Justification for change

JUSTIFICATION

ALASKA LICENSE LIMITATION PROGRAM FOR

GROUNDFISH, CRAB, AND SCALLOPS

OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-0334

JUSTIFICATION FOR CHANGE: The Application for License Limitation Program (LLP) Transfer of Groundfish/Crab License and Application for Transfer of Scallop LLP License are modified.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Region manages the fisheries in the exclusive economic zone off the coast of Alaska under Fishery Management Plans (FMPs): the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska, the FMP for Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area, the FMP for Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs, and the FMP for the Scallop Fishery off Alaska. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) prepared, and NMFS approved, the FMPs under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. as amended in 2006. These FMPs are implemented by regulations at 50 CFR parts 679 and 680.

Application for LLP Transfer of Groundfish/Crab License

NMFS would revise Blocks K and L:

♦ Remove requirement for notary public certification from this form by removing the signature of notary public, date notary commission expires, and the space for the notary stamp or seal.

The notary information was simply confirming what is already in NMFS database records. Instead of notary confirmation, the certification block is now considered sufficient because it is signed under penalty of perjury that the information is true and correct. The notary was confirming that the person signing the form is the person that appeared before them, not that the information is true and correct.

♦ Add note of explanation for representative authorization. If signing on behalf of an individual, a power of attorney is required to demonstrate authorization.

Application for Transfer of Scallop LLP License

NMFS would revise Blocks D and E:

♦ Remove requirement for notary public certification from this form by removing the signature of notary public, date notary commission expires, and the space for the notary stamp or seal.

No increase in cost or burden is anticipated with these changes. In fact, there may be a slight decrease in cost and burden due to removal of the notary requirement, to be confirmed in the next renewal of this information collection.

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