Implementation of Vessel
Speed Restrictions to Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions with
North Atlantic Right Whales
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
01/24/2020
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
01/31/2021
3,263
3,047
272
254
0
0
NMFS established vessel speed
restrictions in 2008 to reduce the threat of collisions with highly
endangered North Atlantic right whales. The restrictions are in
effect seasonally in discrete areas along the U.S. eastern
seaboard. NMFS provided a safety exception to the restrictions due
to poor weather or sea conditions. Ships' captains are required to
make an entry into the vessel's Official Logbook when an exception
is necessary. The logbook entry is expected to take less than five
minutes; an estimated 272 hours for the entire U.S. east coast
maritime community, annually.
The number of respondents and
responses has increased due to an increase in vessel transits
through speed restriction areas. This results in a corresponding
increase in the number of burden hours.
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.