The At-Sea Scales Program was
developed in response for catch accounting methodologies that were
more precise and verifiable at the level of the individual haul and
less dependent on estimates generated by at-sea observers. This was
necessary as a result of the implementation of large-scale catch
share programs that required NMFS to provide verifiable and
defensible estimates of quota harvest. Shore-based processor
participating in catch share program have many of the same catch
accounting and monitoring goals as those described above. However,
there are several differences that require unique monitoring tools
to obtain precise and verifiable catch amounts for quota
management. First, shore-based processors vary more in size,
facilities and layout than do catcher/processors or motherships.
Second, the State of Alaska is responsible for approving scales
used for trade by shore-based processors and has developed an
effective program for their inspection and approval. This revision
of the existing information collection is due to an associated rule
that requires vessels participating in halibut deck sorting to
develop deck safety plans, implement pre-cruise safety meetings,
and modify observer duties for an observer on board vessels
participating in halibut deck sorting (RIN 0648-BI53).
US Code:
16 USC 1801 et seq. Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
Added due to new regulation at
§ 679.28(l) that requires vessels that halibut deck sort to
maintain a video monitoring system that provides sufficient
resolution and field of view to monitor all areas on deck where
halibut may be sorted from the catch and discarded, and all crew
actions in these areas. Added due to new regulation at § 679.28(d)
that requires vessels that halibut deck sort to be equipped with an
observer deck sampling station that meets the requirements outlined
in that section. Correcting an error in the number of responses in
Table B from the previous renewal.
$28,904
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Uncollected
Jennifer Watson 907
586-7537
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.