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 NMFSâ 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.
Headboat Logbook