In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, the information collection is approved for three years.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
06/30/2021
36 Months From Approved
06/30/2018
3,648
0
2,768
2,241
0
2,168
0
0
0
Fish tagging programs housed at the Maryland Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (MDFWCO) have been ongoing since 1985, when the office was first established. The main purpose for establishment was to manage the striped bass cooperative tagging program. This was part of a cooperative effort among federal, state and non-governmental agencies to restore and maintain a sustainable striped bass fishery along the Atlantic coast. Today, tagging programs are still needed to provide essential data for stock assessments to maintain ongoing commercial and recreational striped bass fisheries worth millions of dollars. Many other tagging programs are now managed by MDFWCO. All tagging programs are conducted in partnership with state agencies, universities, NGOs and/or private sector partners.
The Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon tagging program was started in 1992. Both sturgeon species managed in the tagging program are listed as endangered species and data is used in stock assessments to help determine population status. Horseshoe crab tagging began in 1999 and has provided information on the distribution, migration, and mortality of crabs. Horseshoe crabs are ecologically important for migratory shorebirds, have a vital role within commercial fishing, the biomedical industry, and ecologically. Another tagging program for the northern snakehead, an invasive species, began in 2009. Tagging was done in order to better inform management agencies in charge of controlling snakehead populations. Information gained from tagging has helped state and federal agencies determine movement and growth rates, and abundance of snakehead within certain areas, all of which as increased effectiveness of control efforts.
US Code:
16 USC 742f
Name of Law: Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956
US Code:
16 USC 661-666c
Name of Law: Wildlife Coordination Act
US Code:
16 USC 1531-1544
Name of Law: Endangered Species Act of 1973
US Code:
16 USC 757a-g
Name of Law: Anadrmous Fish Conservation Act
We are reporting a burden increase of 880 responses and 73 hours due to the inclusion of information collection requirements associated with the cooperative fish tagging program (FWS Forms 3-2493 through 3-2496) previously in use without OMB approval.
We also updated the title of the collection to more accurately reflect the purpose of the collection.
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.
Sturgeon Recapture Report (FWS Form 3-2496) - Individuals