The issuance of a permit is an essential part of managing fishery resources. The purpose and use of permits is to: (1) Register vessel owners, vessel operators, fishing vessels, fish dealers, and processors; (2) list the characteristics of fishing vessels and/or dealer/processor operations; (3) exercise influence over compliance (e.g., withhold permit issuance pending collection of unpaid penalties, or unsubmitted, but required data); (4) provide a mailing list for the dissemination of important information to the industry; (5) register participants to be considered for limited entry; and (6) provide a universe for data collection samples. Identification of the participants, their gear types, vessels, and expected activity levels is an effective and necessary tool in the enforcement of fishery regulations.
This information collection also includes the requirement for onboard vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and reporting via VMS. Vessels are also required to request, in writing, participation in any of the various exemption programs offered in the Northeast region. Exemption programs may allow a vessel to fish in an area that is limited to vessels of a particular size, using a certain gear type, or fishing for a particular species. Vessels are also required to request gillnet and lobster tags through the Northeast region permit office when using gillnet gear or lobster traps.
Lastly, vessel owners that own multiple vessels, but would like to request communication from NMFS be consolidated into one mailing (and not separate mailings for each vessel), may request the single letter vessel owner option to improve efficiency of their business practice.
PL:
Pub.L. 94 - 265 303
Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act
The burden estimates for this information collection have been revised and updated as necessary for this revision. The majority of the information collections in this family of forms have been in place since 2012, and precise estimates of burden are known and included in this comprehensive revision. Some burden and cost estimates had not been updated recently and are updated in this revision. More accurate numbers for VMS participants have been estimated using all VMS registrants. Addition of public burden for all limited access scallop vessels that are now required to submit pre-landing notifications via VMS. Addition of public burden for Surfclam vessels increased polling costs when fishing in designated exemption areas.
Program Changes: Removal of State Waters Sea Scallop Exemption, GOM/ Nantucket Lightship Party/Charter Exemption, LOA For reopened Section of Georges Bank Exemption because they are no longer used.
Addition of GSC HMA Clam/ Mussel Dredge Exemption, Mackerel, Squid, Butterfish transfer at sea Exemption, White and Red Hake Transfer at sea Exemption, and Surf Clam/Quahog GB Closed Area Exemption.
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.
Exemption: Monkfish Southern Fishery Management Area Landing Limit and Minimum Fish Size