OMB will approve a one-time collection of information. The associated control number will be valid for one year from the date of approval. OMB notes that NOAA hopes to conduct a census of regional businesses engaged in wildlife viewing but also that this survey is voluntary and that some respondents may be reluctant to divulge sensitive business information. The collection request indicates that respondent data will be collected and maintained by a third party contractor, but the contract has not been finalized. OMB needs to see the terms of the contract regarding unauthorized data disclosure before data can be collected.
OMB also notes the following text in supporting statement A: âThe data may potentially be used for conduct of socioeconomic impact analyses under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Impact Review) and an Initial and Final Regulatory Flexibility Analyses (impacts on small businesses).â Given that this data may be cited for management and/or policy purposes, and given that the agency has not made provisions for addressing issues that may arise if they do not obtain data of sufficient quality, OMB includes the following term of clearance. The sponsor agency (NOAA) cannot use this data to inform management or policy if they do not obtain data of sufficient quality (e.g., at least a 75% cumulative response rate using the appropriate AAPOR definition of response rate when not conducting a nonresponse bias follow-up study). NOAA must report back to OMB on metrics of data quality (e.g., cumulative response rate, item non-response rates, etc.) to ensure that data are of sufficient quality to support analysis of policy of management decisions.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
05/31/2019
36 Months From Approved
30
0
0
53
0
0
0
0
0
SBNMS is currently in the process of updating the 2010 Management Plan, and has identified a lack of baseline socioeconomic information on ocean recreation businesses. The information is not available to assess the possible economic benefits of marine wildlife protection to the local economy, or the potential impact on ocean recreation businesses. The type of data targeted for this collection; that is, information person-days, trips has not been updated since 2008 and there are no source so information that detail operatorsâ perceptions and attitudes towards the industry and sanctuary. Thus, current information on the importance of marine wildlife to the local tourism industry and operators is required. The primary focus for the survey will be to gather data on the non-consumptive, person-days of marine wildlife viewing and operatorsâ perceptions and attitudes. Specifically, researchers will collect data to help determine the contribution of marine wildlife watching operations to the economy in the Stellwagen Bank region. The number of person-days of wildlife viewing is necessary to estimate the economic value that the industry makes to the region.
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.
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuariy Wildlife Viewing Operation Survey
SBNMS 30d FRN pub 020518_5061.pdf
SBNMS Wildlife Viewing Survey Explanations 020518.docx
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuariy Wildlife Viewing Operation Survey