0543 SS Part B (BD41) 102513

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

GULF OF MEXICO ELECTRONIC LOGBOOK

OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0543

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.

For the first three years, a random sample of 10% (250) of the then 2,500 federally permitted vessels was chosen using the permits database. In the next three years, we doubled the random sample to 500. One hundred vessels were added in 2012 for a total of 600, out of 1,563 vessels. Nine hundred vessels will be added in 2013 for a total of 1,500, out of 1,516 vessels. It is expected that at most 1,500 vessels would be active and have a newer ELB onboard at any one time. Thus, 1,500 participants are used for this collection. Since the selected vessels are required to have the ELBs installed, the response rate is 100%.

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.

It is expected that at most 1,500 vessels would be active and have a newer ELB onboard at any one time. Thus, 1,500 participants are used for this collection.

For the older ELB units, data are collected continuously, but with no burden to the respondents other than the removal and re-installation of the ELB every 2-3 months.

The newer ELB units are data recording devices that are simple time-stamped global positioning system (GPS) units that record and hold a vessel's location at 10-minute time intervals. From these time-stamped locations, vessel speed between points can be estimated and then evaluated with mathematical algorithms (i.e., stopped, towing, moving between towing points). Thus, effort by location can be calculated for a given fishing trip. Shrimp catch data for the trip is then used to estimate catch-per-unit-effort for the trip at various fishing locations. Monthly shrimp effort estimates for various locations, time periods, or vessels are provided to NMFS each trimester (i.e., 4-month time period). Vessels selected for the program must also provide the size and number of shrimp trawls deployed for each set and the type of bycatch reduction device and turtle excluder device used, as approved under OMB Control No. 0648-0345. The data will be transmitted to agency servers via a cellular phone connection activated when the vessel is within non-roaming cellular range.

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.

As this collection is mandatory if the participant is selected and passive once the ELB is installed, there is no nonresponse.

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.

No additional tests will be conducted.

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.

Dr. James Nance, NMFS Southeast Region Science Center, Galveston Lab (409) 766-3507 will analyze the data and provides consultation on the statistical aspects of the design.

The data are collected by NMFS contract personnel, who change according to the re-solicitation for these services.