This request is for revision and
extension of currently approved information collection 0648-0016.
NMFS has existing regulations in 50 CFR part 622 and approved
information collections under 0648-0016 that require specific
recordkeeping and reporting from the fishing industry and
associated communities to support scientifically based management
actions to achieve NMFS’ stewardship responsibilities throughout
the U.S. southeast region. Regulatory Amendment 29 effective July
15, 2020 would require at least one descending device to be on
board and ready for use on commercial, for-hire, and private
recreational vessels while fishing for or possessing
snapper-grouper species in the South Atlantic. Most recently the
Descend Act was passed, which added a new section 321 to the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This
requires commercial and recreational fishermen to possess a venting
tool or descending device that is rigged and ready for use when
fishing for reef fish in the Gulf Exclusive Economic Zone.
Descending devices increase survivability from barotrauma, which is
injury caused by internal gas expansion when reeled up from depth.
In addition to being asked to report the number of fish released
respondents would be asked to report the method used to release
fish as part of their current logbook submissions. The purpose of
asking respondents to distinguish between fish releases without
descending devices, fish released with gas bladders vented, and
fish released with descending devices is to provide data needed by
NMFS to accurately account for fishing mortality when performing
stock assessments. The proposed addition to collect information on
the method used to release fish with descending devices would
revise the currently approved information collections in OMB
Control No. 0648-0016. NMFS seeks to revise this collection to add
an additional question to the recreational Headboat part of the
collection to make it more consistent with the data collected
through the commercial discard logbook.
PL:
Pub.L. 94 - 265 303 Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Management and Conservation Act
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.