provided for reference only.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons why display would be inappropriate.
Not Applicable.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.
Not Applicable.
B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
This collection does not employ statistical methods.
1 Nearly all small, remote, coastal communities located in the BSAI participate in the CDQ Program that is authorized under section 305(i) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. The CDQ Program allocates a percentage of all BSAI quotas for groundfish, prohibited species, halibut and crab to CDQ groups that represent 65 coastal communities throughout the BSAI. This allocation allows the distribution of allocation benefits to be shared among the residents of the CDQ Program communities. In contrast, the CQE Program requires communities to purchase halibut and sablefish QS for use by community residents. When the CQE Program for the GOA was developed, communities located in the BSAI did not meet the geographic scope, or intent, of the CQE Program.
File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
Author | Patsy Bearden |
File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
File Created | 2021-01-28 |