0644 SS 022315 Part A

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

Shipboard Observation Form for Floating Marine Debris

OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0644

A. JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.

This request is for a extension of a previously approved collection.

Resources, funding, and time limitations as well as an increased safety risk all restrict regular at-sea surveys of marine debris. Because of these limitations, marine debris surveys at sea have been conducted as an add-on to other research at sea. These opportunities are typically quite rare. Building on a small-scale project begun by James Callahan (recreational sailor) in Hawaii, there is currently an opportunity to collect additional information needed on debris within areas such as the North Pacific Subtropical High (aka “Great Pacific garbage patch”), other areas of marine debris concentration at sea, and potential Japan tsunami debris. Information would be collected through a partnership between the NOAA Marine Debris Program and non-government organization (NGOs) and recreational sailors who are on the ocean regularly. This survey will assist us in carrying out activities prescribed in the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act of 2006 (33 U.S.C. §§ 1951 et seq.), mainly “mapping, identification and impact assessment”.

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.

Data collection forms will be distributed each year to recreation sailors during the TransPacificYacht Race and Pacific Cup Race (each takes place every other year with one race going on each year). Additionally, forms will be made available to other recreational sailors as well as NGOs that frequently sail our oceans. Distribution will be done through James Callahan (private citizen, recreational sailor, and coordinator for this overall project) and the NOAA Marine Debris Program at outreach events, presentations, and other outreach opportunities as well as through a project website. Outreach opportunities typically occur four to five times per year. James Callahan began this data collection on a small scale in 2008 in Hawaii with yacht sailors of both the TransPacific and Pacific Cup Races.

The collected data and information will be used to better model movement and concentration of the debris, facilitate greater understanding of marine debris and marine debris concentration areas in the open ocean as well as prepare (as needed) for potential Japan tsunami marine debris arrival to areas around the Pacific. The data, once collected, will undergo simple analysis (e.g., main debris type seen) and mapping and the results will be posted on the project Web site.

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.

This data collection form is meant to be filled out primarily by hand and can be done electronically if the respondent has the necessary means, such as computer, smartphone, or email access. Related technologies are the collection of latitude and longitude locations for transect lines, typically with a GPS unit. Submission of completed and scanned forms can be via email or facsimile, but is expected to be primarily through mail. The data is displayed at http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.

There exist other partnership efforts to collect additional information on debris within areas such as the North Pacific Subtropical High (aka “Great Pacific garbage patch”), other areas of marine debris concentration at sea, and potential Japan tsunami debris. Those efforts are on a smaller scale and currently ongoing, coordinated among the NOAA Marine Debris Program, the NOAA Observer Program and NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. This effort seeks to partner with a broader range of ocean users (NGOs and recreational sailors).

5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize burden.

NA.

6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently.

There are no immediate consequences if data is not collected; however the data and information, particularly about potential Japan tsunami debris, are integral to coordination for debris deposition and possible additional impacts across the Pacific Rim. Knowledge of likely quantities and types of tsunami debris coupled with computer model simulations and predictions of deposition timeframe will help all managers best prepare for arrival (or not) of this debris. Large debris items could pose an economic and environmental hazard as well as potential human health and safety risk depending on the type of debris. Smaller items may pose less of a risk; however arrive in larger quantities.

7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.

NA.

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.

A Federal Register Notice published on November 24, 2014 (79 FR 69837) solicited public comments. No comments were received.

Respondents and stakeholders were contacted for feedback on the program and information collection, and two responded, both stating overall support for the program.

A US Coast Guard (USCG) Pacific Area partner thought the level of detail was appropriate and the form is easily adaptable for their fleet to use on a voluntary basis. He felt that 30 minutes to complete the form is reasonable. He also stated that information forwarded from NOAA to USCG is helpful for their planning purposes.

A representative from the recreational yachting community also confirmed that 30 minutes is a reasonable amount of time to complete the form, and the directions were easy to understand and follow in practice. An additional comment was that she would like to receive more information on where the data is posted online.  

Response: The link was provided to her. In the future, we will follow-up with respondents as soon as they submit their data to NOAA via this form. In addition we will include the information on where the data is posted, in any outreach provided to the yachting community before races, when we typically get responses.

9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

No gifts or payments will be provided to respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

Data are combined and names are removed to ensure anonymity. Respondents are made aware of this by a statement on the data collection form.

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.

NA.

12. Provide an estimate in hours of the burden of the collection of information.

The number of anticipated respondents and responses each year is 20. These estimates are based mainly on communications with James Callahan, recreational sailor, and feedback from other recreational sailors. Commercial vessels have historically opted to report debris sightings through means other than this form, and thus are not included in this estimated number of respondents per year. Response frequency is one time per year (based on likelihood of outreach event and/or sailing race) with the average response time per respondent being 30 minutes, based on time necessary to complete the form and mail it back. This response time per respondent has been decreased based on feedback of the ease of completing the form. The total annual response time is 10 hours.

Annualized labor cost to respondents for their time participating in this data collection project is $225.50, based on the 2013 national volunteer average value of $22.55/hr. (http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/national) multiplied by an average of 30 minutes per respondent and 20 expected responses.

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 Question 12 above).

Total annual cost burden to the respondents is $0. Respondents will be provided with envelopes with prepaid postage.

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.

Total annual cost burden Federal government (materials costs) is approximately $200/year. This is the cost of waterproof paper and copying of data sheets onto that paper. Time burden through regular labor costs is estimated at $3,700 per year through contractor support for data processing. Total annual costs: $3,900.

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.

The reduction in expected number of responses is based on the decreased level of interest and amount of Japan tsunami debris in the North Pacific. Further, most responses are coming from volunteers whose experience with the data collection forms and process which will reduce response time. Commercial vessels have been reporting debris sightings directly to NOAA through [email protected] rather than through the use of this form. As stated in Question 12, response time has been adjusted to 30 minutes based on feedback from respondents.

16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and publication.

As data forms come in, they will be scanned and sent to the NOAA Marine Debris Program. Data will then be entered into a simple Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and simple analyses completed (e.g., avg., min, max, graphing). Results will be shown online at http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/.

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.

NA.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.

NA.

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