Observers collect biological samples
and fishery-dependent information on total catch and interactions
with protected species. Managers use data collected by observers to
monitor quotas, manage groundfish and prohibited species catch, and
document and reduce fishery interactions with protected resources.
Scientists use data collected by observers for stock assessments
and marine ecosystem research. The stock assessments are the basis
for setting annual catch quotas for groundfish species. Processors
are required to allow observers to “use the … processor’s
communication equipment and personnel, on request, for the entry,
transmission, and receipt of work-related messages, at no cost to
the observers or the United States". The National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) would extend the requirements to catcher vessels
less than 125 ft length overall (LOA) to provide a computer with
ATLAS software installed on it while participating in the Bering
Sea pollock fishery. An observer must be allowed to use the
vessel’s communications equipment and personnel, on request, for
the confidential entry, transmission, and receipt of work-related
messages, at no cost to the observer or the United States (U.S.).
This collection will be merged into OMB Control No. 0648-0318 after
this request and an 0318 revision request are approved.
US Code:
16
USC 1773 Name of Law: Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982
US Code:
16 USC 1801 et seq Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
This action requires observer
access on catcher vessels less than 125 ft LOA to use the vessel’s
communications equipment and personnel, on request, for the
confidential entry, transmission, and receipt of work-related
messages, at no cost to the observer or the United States. Access
to a computer for electronic data entry significantly increases the
speed observer data can be made available for inseason management
and catch accounting. Further, the data validation measures built
into the software improves initial data quality and decreases the
need for corrections during the observer debriefing process. There
is no change to burden, as this is a temporary new collection (new
burden is 7 hours).. After approval of this request, and of a
revision to OMB Control No. 0648-0318 in relation to RIN 0648-BF36,
this burden will be added to the existing collection.
$0
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Patsy Bearden 907
586-7008
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Notification of observer before handling the vessel's Bering Sea pollock catch