0500 revision_extension resubmission SS_060514 rev (1)

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

MONITORING PROGRAMS FOR VESSELS IN THE PACIFIC COAST GROUNDFISH FISHERY

OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0500

INTRODUCTION

This is a resubmission of a request, with the final rule, to revise the information being gathered and to extend this information collection. The revisions include: minor updates to the information submitted by the certified observer providers for consistency with regulation changes. The title is also being changed from An Observer Program for At-Sea Processing Vessels in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery to Monitoring Programs for Vessels in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery. There were two applicable comments on the proposed rule, with a change made in response to one, but not to the other (see Question 8)..

The Pacific Coast groundfish fishery in waters off the West Coast (Washington, Oregon and California) is managed pursuant to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) as amended in 2006, and the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The Magnuson-Stevens Act at 16 U.S.C. 1853(b)(8) allows one or more observers be carried on board a vessel of the United States engaged in fishing for species that are subject to an FMP, for the purpose of collecting data necessary for the conservation and management of the fishery.

The Pacific Coast groundfish fleet is comprised of vessels ranging in size from 18 feet to nearly 700 feet. These vessels harvest a diverse array of bottom and midwater species with a variety of fishing gear including midwater trawl, bottom trawl, and fixed gears (longline, trap or pot, setnet, stationary hook-and-line gear including vertical hook and line, troll, and trammel net). Processing vessels in the at-sea whiting trawl fishery fish for weeks or months before returning to port. Trawl vessels delivering catch to shore-based processors often fish for three to five days per trip. In comparison, the small fixed gear vessels take single day trips on fair weather days and fish primarily in nearshore areas.

Observers are a uniformly trained group of scientists who are stationed aboard vessels to gather fishery conservation and management data that would otherwise not be available for managing the fisheries. The groundfish regulations at § 50 CFR 660 establish frameworks for certified observers for the trawl fisheries. Trawl fishery participants obtain the services of certified observers by working directly with permitted providers. In addition to certified observers, NMFS works cooperatively with Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission to provide observers in the limited entry fixed gear (LEFG) and open access (OA) fisheries.

In January 2011, NMFS implemented a catch share program for the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery’s trawl fleet. Trawl vessels delivering to shore-based processors (first receivers) are managed under the Shorebased Individual Fishery Quota (IFQ) Program. Trawl harvesting and processing vessels in the at-sea whiting fisheries are managed under fisheries cooperatives, including the Mothership Coop and Catcher/processor Coop. The regulation at §§ 660.140 (h), 660.150 (j), 660.160 (g), specify observer coverage requirements for the trawl vessels and define the responsibilities for observer providers, including reporting requirements. Regulations at § 660.140 (i) specify requirements for catch monitor coverage for first receivers. Trawl vessels in the IFQ program and catcher vessels in the Mothership Coop program are required to carry one certified observer on all fishing trips. Processing vessels in the Mothership Coop and Catcher/processor Coop fisheries are required to carry one certified observer on all fishing trips if the vessel is less than 125 feet in length and two certified observers if the vessel length is 125 feet or over. In addition to the rationalized trawl fisheries, regulations at § 660.216 and 660.316 require certified observers for vessels that process catch in the limited entry fixed gear (LEFG) and open access (OA) fisheries. Processing vessels under 125 feet are required to carry one certified observer and processing vessels 125 feet and over are required to carry two certified observers. Regulations at § 660.140 (i) specify requirements for certified catch monitor coverage for first receivers. First receivers accepting trawl IFQ program catch must have a catch monitor present whenever IFQ catch is landed. Certified observers and certified are provided by businesses referred to as permitted providers. The permitting process for these providers is addressed within OMB Control No. 0648-0619.

For the trawl IFQ fishery, certified observers primarily focus on verifying the composition of catch discarded at sea, while the composition of retained catch is verified by certified catch monitors when the retained catch is landed at the first receivers. All IFQ landings must be monitored by a catch monitor. Catch monitors verify that all landed catch is sorted to the correct groups and that the weights reported on electronic fish tickets are accurate. Like certified observers, catch monitors are funded by the industry and are employees of third-party service providers.

This collection pertains to the collection of the following information from observer providers:

• Training/briefing Registration

• Notification of observer's Physical Examination

• Debriefing registration

• Safety checklist submission to NMFS (actual completion of the checklists is covered under OMB Control No. 0648-0593)

• Certificate of insurance

• Observer provider contracts

• Observer status reports

• Informational materials

• Other reports on Observer harassment, safety concerns or performance problems

This collection also pertains to the burden on vessels in the limited entry and open access sectors that provide the following information necessary for observer coverage when required:

• Departure notification

• Cease fishing notification

This collection pertains to the collection of the following information from catch monitor providers:

• Training/briefing Registration

• Notification of catch monitor’s Physical Examination

• Certificate of insurance

• Catch monitor provider contracts

• Catch monitor status report

• Informational materials

• Other reports on harassment, prohibited actions, illness or injury, or performance problems

A. JUSTIFICATION

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

Data collected by certified observers are used by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to estimate total landed catch, discards, monitor the attainment of annual groundfish allocations, estimate catch rates of prohibited species, and in stock assessments. Observer data is necessary to comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Act requirements to prevent overfishing. In addition, observer data is key to maintaining the integrity of the trawl rationalization program such that total catch mortality stays within the trawl allocations and bycatch remains lower than the pre-rationalized fishery. Observer data is also used to assess fishing-related mortality of protected and endangered species.

Information submitted by observer and catch monitor providers (training/briefing registration, notification of physical examination, debriefing registration, safety checklist, certificate of insurance, provider contracts, status reports, informational reports, and other reports on harassment, safety concerns or performance problems) is used to efficiently and effectively determine the eligibility of trainees such that well-qualified individuals are trained and deployed as fisheries observers and catch monitors. The materials are also used to ensure the wellbeing of observers and catch monitors.

Departure and cease fishing notifications submitted by LEFG and OA vessels are necessary for NMFS to 1) identify which vessels need to carry observers and 2) to coordinate the placement of observers aboard vessels. The cease fishing notification is necessary to identify which vessels are in the pool of vessels being sampled. Knowing which vessels is no longer part of the sample pool will allow NMFS adjust selection methods to meet the desired observer coverage levels while allowing observer effort to be used efficiently. It is necessary for a vessel owner, operator or representative to submit these reports because only they can make statements about their future intent.

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.

Information submitted by the observer providers will be used as follows:

Observer Training/Briefing Registration. Prior to the beginning of a scheduled observer certification training session, observer providers send the following information to the Observer Program Office: date of requested training; a list of observer candidates that includes each candidate’s full name, date of birth, gender, and length of contract; a copy of each candidate’s academic transcripts and resume; and a statement signed by the observer candidate under penalty of perjury which discloses the candidate’s criminal convictions. The requested information ensures that sufficient class space will be reserved for the candidates during the training session requested and that each potential, new observer meets the observer educational qualification standards.

Notification of Observer's Physical Examination. Physical examinations are necessary because working as an observer aboard fishing vessels or on processors is a physically demanding and dangerous occupation. An individual must be physically fit. Unfit observers could endanger the wellbeing of themselves and the safety of others. Notification of the physical examination allows NMFS to verify that all observers meet the program standards.

Observer debriefing registration. This information allows for an efficient and effective debriefing process of an observer with Observer Program personnel. Observer debriefing registration information must include: the observer's name, current port assignment and requested debriefing date.

Observer safety checklist. Observer provider responsibilities include the submission of the current Vessel Safety Checklists that are completed during a pre-cruise check. Submission of the completed checklist to the Observer Program is necessary to ensure that the vessels that observers are deployed on meet the minimum safety requirements specified for the issuance of a Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal in the time between U.S. Coast Guard inspections.

Observer certificate of insurance. Copies of “certificates of insurance”, that name the NMFS Northwest Fishery Science Center Observer Program leader manager as the “certificate holder”, are to be submitted to the Observer Program Office by February 1 of each year. The certificates of insurance are to verify the provider has adequate coverage provisions for observers and that the insurance company will notify the certificate holder if insurance coverage is changed or canceled.

Observer provider contracts. If requested, observer providers must submit to the Observer Program a completed and unaltered copy of each type of signed and valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits incorporated into the contract) between the observer provider and those entities requiring observer services. Observer providers must also submit to the Observer Program upon request, a completed and unaltered copy of the current or most recent signed and valid contract (including all attachments, appendices, addendums, and exhibits incorporated into the contract and any agreements or policies with regard to observer compensation or salary levels) between the observer provider and the particular entity identified by the Observer Program or with specific observers. Observer contracts are needed to evaluate the working conditions that observers are experiencing and to evaluate that deployments are handled fairly and consistently. Vessel contracts are needed to evaluate the cost of observing the fishery coast-wide and any disparities between ports. These contracts are also needed to verify they are meeting any and all federal regulations.

Observer status reports. An observer provider must provide the Observer Program access to an updated list of observer deployments. Trip information includes observer provider name, observer last name, observer first name, trip start date, trip end date, status of observer, vessel name, and vessel identification number. Accurate and timely observer deployment information is important for fisheries management. Observer providers handle the logistics of observer deployments and are the only ones who know this information real-time. Knowing where observers are at all times is also imperative should emergencies arise while an observer is deployed at sea.

Observer Informational materials. Observer providers must submit to Observer Program, if requested, copies of any information developed and used by the observer providers distributed to vessels, such as informational pamphlets, payment notification, description of observer duties, etc. The training and duties of an observer are a responsibility of the observer program. It is important to maintain consistency within the fleet and represent the duties required of observers accurately.

Other reports on Observer harassment, safety concerns or performance problems.

Reports on the following topics must be submitted to the Observer Program by the observer provider within 24 hours after the observer provider becomes aware of the problem: 1) observer harassment, 2) any prohibited action against observers concerns about vessel or processor safety, 3) any illness or injury that prevents the observer from completing his/her duties, 4) any information, allegations or reports regarding observer conflict of interest or breech of the observer standards of behavior. Review of these reports provides NMFS with an effective tool to monitor and enforce standards of observer conduct and to identify problems on vessels that may compromise the observer’s health and well-being.

LEFG and OA harvesting and processing vessel departure reports. (no form) can be submitted to NOAA Fisheries or its designated agent via a toll-free phone number (1-866-880-8064) to provide notice of expected departure dates and times. A call must be made at least 24 hours prior to departure for fishing. The information collected is whether a vessel plans to start or end fishing in 24 hours. Information from departure reports is used by the Observer Program to determine whether to place observers on selected vessels in order to obtain detailed information on fishing practices and the characteristics of the catch. These data are needed to estimate total catch by species, collect data necessary to assess the status of stocks, to determine protected species interactions, and to evaluate economic conditions in the fishery.

LEFG and OA harvesting and processing cease-fishing reports. Cease-fishing reports (no form) can be submitted to NOAA Fisheries or its designated agent via a toll-free phone number (1-866-880-8064) to provide notice, not less than 24 hours after ceasing all groundfish fishing, for the purpose of, leaving the fishery management area or to fish for species not managed under the FMP. This report would be made when a vessel in the observed portion of the fleet ceases to participate in the groundfish fishery. Cease-fishing reports are needed to define the population of vessels that are being sampled, and to adjust selection methods to meet the desired observer coverage levels so observer effort can be used efficiently.

Catch Monitor training/briefing registration. Prior to the beginning of a scheduled certification training session catch monitor providers send the following information to the Catch Monitor Program Office: A list of catch monitor candidates and requested training dates, each candidate’s full name, date of birth, and gender; a copy of each candidate’s academic transcripts and resume; a statement signed by the candidate under penalty of perjury which discloses the candidate’s criminal convictions. For briefings providers need only send the candidates full name and requested briefing date. The requested information ensures that sufficient class space will be reserved for the candidates during the training session requested and that each potential, new catch monitor meets the educational qualification standards.

Catch Monitor notification of catch monitor’s physical examination. Physical examinations are necessary because working as a catch monitor is a physically demanding and dangerous occupation. A individual must be physically fit. Unfit catch monitors could endanger the wellbeing of themselves and the safety of others. Notification of the physical examination allows NMFS to verify that all observers meet the program standards.

Catch monitor certificate of insurance. Copies of ‘‘certificates of insurance’’, that names the Catch Monitor Program coordinator as the ‘‘certificate holder’’, are to be submitted to the Catch Monitor Program Office by February 1 of each year. The certificates of insurance verifies the coverage provisions and that the insurance company will notify the certificate holder if insurance coverage is changed or canceled.

Catch monitor provider contracts. If requested, catch monitor providers must submit to the catch monitor program a completed and unaltered copy of each type of signed and valid contract. Catch monitor providers must also submit to the catch monitor program upon request, a completed and unaltered copy of the current or most recent signed and valid contract between the catch monitor provider and the particular entity identified by the catch monitor program or with specific catch monitors. Catch monitor contracts are needed to evaluate the working conditions that catch monitors are experiencing and to evaluate that assignments are handled fairly and consistently. First receiver contracts are needed to evaluate the cost of monitoring the fishery coast-wide and any disparities between ports. These contracts are also needed to verify they are meeting any and all federal regulations.

Catch monitor status report Each Tuesday, catch monitor providers must provide the Catch Monitor Program with an updated list of deployments. Deployment information includes provider name, catch monitor last name, catch monitor first name, trip start date, trip end date, status of catch monitor, vessel name, and vessel identification number, date monitored offload, first receiver assignment. Accurate and timely deployment information is important for knowing that the coverage requirements are being met, and for knowing where catch monitors are at all times is also important should emergencies arise.

Catch monitor informational materials. If requested, catch monitor providers must submit copies of any information developed and used by the catch monitor providers and distributed to first receivers, including, but not limited to, informational pamphlets, payment notification, and description of catch monitor duties. The training and duties of catch monitors are the responsibility of the catch monitor program. It is important to maintain consistency within the fishery and represent the duties required of catch monitors accurately.

Other catch monitor reports on harassment, prohibited actions, illness or injury, or performance problems. Reports of harassment, prohibited actions, illness or injury or performance problems must be submitted in writing to the Catch Monitor Program by the catch monitor provider via fax or e-mail address designated by the catch monitor program within 24 hours after the catch monitor provider becomes aware. These reports are an effective tool for monitoring and enforcing catch monitor responsibilities and to identify problems that may compromise the observer’s health and well-being.

NOAA 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.

The periodic reports and information submitted by observer and catch monitor providers consist of extractions of the required data from their existing database systems into a report form that is then submitted to the Observers and Catch Monitor Programs. The Observer Program utilizes a web-interface database in which observer providers enter training/briefing registration information, provide updated observer status reports and upload copies of vessel safety checklists. This system is used to reduce the time it takes for providers to report information, to organize all information in one secure location and provide immediate access for observer staff, providers and the office of law enforcement in the case of an emergency. The system also provides automatic notification if observer certification requirements are about to expire and allows debriefing interviews to be scheduled with observers and their providers. The Catch Monitor program will continue to receive submissions via e-mail.

Departure and cease-fishing notifications are made by telephone to NOAA Fisheries or its designated agent.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.

Relative to observer- and catch monitor-submitted data, no duplication has been identified. All information is unique to the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery. The departure and cease-fishing reports submitted by vessels in the LEFG and OA fisheries are information submissions that are unique to the needs of the observer program. Duplication with other collections does not exist. Data collected by the vessel monitoring system (VMS) can be used to identify when a vessel departs on a fishing trip, but cannot identify the operator’s intent in advance such that arrangements can be made for the placement of an observer nor can VMS data identify a vessel operator’s intent to cease fishing only for the remainder of the cumulative period or fishing year.

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

All of the observer and catch monitor providers and vessels affected by this collection are considered small businesses. Given the relatively small numbers of applicants, separate requirements based on size of business have not been developed. Only the minimum data required to meet the objectives of the overall monitoring program are requested from all applicants.

To minimize the burden on vessels in the LEFG and OA fleets, NMFS collects only the minimum data necessary to effectively place observers within the fleet in a manner that is consistent with a statistically-sound coverage plan. In addition a toll-free number is available for use in order to reduce the burden on small entities.

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

The information required from providers is necessary for the efficient operation of an Observer Program and the Catch Monitor program and must be submitted in the time frames requested. Collecting this information less frequently would jeopardize the goals and objectives of the monitoring programs and the effective management of the West Coast groundfish fishery. NMFS believes that data quality will be maintained by creating a regulatory structure for managing observer, catch monitor and provider performance.

All information required from the LEFG and OA vessels is necessary to effectively place observers within the fleet in a manner that is consistent with a statistically-sound coverage plan. Collecting this information less frequently is likely to impair the ability to place observers according to the coverage plan and this would significantly reduce the usefulness of data collected for conservation and management purposes.

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

No special circumstances exist that would require information collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with OMB Guidelines except for the weekly reports which are needed more frequently for effective management of the program.

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 proposed rule was published on February 19, 2014 (79 FR 9592) coincident with this submission, and solicited public comments on this revision to the collection. One comment was received relative to this information collection in the proposed rule, with no change made:

“Comment: The proposed rule regulations require that any concerns about vessel safety be reported in writing to the Observer Program Office by the observer provider within 24 hours after the observer provider becomes aware of the information. Two commenters expressed concern about the timeliness the vessel safety information getting back to a vessel owner. The commenter requested that the regulations specify a reasonable timeline for when a provider needs to notify a vessel owner about safety concerns including an observer’s refusal to board a vessel, starting from the time a problem is identified by the observer and ending when the vessel owner is notified of the situation.

Response: Every vessel that carries an observer is required to have a valid USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal that’s valid for two years. Although a vessel may meet the requirements for a Vessel Safety Decal at the time inspection, vessels can be out of compliance between inspections. Equipment can be is removed from the vessel, damaged, or out of date. Prior to an observer embarking on the first trip and before the vessel may get underway with an observer aboard, the observer provider must ensure that the Observer Vessel Safety Checklist was completed, and that the vessel has a valid USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal. The provider must submit the Observer Vessel Safety Checklist to the Observer Program. The Observers are encouraged to complete an Observer Vessel Safety Checklist as early as possible before the first trip to give the vessel owners time to correct any deficiencies. In addition, for the protection of observers the current regulations state that vessels are required to maintain safe conditions, by adhering to all U.S. Coast Guard and other applicable rules, regulations, statutes, and guidelines pertaining to safe operation of the vessel, including, but not limited to rules of the road, vessel stability, emergency drills, emergency equipment, vessel maintenance, vessel general condition and port bar crossings. An observer may refuse to board or reboard a vessel, and may request a vessel to return to port if operated in an unsafe manner or if unsafe conditions are identified.

Observers hired by permitted providers are required by regulations to report to NMFS when a vessel has uncorrected safety deficiencies, when an observer refuses to board or reboard a vessel, and when a vessels requests to return to port due to unsafe conditions. Vessel owners employing observer services through a permitted provider hold a private contract with the provider. If a vessel owner wants Observer safety concerns reported to them within a specific time frame, they are encouraged to work directly with the observer providers to build elements into their private business contract that addresses the concern. To address vessel safety issues before an observer is scheduled to board a vessel, NMFS encourages the vessel owners to work directly with the USCG port personnel including safety inspectors who are available to assist individual vessel owners.”

In addition, we contacted the two current observer/catch monitor providers to solicit feedback: their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format, and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported, as well as the accuracy of estimated burden. A response was received from one provider indicating that the time per response for observer training/briefing registration (Table 1) should be revised from 7 minutes to 15 minutes. The burden has been modified accordingly.

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

No payments or gifts to respondents are provided under this collection.

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

Because the information collected is from commercial operations, under the Magnuson-Stevens Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), all data submitted are treated in accordance with NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, Protection of Confidential Fisheries Statistics. The information collected under this regulatory package is managed by NMFS on a computer network in accordance with relevant IT security policies and regulations such as the standards set out in Appendix III, A Security of Automated Information Resources, to OMB Circular A-130; the Computer Security Act; and the Government Information Security Reform Act. These procedures have been implemented under the NMFS Operations Manual entitled, "Data Security Handbook for the Northwest-Alaska Region, National Marine Fisheries Service."

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 collection of information does not include any sensitive information.

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

See Table 1 for details. Respondents total 268 (5 providers (supplying a total of 75 observers or catch monitors) and 263 fishing vessels), responses total 3,310 (1,995 for providers and 1,315 for fishing vessels), and hours total 525 (305 for providers and 220 for fishing vessels). Total labor costs, estimated at $30 per hour, are $15,600 ($9,000 for providers and $6,600 for fishing vessels). The estimated burden hours for each element of the collection are outlined in Table 1.

The information collection under this rule includes departure and cease-fishing reports which would be a toll-free phone call placed to the Observer Program, or its designated agent. The labor costs to the industry to provide this information increases as the number of vessels in the pool of potentially observed vessels increases. The maximum cost to the fleet to provide departure and cease-fishing reports is based on a coverage strategy in which 30 percent of the fleet would be required to report in a given year.

Table 1. Burden and Labor Cost

Type Of Response	Respondents	Annual Responses Per Respondent	Total Annual Responses	Time Per Response	Total Hours all Responses	Total Labor Cost
Observer training/briefing registration	5 Providers	30*	150	15 minutes	38	$1,140
Notification of observer physical examination
Observer debriefing registration
Observer safety checklist submission to NMFS		180	900	5 minutes	75	$2,250
Certificate of insurance		1	5	10 minutes	1	$30
Observer provider contracts		10	50	5 minutes	4	$120
Observer status reports		52	260	15 minutes	65	$1,950
Observer Informational materials		2	10	5 minutes	1	$30
Other reports on Observer harassment, safety concerns or performance problems		16	80	15 minutes	20	$600
Catch monitor training/briefing registration		23	115	7	13	$390
Notification of catch monitor physical examination
Catch monitor debriefing registration
Certificate of insurance		1	5	10 minutes	1	$30
Catch monitor provider contracts		20	100	5 minutes	8	$240
Catch monitor status reports		52	260	15 minutes	65	$1,950
Catch monitor Informational materials		2	10	5 minutes	1	$30
Other catch monitor reports on harassment, prohibited actions, illness or injury, or performance problems.		10	50	15 minutes	13	$240
Fishing departure reports	263 = 30% of the vessels in any one year (225 LEFG and 650 OA) vessels	3	789	10 minutes	132	$3,960
Cease-fishing reports		2	526	10 minutes	88	$2,640
TOTALS	268		3,310		525**	$15,600

*For observers, twice per year; for catch providers, once per year, thus totaling 5 responses per year per provider.

** Contracts rounded up to 13 from 12 *(8 + 4) in ROCIS.

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).

It is assumed that each of the 5 observer/catch monitor providers will maintain a computer system with email capacity for general business purposes and that each vessel owner/operator has access to a telephone for toll-free calls.

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

The total annual burden on the government for review and processing information from observer and catch monitor providers is estimated to be approximately 500 hours. At $28 per hour, this would be an annual cost of $14,000. The cost to support a toll free phone line is approximately $3,600 annually. The sum of the approximate annual costs to NMFS is $17,600.

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

Adjustments:

On January 1, 2011, a trawl rationalization program was implemented. Under trawl catch shares, the requirements for catch monitors were added and observer providers became responsible for handling all observer logistics. The Observer Program and Catch Monitor Program must obtain information from multiple providers on whom they’re hiring (so qualified candidates can be registered for training), where observers and catch monitors are deployed (so we know which vessels and first receivers are covered). The reporting requirements from the providers to NMFS ensure the wellbeing of observers and catch monitors as well as effective program management.

• Catch monitor provider submissions were added to the regulations on January 1, 2011 when the new monitoring program was implemented. However, the burden associated with the provider reporting requirements were inadvertently missed and therefore an adjustment is being made to add the existing reporting requirements to this collection, adding 530 responses and 100 hours.

• The number of observer briefings/physical exam notices/debriefings was adjusted from 200 to 150, with a decrease of 50 respondents and 5 hours. However, based on a comment on the proposed rule, the response time was adjusted from 7 minutes to 15 minutes, adding 38 hours.

• Provider insurance certificates, previously required but not included, was added (catch monitor requirements are included in the burden stated above, while 5 responses and 1 hour were added for observer providers).

• Observer safety checklist submission to NMFS was also not previously included; this added 900 responses and 75 hours.

• Projected observer assignments are now part of the weekly status reports information collection. This removes 250 separate responses and 21 hours.

• OMB Control No. 0648-0423, which included the burden for departure and cease fishing reports, was discontinued when collection 0648-0593 was created. However, the departure and cease fishing reports were not captured in the new collection. Therefore, the burden for departure and cease fishing reports has been reestablished in this collection. With the implementation of the trawlrationalization program and observer coverage required on every trip, departure and cease fishing reports are no longer required for the trawl fishery. Therefore the hours are reduced from what had been in OMB Control No. 0648-0423 as a result of the trawl vessel hours being removed. The current regulations at §660.216 and §660.316 continue to require vessels in the LEFG and OA fisheries to provide departure and cease fishing reports when requested by NMFS. A net of 1,315 responses and 220 hours was added.

Total for adjustments: Net increases of 2,450 responses and 391 hours.

Program Changes:

• Submission to NMFS upon request of informational materials provided to observers and catch monitors by the providers is a new requirement, adding 20 responses and 2 hours.

• Observer contact information/change in ownership has been removed; it is now part of the provider application process covered under OMB Control No. 0648-0619. This results in a decrease of 5 responses and 2 hours.

Total for program changes: Net increase of 15 responses and 0 hours (2 hours were added, and two subtracted).

A net total of 2,465 responses and 391 hours was added.

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

No plans exist for publishing the information collected.

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.

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