0648-0542 Supporting Statement B

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

U.S. Department of Commerce

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Mandatory Shrimp Vessel and Gear Characterization Survey

OMB Control No. 0648-0542

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

This is a mandatory census-level data collection effort. Thus, this data collection effort does not employ statistical methods for developing a random sampling design and the expected response rate is close to 100 percent. The survey is conducted annually. The respondent universe is all permit holders with a federal Gulf commercial shrimp permit.

As of September 15, 2022, the number of valid or renewable permits is 1,349.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including: the statistical methodology for stratification and sample selection; the estimation procedure; the degree of accuracy needed for the purpose described in the justification; any unusual problems requiring specialized sampling procedures; and any use of periodic (less frequent than annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.

The survey form will be mailed to all federal Gulf shrimp permit holders early in each respective year. No statistical methodology will be employed, estimation will not be required, and no special sampling procedures will be used. The information is needed at the census level so that economists at NMFS’ SEFSC can use this sampling universe to select permit holders for socio-economic surveys and other important data collection programs (e.g., observers, electronic logbooks, socioeconomic surveys, etc.).

3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse. The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided if they will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

By requiring completion of this form to renew or transfer a permit, this requirement will serve to maximize response rate. The expected response rate is close to 100 percent, and thus nonresponse is not an anticipated issue. In the past year, response rates were approximately 90 percent. Some survey nonresponses may be due to individual permit holders that sell, transfer, or otherwise choose not to renew their permits.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

The questions contained in a previous version of the vessel and gear survey under OMB Control No. 0648-0542 were part of a voluntary, in-person socioeconomic survey of Gulf shrimp vessels. The questions were pre-tested and then actually fielded as part of that survey effort. Minor format revisions were made to the original, voluntary survey questions (pre-2013) to streamline the process based on feedback from respondents. Since 2013, NMFS has made no changes to the survey.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Rebecca Smith* National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Fisheries Science Center Galveston Laboratory (409) 766-3783 *Responsible for data collection and analysis

Alan Lowther, Ph.D.* National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Fisheries Science Center Miami 305-361-4257 *Data analysis

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