U.S. Department of Commerce
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
Alaska Region Crab Permits
OMB Control No. 0648-0514
SUPPORTING STATEMENT PART A
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Alaska Regional Office, requests extension of this currently approved information collection for the Crab Rationalization Program (CR Program).
Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.
This information collection is necessary for NMFS to manage the CR Program. This information collection contains the forms used by participants in the CR Program to apply for or renew permits; transfer or lease individual fishing quota, individual processing quota, quota share, or processor quota share; and apply for exemption from regional delivery requirements. This information collection also contains several reports for which no collection forms are used.
The king and Tanner crab fisheries in the exclusive economic zone of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands are managed under the Fishery Management Plan for Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crabs (FMP). The North Pacific Fishery Management Council prepared the FMP under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) as amended in 2006. NMFS manages the crab fisheries in the waters off the coast of Alaska under the FMP. Regulations implementing the FMP and the CR Program are at 50 CFR part 680. Information on the CR Program is posted on the NMFS Alaska Region website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska/sustainable-fisheries/bering-sea-and-aleutian-islands-crab-rationalization-program.
The CR Program is a limited access program, also called a catch share program, for nine Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area (BSAI) crab fisheries. NMFS implemented the CR Program on March 2, 2005 (70 FR 10174). The CR Program allocates BSAI crab resources among harvesters, processors, and coastal communities, and balances the interests of stakeholders who depend on these fisheries. The CR Program addresses conservation and management issues associated with the previous derby fishery, reduces bycatch and associated discard mortality, and increases the safety of crab fishermen by ending the race for fish. The annual issuance of CR Program fishery allocations to achieve these goals necessitates this information collection, which is authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Act and Federal regulations at 50 CFR part 680.
Under the CR Program, NMFS originally issued quota share (QS) to eligible harvesters as determined for a fishery based on the landings made by their vessel in that fishery during a specific qualifying period. NMFS issued four types of QS: Catcher vessel owner QS was assigned to holders of license limitation program licenses who delivered their catch onshore or to stationary floating crab processors; catcher/processor vessel owner (CPO) QS was assigned to holders of license limitation program licenses that harvested and processed their catch at sea; captains and crew onboard catcher/processor vessels were issued catcher/processor crew QS; and captains and crew onboard catcher vessels were issued catcher vessel crew QS. Catcher vessel crew QS and catcher/processor crew QS are also known as “crew shares” or “C shares.”
Under the CR Program, the amount of crab that can be harvested or processed by an entity is allocated before the fishing season begins. Each year, a person who holds QS may apply to receive an exclusive harvest privilege for a portion of the annual total allowable catch, called individual fishing quota (IFQ) or individual processing quota (IPQ). For crab harvesters, IFQ is the pounds of crab that QS yields each year. For crab processors, IPQ is the pounds of crab that processor quota share (PQS) yields each year and is needed to receive any amount of crab harvested under a Class A IFQ permit. QS holders can apply to form cooperatives to pool the harvest of the IFQ on designated vessels. The QS holder or a hired master can fish IFQ, and IFQ may be assigned to a cooperative.
The CR Program has provisions to ensure that communities that were historically active as processing ports continue to receive socioeconomic benefits from crab deliveries. To accomplish this, the CR Program imposes regional delivery requirements. However, in order to avoid constraining harvest in specific, unpredictable circumstances, the CR Program allows involved parties to apply for exemptions.
The table below summarizes information about the components in the Alaska Region Crab Permits information collection. The forms are available on the NMFS Alaska Region website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/bering-sea-and-aleutian-islands-crab-rationalization-applications-and-reporting-forms. With this extension, minor editorial changes have been made to the forms to increase clarity and consistency with the region’s other forms. Additional information on the requirements in this collection are provided in the subsections below.
Information Collection |
Submitter |
Regulations |
How Submitted?1 |
Form? |
How Frequently? |
Purpose |
Disseminated to the Public? |
Application for Annual Crab Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) permit |
QS holder |
680.4(d)(3) and (f) |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
Annually by June 15 |
Issuance of crab IFQ permit |
yes |
Application for Annual Crab Individual Processing Quota (IPQ) Permit |
PQS holder |
680.4(e)(3) and (f) |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
Annually by June 15 |
Issuance of crab IPQ permit |
yes |
Application for Annual Crab Harvesting Cooperative Individual Fishing Quota Permit |
QS holder |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
Annually by June 15 |
Issuance of crab cooperative IFQ permit |
yes |
|
Application for Registered Crab Receiver (RCR) Permit |
Vessel owner |
mail, delivery, or fax; online (renewal only) |
yes |
annually |
Issuance of RCR permit |
yes |
|
Application for BSAI Crab Hired Master (skipper) Permit |
IFQ holder |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
annually |
Issuance of crab hired master permit |
no |
|
Application for Federal Crab Vessel Permit (FCVP) |
All vessels participating in CR Program fisheries |
mail, delivery, or fax; online (renewal only) |
yes |
annually |
Issuance of FCVP |
yes |
|
Application for Transfer of Crab Quota Share (QS) |
QS holder |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
as needed |
Transfer crab QS |
yes |
|
Application for Transfer of Crab Processor Quota Share (PQS) |
PQS holder |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
as needed |
Transfer crab PQS |
no |
|
Application for Transfer (lease) of Crab IFQ |
IFQ holder |
mail, delivery, fax, or online |
yes |
as needed |
Transfer (lease) of IFQ |
no |
|
Application for Transfer of Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) between Crab Harvesting Cooperatives |
IFQ holder |
mail, delivery, fax, or online |
yes |
as needed |
Transfer IFQ between cooperatives |
no |
|
Application for Transfer (Lease) of Crab IPQ |
IPQ holder |
680.41(h)(2) and (i) |
mail, delivery, fax, or online |
yes |
as needed |
Transfer (lease) of IPQ |
no |
Application for Converted CPO Quota Share (QS) and CPO IFQ |
Catcher/processor owner |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
Annually by June 15 |
Conversion of QS and IFQ type |
no |
|
Application for CR Program Eligibility to Receive QS/PQS or IFQ/IPQ by Transfer |
Persons seeking authority to receive QS/PQS/IFQ/IPQ by transfer under the CR Program |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
as needed |
Establish eligibility to receive QS, PQS, IFQ, or IPQ by transfer, if the person is not an ECCO |
no |
|
Application for Annual Exemption from Western Aleutian Islands Golden King Crab West Region Delivery Requirements |
QS/PQS holder or municipality |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
as needed |
Exempt regional delivery requirements under eligible circumstances |
yes |
|
Application for Exemption from CR Crab North or South Region Delivery Requirements |
IFQ/IPQ holder or community representative |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
as needed by October 15 |
Exempt regional delivery requirements under eligible circumstances |
yes |
|
North or South Region Delivery Exemption Report |
IFQ holder |
mail, delivery, or fax |
no |
Each IFQ holder who signs a preseason application must submit a report:
|
Report on the impacts of a regional delivery exemption |
yes |
|
Voluntary Community Impact Report or IPQ Holder Report (N or S Response Report) |
Community entities and IPQ holders |
n/a |
mail, delivery, or fax |
no |
as needed |
Report on the impacts of a regional delivery exemption |
yes |
CDQ Group Notification of Community Representative |
APICDA and CBSFA |
mail, delivery, or fax |
no |
as needed |
To identify the community representative that signs the preseason application, the framework agreement, the inseason notice, and the exemption contract is the ECC entity, as defined at § 680.2 |
no |
|
Application to Become an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) |
Non-profit organization |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
one time only |
Apply to become an ECCO |
no |
|
Application for Transfer of Crab QS/IFQ to or from an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) |
Non-profit organization |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
as needed |
Transfer QS or IFQ to or from an ECCO |
no |
|
Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) Annual Report |
ECCO representative |
mail, delivery, or fax |
no |
annually |
Report ECCO annual activities |
no |
|
BSAI Crab Rationalization Program Quota Share (QS) Beneficiary Designation Form |
QS holder |
mail, delivery, or fax |
yes |
as needed |
Designate a beneficiary for QS |
no |
|
File an Appeal to NMFS Decisions |
Persons wishing to appeal an initial administration decision issued NMFS |
680.4(p)(4)(ii)(G) and (q); 680.21(b)(4); 680.40(f)(8) and (g)(3)(ii); 680.43(c) |
mail, delivery, or fax2 |
no |
as needed |
Appeal an initial administrative decision made by NMFS |
yes |
1 Mail: NMFS Alaska Region, Restricted Access Management, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, AK 99802-1668
Delivery: 709 West 9th Street, Room 713, Juneau, AK, 99801
Fax: (907) 586-7354
Online: NMFS Alaska Region Fisheries Information System (eFISH).
2 Mail or delivery: National Appeals Office, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; Fax: (307) 713-238
Dissemination of Information
This information collection is designed to yield data that meet all applicable information quality guidelines. Prior to dissemination, the information will be subjected to quality control measures and a pre-dissemination review pursuant to Section 515 of Public Law 106-554 (the Information Quality Act), which requires NMFS to ensure the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information it publicly disseminates. Public dissemination of data collected by this information collection is governed by NOAA's information quality guidelines, which were issued on October 30, 2014.
It is anticipated that some of the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to support publicly disseminated information. NMFS and the National Appeals Office will retain control over the information and safeguard it from improper access, modification, and destruction, consistent with NOAA standards for confidentiality, privacy, and electronic information. See Question 10 of this Supporting Statement for more information on confidentiality and privacy. See Question 16 of this Supporting Statement for information from this collection that is posted on the NMFS Alaska Region website and the NMFS National Appeals Office website.
Changes to the Collection Since the Last Extension
One change was made to this collection since the last extension of this information collection was approved by OMB in 2021. The NMFS Alaska Regional Office published a final rule that removed the notary certification requirement for applications including several in this information collection (86 FR 70751, December 13, 2021). The notary requirement was unnecessary and administratively burdensome on the fleet and NMFS. Removing the notary requirement streamlined the application process, reduced the cost of submitting applications to NMFS, and reduced the handling time necessary for NMFS to process and approve applications. The cost to the public for submitting these applications was reduced because the fee for a notary’s service was eliminated. No change was made to the estimated time burdens for these applications because the estimates allowed for differences in the time needed to complete and submit the forms. With the notary requirement removed, these applications were able to be submitted to NMFS by fax. NMFS submitted a change request to remove the notary requirement and revise the applications in this information collection. OMB approved the change request in 2021. The supporting statement for this extension incorporates this change request.
Application for Annual Crab Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) permit
IFQ permits are issued for a combination of fishery harvesting sector, region, and class and may bear multiple fisheries. An IFQ permit authorizes the holders to harvest a specific amount of a crab, under the terms and conditions set out on the permit.
An IFQ permit is valid only during the crab year for which it is issued. Because issuance of the correct amount and type of IFQ is entirely dependent on information provided by QS holders on their annual applications, an application must be received by NMFS no later than June 15.
NMFS will issue an annual crab IFQ permit only if a person has applied by June 15 and paid any fees owed, including Capacity Reduction (Buyback) and Cost Recovery fees (see OMB Control Number 0648-0711), and if there are no other impediments to issuing the permits.
A cooperative must submit the names of each cooperative member, and the cooperative members are responsible for submitting a signed application for an annual crab IFQ permit.
Section 680.4(f) provides the contents of a complete application. A complete application includes the applicant’s information, IFQ type, the cooperative agreement, a statement of fishery participation with evidence, QS ownership information, QS affiliation information, and the applicant’s signature.
Application for Annual Crab Individual Processing Quota (IPQ) Permit
NMFS issues annual IPQ permits to eligible persons who hold PQS. IPQ permits are issued for combinations of fishery, region, and Right of First Refusal (ROFR) community. An IPQ permit authorizes its holders to process a specific amount of a crab, under the terms and conditions set out on the permit.
An IPQ permit is valid only during the crab year for which it is issued. Because issuance of the correct amount and type of IPQ is entirely dependent on information provided by PQS holders on their Application for Annual Crab Individual Processing Quota (IPQ) Permit, an application must be received by NMFS no later than June 15.
NMFS may issue annual permits for the CR Program only if a person has applied on time and paid any fees owed (including Capacity Reduction [Buyback] and Cost Recovery fees) (see OMB collection number 0648-0711), if any, and if there are no other impediments to issuing the permits.
Section 680.4(f) provides the contents of a complete application. A complete application includes applicant information, IPQ type, IPQ ownership information, the ROFR contract, and the applicant’s signature or authorization.
Application for Annual Crab Harvesting Cooperative Individual Fishing Quota Permit
A crab harvesting cooperative IFQ permit is an annual permit issued to a crab harvesting cooperative. This permit establishes an annual catch limit of crab that is based on the collective QS holdings of the members who contributed to the crab harvesting cooperative.
A completed Application for an Annual Crab Harvesting Cooperative IFQ Permit must be submitted annually by each crab harvesting cooperative and received by NMFS no later than June 15. Each member of the crab harvesting cooperative must be listed in Block B. Each member of the crab harvesting cooperative is responsible for submitting an Annual Crab IFQ Permit application to NMFS no later than June 15.
If a complete application is not received by NMFS by this date, or postmarked by this date, the crab harvesting cooperative will not receive IFQ for the upcoming crab fishing year. In the event that NMFS has not received a complete application by June 15, NMFS will presume that the application was filed on time if the applicant can provide NMFS with proof of timely filing.
Section 680.21(b)(2) provides the contents of a complete application. A complete application includes the cooperative’s information and membership information with supporting documentation.
Application for Registered Crab Receiver (RCR) Permit
NMFS requires an annual RCR permit for any person receiving CR crab or unprocessed crab from the harvester, the owner/operator of a vessel that processes crab at sea, any person holding IPQ, and any person required to submit a departure report. In addition, an RCR permit is required for each shore facility or stationary floating processor at which a person receives crab. Only one permit (and one application) is needed for an application with one or more catcher/processors
Section 680.4(j) provides the contents of a complete application. A complete application includes the RCR type, applicant information, operational information, and the authorized representative’s information and signature. The applicant must also submit all required Economic Data Reports and pay all outstanding fee obligations before NMFS will issue a new, revised, or renewed permit.
Application for BSAI Crab Hired Master (skipper) Permit
Cooperatives and non-individual IFQ permit holders must hire a master to fish their IFQ. Individual persons may hire a master for owner permits but must fish crew permits themselves. Both Hired Masters and IFQ permit holders use a vessel on a given trip, and both may participate in the same landing. Hiring a master requires that the IFQ permit-holder maintains at least a 10 percent interest in the vessel to be fished by the Hired Master; in the case of a cooperative, that requirement may be satisfied by any member. Hired Masters are licensed by year and authorized to fish by IFQ permit, not by fishery.
This application is submitted annually by IFQ permit holders, including cooperatives, to authorize an IFQ Hired Master to fish their IFQ. It may also be used to delete such authorization. This permit authorizes the individual identified on the permit to harvest and land IFQ crab for debit against a specified crab IFQ permit. A separate form must be submitted for each vessel upon which the applicant’s IFQ permit(s) is to be fished by the hired master(s).
Section 680.4(h) provides the contents of a complete application. A complete application includes the purpose (addition or removal of a hired master), the permit holder applicant information, vessel information with documentation, information about the hired master, and the applicant’s signature.
Application for Federal Crab Vessel Permit (FCVP)
NMFS issues an FCVP annually for a crab fishing year (July 1 through June 30). All vessels participating in the CR crab fisheries must have a valid FCVP on board at all times. CR crab includes IFQ/IPQ fisheries; CDQ fisheries except Norton Sound king crab; and the golden king crab allocation to Adak. Operation type endorsements for the FCVP are stationary floating processor, catcher/processor, and catcher vessel. If a change occurs in the permit information, the FCVP holder must submit an amended FCVP application within 10 days of the date of change.
A person issued an FCVP must use a Vessel Monitoring System (OMB 0648-0445) and logbook reporting (OMB 0648-0213 or -0515). In addition, a crab Economic Data Report (OMB 0648-0518) is required from any owner or leaseholder of a vessel or processing plant that harvested or processed crab in specified CR Program crab fisheries during the prior calendar year.
For the FCVP to be issued, all fees required by NMFS must be paid. All CR allocation holders and RCR permit holders are subject to a fee liability for any CR crab debited from a CR allocation during a crab fishing year, except for crab designated as personal use or deadloss, or crab confiscated by NMFS or the State of Alaska.
Section 680.4(l) provides the contents of a complete application. A complete application includes the request type, vessel information, vessel owner information with documentation, the designated representative for the Economic Data Report, and certification by the applicant or authorized representative.
Application for Transfer of Crab Quota Share (QS) [Incorporates the 2021 change request that removed the notary requirement]
With this extension, this supporting statement incorporates the 2021 change request for the rule that removed the notary certification requirement for NMFS Alaska Regional Office applications (86 FR 70751, December 13, 2021). Removing the notary requirement eliminated the notary cost of submitting this application. The table above in Question #2 has been updated to show fax as a submission method.
The CR Program allows for transfer of all or part of a person’s QS to persons qualified to receive QS by transfer. This application to transfer QS will not be processed between June 15 of any year and the date of issuance of the IFQ in the CR Program fisheries.
This application will not be processed or approved unless it is complete. In addition to providing the information required in the application, a copy of the terms and conditions of the transfer agreement must be attached. Such documentation may consist of a bill of sale, promissory note, or other document(s) that reveal the contractual terms between the parties.
A complete application includes the type of QS transfer, transferor information, transferee information, transferee eligibility, the reason for transfer, how the QS was located by the transferee, certifications by the transferor and transferee, and any attached documentation.
Application for Transfer of Crab Processor Quota Share (PQS) [Incorporates the 2021 change request that removed the notary requirement]
With this extension, this supporting statement incorporates the 2021 change request for the rule that removed the notary certification requirement for NMFS Alaska Regional Office applications (86 FR 70751, December 13, 2021). Removing the notary requirement eliminated the notary cost of submitting this application. The table above in Question #2 has been updated to show fax as a submission method.
The CR Program allows for transfer of all or part of a person’s PQS to persons qualified to receive PQS by transfer. Transfers may occur anytime except from June 15 until IPQ is issued for a fishery. This application to transfer PQS will not be processed between June 15 of any year and the date of issuance of the IPQ in the CR Program fisheries.
If requesting transfer of PQS for use outside an eligible crab community that has designated an entity to represent it in exercise of ROFR under § 680.41(l), the Regional Administrator will not act upon the application for a period of 10 days. At the end of that time period, the application will be approved pending meeting the criteria set forth in § 680.41(i).
This application will not be processed or approved unless it is complete. A complete application indicates the type of transfer, transferor information, transferee information, QS to be transferred with costs, terms and conditions, transaction survey questions for the transferor and transferee, certifications from the transferor and transferee, and any attached supporting documentation (bill of sale, promissory note, or other document(s) that reveal the contractual terms between the parties).
Application for Transfer (lease) of Crab IFQ
A crab IFQ permit holder may transfer all or part of his or her IFQ to another crab IFQ permit holder. The lease of crab IFQ from one individual to another for the current crab fishing year currently is authorized only for Catcher Vessel Crew and/or Catcher/Processor Crew due to a hardship. In addition, applications to transfer (lease) annual IFQ will not be processed between June 1 of any year and the date of issuance of the IFQ in a CR Program.
A complete application includes the transfer type, transferor and transferee information, the QS being transferred, and the certifications of the transferor and transferee.
Application for Transfer of Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) between Crab Harvesting Cooperatives
A crab harvesting cooperative is formed for the purpose of applying for and fishing under a crab harvesting cooperative IFQ permit and is permitted to transfer its IFQ only to another crab harvesting cooperative. Once a cooperative has an IFQ permit, the members of that cooperative cannot transfer away IFQ, because they hold no IFQ of their own. When a QS holder joins a cooperative, all of the QS holder’s QS are converted to cooperative IFQ that is held in common by the cooperative. Only the cooperative may transfer cooperative IFQ following the requirements for the transfer of cooperative IFQ. A person who joins a crab-harvesting cooperative assigns his or her IFQ to the cooperative at the beginning of the crab-fishing year. In this case, all IFQ pounds appear on the annual IFQ permit issued to the cooperative.
A complete application includes transferor information, transferee information, signatures, identification of the transferred IFQ, and identification of the cooperative’s member(s).
Application for Transfer (Lease) of Crab IPQ
This application may be used by a crab IPQ permit holder to apply for a transfer of all or part of its IPQ to another crab IPQ permit holder for the current crab fishing year.
This application cannot be processed or approved unless both parties to the proposed transfer have met all the requirements and conditions of the CR Program, including payment of all outstanding fees to NMFS on or before July 31. NMFS will notify the transferor and transferee once the application has been received and approved. A transfer of IPQ is not effective until approved by NMFS. A PQS holder must also notify the ROFR holder of the location where the IPQ are processed.
This application will not be processed between June 15 of any year and the date of issuance of the IPQ in a CR Program fishery. A complete application includes the type of transfer, transferor and transferee information, identification of the IPQ to be transferred, and certification of the transferor and transferee
Application for Converted CPO Quota Share (QS) and CPO IFQ
NMFS created catcher/processor vessel owner (CPO) QS for the snow crab and Bristol Bay red king crab fisheries, because these were the only fisheries for which the eligible entities were initially issued North PQS and North catcher vessel owner (CVO) QS.
An eligible entity and its commonly owned affiliates may combine North PQS and North CVO QS and exchange these shares for newly created converted CPO QS. Allowing entities to convert PQS and CVO QS to CPO QS allows them to harvest and process crab onboard a catcher/processor. Electing to exercise this provision could reduce each eligible entity’s operating costs associated with purchasing crab, processing crab on land or in a stationary floating processor, and complying with the CR Program’s arbitration system.
Eligible entities would receive one unit of North CPO QS in exchange for one unit of North CVO QS and 0.9 units of North PQS. The amount of converted CPO QS issued to each entity may not exceed 1 million pounds during any calendar year. Only entities listed below may apply for converted CPO QS/IFQ.
Entity A – Yardarm Knot, Inc.
Entity B – Blue Dutch, LLC
Entity C – Trident Seafoods, Inc.
A complete application includes identification of the applying entity, the QS being converted, entity information, affiliate information, and signatures of the entity and affiliates. In addition, NMFS must be able to verify that applicant has submitted all required Economic Data Reports and has paid all outstanding fee obligations.
Application for CR Program Eligibility to Receive QS/PQS or IFQ/IPQ by Transfer
This application is required by NMFS to establish an applicant’s eligibility to receive QS, PQS, IFQ, or IPQ by transfer, if the person is not an Eligible Crab Community Organization.
The regulations that govern the BSAI Crab Rationalization Program provide that only persons who meet certain eligibility requirements may receive QS/IFQ or PQS/IPQ by transfer. Persons eligible to receive catcher vessel crew QS and catcher processer crew QS by transfer must also meet additional participation requirements at the time of transfer.
Eligibility to receive harvester QS/IFQ by transfer depends in part on the type of quota. In general, to be eligible to receive QS or IFQ, a person must be a U.S. citizen, or a U.S. company or other non-individual business entity. Owner QS may be received by initial QS recipients, by others who meet sea time requirements, and by CDQ groups and eligible crab community entities. In addition, crew type QS/IFQ may be received by transfer only by individuals who can demonstrate “recent participation” in the crab fisheries before each transfer.
Once approved, a person is eligible to receive crab thereafter, without reapplying, except for the two types of crew QS. Even after a person becomes initially eligible, he or she must show recent participation within the last 365 days in the CR fishery each time they apply to receive that type of QS.
A complete application includes the QS type, applicant information, eligibility information, entity information, commercial fishing experience, documentation, and certification of the applicant.
Application for Annual Exemption from Western Aleutian Islands Golden King Crab West Region Delivery Requirements
This application is used by eligible participants (see qualifications at § 680.4(o)(2)(i)) to request that NMFS exempt West designated IFQ and West designated IPQ for the Western Aleutian Islands golden king crab (WAG) fishery from the West regional delivery requirements at § 680.7(a)(2) and (a)(4). Exempting IFQ and IPQ from the West region delivery requirement is necessary to use fully the total allowable catch in seasons when in-region processing facilities cannot meet the capacity requirements of the fishery. An exemption from West region delivery requirements is valid only for the remainder of the crab fishing year during which the application was received by and approved by NMFS.
Eligible participants complete and submit to NMFS an application requesting this exemption including an affidavit describing how eligible signatories meet the requirements. All eligible signatories, or their authorized representatives, must sign and date an affidavit affirming that all information provided on the application is true, correct, and complete to the best of his or her knowledge and belief. Due to the remote geographic location of the WAG fishery, it may be necessary for IFQ and IPQ holders to arrange alternative deliveries and payments with processing facilities east of 174° W. long. prior to the approval date.
Upon receipt and approval of a completed application, NMFS will grant an exemption to the West regional delivery requirement. To expedite an exemption from the delivery requirements, NMFS will establish the effective date of the exemption as the date the completed application was received by NMFS. Upon approval of an application, the effective date would be applied retroactively to the date the application was received by NMFS.
Application for Exemption from CR Crab North or South Region Delivery Requirements
Federal regulations require that crab harvested with IFQ designated for delivery to a processor in either the North Region or South Region, must be delivered in that region. Likewise crab purchased with IPQ designated for processing in either the North Region or South Region, must be processed in that region. NMFS provides a voluntary two-step process to obtain an exemption from north or south regional delivery requirements: a preseason application for exemption and an inseason notice of exemption.
This application is for IFQ holders and IPQ holders to request an exemption from these regional delivery requirements for the Bristol Bay red king crab, Bering Sea snow crab, Saint Matthew Island blue king crab, Eastern Aleutian Islands golden king crab, Western Aleutian Islands red king crab, or Pribilof Islands red and blue king crab fisheries. An exemption would mitigate safety risks and economic hardships that arise out of events that prevent compliance with the regional delivery requirements.
Preseason Application
NMFS must receive the preseason application on or before October 15 of the crab fishing year for which the applicants are applying for an exemption. If NMFS does not receive a complete preseason application on or before October 15 of a crab fishing year, NMFS will deny the preseason application; those applicants will not be able to receive an exemption for that crab fishing year. If a preseason application is on time and complete, NMFS will approve the application. If NMFS approves a preseason application for an exemption, the applicants will be able to receive an exemption during the crab fishing year if the applicants comply with the requirements for an inseason notice of exemption. If NMFS denies a preseason application for any reason, the applicants may appeal the denial. NMFS will notify all of the applicants whether NMFS has approved or denied the preseason application.
Inseason Notice of Exemption
The inseason notice is required if the applicants that signed the preseason application want an exemption from regional delivery requirements during the fishing season. Applicants submit the inseason notice to NMFS prior to the day that the exemption is being sought. NMFS must receive the Inseason Notice at least one day before the day intended for the exemption to take effect. NMFS must receive the inseason notice at least one day prior to the day on which the applicants want the exemption to take effect.
NMFS approves an exemption from the regional delivery requirements when both parts of the application are properly provided. All persons applying for an exemption from regional delivery requirements must complete, sign, and submit both parts of the application. The effective date of the exemption is the day after NMFS receives a complete inseason notice of exemption. NMFS prohibits any delivery of IFQ crab or use of IPQ outside of the designated region prior to the effective date of the exemption.
An exemption from regional delivery requirements is valid for the remainder of the crab fishing season during which the inseason notice of exemption was submitted to NMFS. If the inseason notice of exemption specifies that compensated deliveries will occur in the following crab fishing year, the exemption will remain in effect for the specified IFQ and IPQ in the following crab fishing year.
A complete application includes information about the entities requesting the exemption, what QS will be exempted, and signatures of applicable entities that have signed.
North or South Region Delivery Exemption Report
The annual North or South Region Delivery Exemption Report provides NMFS with the means to assess how the industry is exercising the exemption opportunity and whether implementing regulations are sufficient to meet the North Pacific Fishery Management Council’s Statement of Intent for Amendment 41. This report provides documentation needed by NMFS to evaluate efficacy of privately administered contracts.
Each IFQ holder who signs a preseason application must submit a copy of an annual North or South Region Delivery Exemption Report to NMFS.
♦ On or before July 15 to the IPQ holders and community representatives that also signed the preseason application.
♦ On or before July 30 to NMFS
A complete report includes the amount of IFQ/IPQ subject to the exemption, the number of times an exemption has been used, mitigation measures, compensation agreements, whether the exemption was used, and any resulting impacts.
Voluntary Community Impact Report or IPQ Holder Report (N or S Response Report)
In response to the North or South Region Delivery Exemption Report, community entities and IPQ holders may submit a Community Impact Report or IPQ Holder Report. This report, by either title, is voluntary and may take any format. The report is basically a response to the North or South Region Delivery Exemption Report and provides an opportunity to provide NMFS with a contrasting viewpoint. In addition, these reports provide documentation needed by NMFS to evaluate efficacy of privately administered contracts.
CDQ Group Notification of Community Representative
NMFS issued a portion of the PQS for the Bering Sea snow crab fishery and the Saint Matthew Island blue king crab fishery without a ROFR designation (non-ROFR PQS). Saint Paul and Saint George are the only two communities in the North Region that have historically received and processed Bering Sea snow crab and Saint Matthew Island blue king crab; therefore, they would be the affected communities for the purposes of an exemption from the regional delivery requirements.
The Western Alaska Community Development Quota (CDQ) entity representing Saint Paul is the Central Bering Sea Fishermen's Association (CBSFA). The CDQ representative for Saint George is the Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association (APICDA). The CDQ entity must designate to NMFS a single entity as the regional representative for these two communities. The two CDQ groups could choose a different entity for each specific fishery.
NMFS notified APICDA and CBSFA of the deadline to designate a community representative and provided instructions for informing NMFS of the community representative. APICDA and CBSFA had 180 days from the effective date of the final rule to inform NMFS in writing that they had designated a single community representative responsible for signing the framework agreement, the Preseason Application, the exemption contract, and the Inseason Application. Either APICDA or CBSFA may revoke the designated community representative by providing written notice to the other entity and to NMFS.
Application to Become an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) [Incorporates the 2021 change request that removed the notary requirement]
With this extension, this supporting statement incorporates the 2021 change request for the rule that removed the notary certification requirement for NMFS Alaska Regional Office applications (86 FR 70751, December 13, 2021). Removing the notary requirement eliminated the notary cost of submitting this application. The table above in Question #2 has been updated to show fax as a submission method.
An eligible crab community (ECC) is an Alaskan non-CDQ community in which 3 percent or more of any CR crab fishery was historically processed. An ECC can form a nonprofit entity to receive QS, IFQ, PQS and IPQ transfers on behalf of the community. The nonprofit entity is called an eligible crab community organization (ECCO).
This application is required by NMFS to establish the non-profit’s eligibility to receive QS, PQS, IFQ, or IPQ by transfer, as an ECCO.
A complete application includes applicant information with supporting documentation, and a certification of the applicant.
Application for Transfer of Crab QS/IFQ to or from an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) [Incorporates the 2021 change request that removed the notary requirement]
With this extension, this supporting statement incorporates the 2021 change request for the rule that removed the notary certification requirement for NMFS Alaska Regional Office applications (86 FR 70751, December 13, 2021). Removing the notary requirement eliminated the notary cost of submitting this application. The table above in Question #2 has been updated to show fax as a submission method.
An ECC may form a nonprofit entity to receive QS, IFQ, PQS and IPQ transfers on behalf of that community. Crab may be transferred to or from an eligible crab community organization (ECCO), which is a non-profit organization that represents at least one ECC. The ECCO must be approved by the Regional Administrator to obtain by transfer and hold crab QS and to lease IFQ resulting from the crab QS on behalf of an ECC. NMFS uses this information collection to transfer QS or IFQ to or from an ECCO.
This form may only be used if an ECCO is the proposed transferor or the proposed transferee of the QS or IFQ. The party to whom an ECCO is seeking to transfer the QS/IFQ must be eligible to receive QS/IFQ by transfer.
A complete application includes transferor information, transferee information, identification of the QS/IFQ being transferred, price information, financing information, certification of the parties, and associated documentation relating to the deal.
Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) Annual Report
The ECCO must submit a complete annual report to the Regional Administrator on its crab activity for the prior crab fishing year for each Eligible Crab Community which the ECCO represents by June 30 of the crab fishing year. The ECCO annual report must detail the use of the crab quota share and IFQ and is intended to ensure that the ECCO maintains that the QS and IFQ will benefit residents of eligible communities. The ECCO must submit a copy of the annual report to the governing body of each ECC represented by the ECCO.
A complete report includes information about the associated vessels and harvesters, the methods used to distribute the IFQ held by the ECCO, and any changes or actions by the ECCO.
BSAI Crab Rationalization Program Quota Share (QS) Beneficiary Designation Form [Incorporates the 2021 change request that removed the notary requirement]
With this extension, this supporting statement incorporates the 2021 change request for the rule that removed the notary certification requirement for NMFS Alaska Regional Office applications (86 FR 70751, December 13, 2021). Removing the notary requirement eliminated the notary cost of submitting this application. The table above in Question #2 has been updated to show fax as a submission method.
Individuals who hold QS in the CR Program may provide NMFS with the name of a designated beneficiary to receive survivorship transfer privileges in the event of the QS holder’s death. This form is used to designate the surviving spouse, or in the absence of a surviving spouse, an immediate family member to be the beneficiary for these purposes. NMFS will allow the transfer of IFQ only (lease) resulting from the QS transferred to the beneficiary by right of survivorship, for a period of 3 years following the death of the original QS holder. It should be noted that BSAI Crab QS/IFQ can only be held by a U.S. citizen.
If the QS holder does not have a surviving spouse, they may name an immediate family member to be the beneficiary. NMFS may approve an application to transfer QS to the surviving spouse or designated beneficiary, unless a contrary intent is expressed by the decedent in a will and provided that sufficient evidence has been provided to verify the death of the individual.
A complete application includes QS holder information, identification of the beneficiary, relationship of the beneficiary, and signature of the QS holder.
File an Appeal to NMFS Decisions
The CR Program provides for appeal on decisions made by NMFS through the National Appeals Office. Any person whose interest is directly and adversely affected by an initial administrative determination (IAD) may file a written appeal. If an applicant appeals an IAD, the appeal must be filed not later than 60 days after the date the determination is issued.
Applicants must submit a full written statement in support of the appeal, including a concise statement of the reasons the IAD has a direct and adverse effect on the applicant and should be reversed or modified. If the applicant requests a hearing on any issue presented in the appeal, such request for hearing must be accompanied by a concise written statement raising genuine and substantial issues of adjudicative fact for resolution and a list of available and specifically identified reliable evidence upon which the factual issues can be resolved. The appellate officer will limit his/her review to the issues stated in the appeal; all issues not set out in the appeal will be waived. The appellate officer will review the applicant’s appeal and request for hearing.
The appellate officer will close the record and issue a decision after determining there is sufficient information to render a decision on the record of the proceedings and that all procedural requirements have been met. The decision must be based solely on the record of the proceedings. An appellate officer’s decision takes effect 30 days after it is issued and, upon taking effect, is the final agency action for purposes of judicial review.
If appeals result in a positive action after IFQ has been issued for that fishery, the person would not receive IFQ until the following year. This single annual issuance is required for administrative purposes so that mid-year adjustments to other IFQ holders do not occur that would alter their allocation or the ratio of QS to IFQ for that year.
There is no standard form for an appeal.
No appeals have been filed. For purposes of this analysis, one response is used in the tables in Q12 and Q13.
Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g. permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also, describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.
All of the forms are available as fillable pdfs on the NMFS Alaska Region website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/permit/bering-sea-and-aleutian-islands-crab-rationalization-applications-and-reporting-forms. Most of the instruments in this collection may be submitted by fax. The following applications may be submitted online using eFISH, the NMFS-approved electronic reporting system:
Application for Registered Crab Receiver (RCR) Permit – renewal only
Application for A Federal Crab Vessel Permit (FCVP) – renewal only
Application for Transfer (Lease) of Crab IFQ
Application for Transfer of Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) between Crab Harvesting Cooperatives
Application for Transfer (Lease) of Crab IPQ
In addition to providing a method to submit applications, eFISH provides online access to participants’ NMFS permit accounts. eFISH allows participants to check account balances, vessel balances, and landing ledger reports; quota share holdings reports, processor quota share holding reports from various fisheries; report landings; conduct quota transfers; and renew certain fishery permits. CR Program permit holders can use eFISH to print their crab annual IFQ/IPQ permit, crab hired master permit, registered crab receiver permit, and Federal crab vessel permit. Permit holders access eFISH through a User ID and password issued by NMFS. Instructions for using eFISH are posted on the NMFS Alaska Region website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/user-guides-efish-online-services.
NMFS Alaska Region is working toward offering more online services. The current data entry and retrieval system is nearing the end of its life, and a new integrated system is in development. As this system is developed, we will be transitioning to the new system which will allow the applications to be submitted and processed electronically.
Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Question 2
This information collection is part of a specialized and technical program that is not like any other. There are no other mechanisms to issue or transfer program allocations, or administer other features of the program.
In general, Alaska Region information collections are prepared and reviewed by staff familiar with all of the information collection requirements for the region. Staff work together to develop information collection requirements for new programs. In addition, NMFS staff work closely with the staff of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the International Pacific Halibut Commission to reduce duplication in information collection requirements to the extent possible given overlapping jurisdictions and complex fisheries. Senior staff at the Alaska Region, NMFS headquarters, and the Department of Commerce General Counsel review all new and revised information collection requirements that are associated with rulemakings. This process minimizes the potential for duplication of information collection requirements for participants in the Federal fisheries off Alaska.
If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities, describe any methods used to minimize burden.
NMFS attempts to minimize the burden of this collection on all respondents. This collection of information applies to QS/IFQ holders, PQS/IPQ holders, crab vessel owners, hired masters, ECCOs, and CDQ groups, which include small entities. This information collection does not impose a significant impact on small entities, as it requires relatively small amounts of information that should be readily accessible to the respondent.
In 2021, NMFS reduced the burden by removing the requirement to obtain and submit a notary certification for applications in this collection (86 FR 70751; December 13, 2021). This decreased the cost of submitting these applications to NMFS by removing the fee for a notary’s service and allowed these applications to be submitted by fax.
Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.
NMFS manages CR Program fisheries on an annual basis, which requires regular contact with fishery stakeholders. This collection allows NMFS to ensure that CR Program participants adhere to CR Program regulations in order to achieve sustainable and economically rational crab fisheries. Other elements of this collection allow CR Program participants to use crab harvest and processing flexibilities to optimize benefits to themselves and the nation while still protecting historically dependent communities. If this collection was conducted less frequently, or not at all, crab harvesters and processors would be delayed or prevented from receiving or transferring their fishery allocations. This would cause severe economic harm to CR Program participants and dependent communities. Additionally, NMFS would be substantially less able to ensure compliance with CR Program regulations that ensure sustainability and fairness in the fishery.
Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.
This collection does not require respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly.
This collection does not require respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it.
This collection does not require respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document.
This collection does not require respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in- aid, or tax records for more than three years.
This collection is not in connection with a statistical survey that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study.
This collection does not require the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB.
This collection does not include a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use.
This collection does not require respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.
If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publications in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8 (d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.
A Federal Register Notice published on September 20, 2023 (88 FR 64888), solicited public comments. The comment period ended on November 20, 2023. No comments were received.
In addition to the Federal Register notice, NMFS contacted stakeholders outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format, and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported. No comments were received from the stakeholders.
Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
No payment or gift to respondents is provided under this program.
Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy. If the collection requires a systems of records notice (SORN) or privacy impact assessment (PIA), those should be cited and described here.
All information collections by NMFS Alaska Region are protected under confidentiality provisions of section 402(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act as amended in 2006 (16 U.S.C. 1801, et seq.) and under NOAA Administrative Order 216-100, which sets forth procedures to protect confidentiality of fishery statistics.
The System of Records Notice that covers this information collection is COMMERCE/NOAA-19, Permits and Registrations for United States Federally Regulated Fisheries. An amended Privacy Act system of records notice was published in the Federal Register on August 7, 2015 (80 FR 47457), and became effective September 15, 2015 (80 FR 55327).
The Privacy Impact Assessment that covers this information collection is NOAA NMFS Alaska Region Local Area Network (NOAA4700).
Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior or attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.
This information collection does not involve information of a sensitive nature.
Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.
The hourly rates in the table below have been updated to use the most current rate available (May 2022) from the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Alaska mean hourly wage (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ak.htm). The hourly rates have also been updated to improve consistency in the rates used for the same respondent types in NMFS Alaska Region information collections. The rate $22.52 is for Occupation Code 45-0000 (Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations) and $54.43 is for Occupation Code 11-9121 (Natural Sciences Managers).
Information Collection |
Type of Respondent (Occupational Title) |
# of Respondents (a) |
Annual # of Responses / Respondent (b) |
Total # of Annual Responses (c) = (a) x (b) |
Burden Hrs / Response (d) |
Total Annual Burden Hrs (e) = (c) x (d) |
Mean Hourly Wage Rate (for Type of Respondent) (f) |
Total Annual Wage Burden Costs (g) = (e) x (f) |
Application for Annual Crab Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) permit |
QS holder |
455 |
1 |
455 |
2.5 hrs |
1,138 |
$22.52 |
25,628 |
Application for Annual Crab Individual Processing Quota (IPQ) Permit |
PQS holder |
13 |
1 |
13 |
2 hrs |
26 |
$22.52 |
586 |
Application for Annual Crab Harvesting Cooperative Individual Fishing Quota Permit |
QS holder |
9 |
1 |
9 |
23 hrs |
207 |
$30** |
6,210 |
Application for Registered Crab Receiver (RCR) Permit |
Vessel owner |
23 |
1 |
23 |
30 min |
12 |
$22.52 |
270 |
Application for BSAI Crab Hired Master (skipper) Permit |
IFQ holder |
50 |
1 |
50 |
1 hr |
50 |
$22.52 |
1,126 |
Application for Federal Crab Vessel Permit (FCVP) |
All vessels participating in CR Program fisheries |
81 |
1 |
81 |
20 min |
27 |
$22.52 |
608 |
Application for Transfer of Crab Quota Share (QS) |
QS holder |
204* |
1 |
102 |
2 hrs |
204 |
$22.52 |
4,594 |
Application for Transfer of Crab Processor Quota Share (PQS) |
QS holder |
100* |
1 |
50 |
2 hrs |
100 |
$22.52 |
2,252 |
Application for Transfer (lease) of Crab IFQ |
IFQ holder |
784* |
1 |
392 (163 paper 229 online) |
2.5 hrs paper; 1 hr online |
1,372 (549 hrs paper; 823 hrs online) |
$22.52 |
14,345 |
Application for Transfer of Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) between Crab Harvesting Cooperatives |
IFQ holder |
63* |
2 |
126 (16 paper 110 online) |
2.5 hrs paper; 1 hr online |
441 (176 hrs paper; 265 hrs online) |
$30** |
4,440 |
Application for Transfer (Lease) of Crab IPQ |
IPQ holder |
58* |
1 |
29 (1 paper 28 online) |
2.5 hrs paper; 1 hr online |
31 (3 hrs paper; 28 hrs online) |
$22.52 |
698 |
Application for Converted CPO Quota Share (QS) and CPO IFQ |
Catcher/processor owner |
3 |
1 |
3 |
30 min |
2 |
$22.52 |
45 |
Application for CR Program Eligibility to Receive QS/PQS or IFQ/IPQ by Transfer |
Persons seeking authority to receive QS/PQS/IFQ/IPQ by transfer under the CR Program |
60 |
1 |
60 |
2 hrs |
120 |
$22.52 |
2,702 |
Application for Annual Exemption from Western Aleutian Islands Golden King Crab West Region Delivery Requirements |
QS/PQS holder or municipality |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 hrs |
2 |
$22.52 |
45 |
Application for Exemption from CR Crab North or South Region Delivery Requirements |
IFQ/IPQ holder or community representative |
20 |
1 |
20 |
20 hrs |
400 |
$22.52 |
9,008 |
North or South Region Delivery Exemption Report |
IFQ holder |
20 |
1 |
20 |
20 hrs |
400 |
$22.52 |
9,008 |
Voluntary Community Impact Report or IPQ Holder Report (N or S Response Report) |
Community entities and IPQ holders |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 hrs |
2 |
$22.52 |
45 |
CDQ Group Notification of Community Representative |
CDQ representative |
1 |
1 response for each of the 5 crab fisheries |
5 |
5 hrs |
25 |
$54.43 |
1,361 |
Application to Become an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) |
Non-profit organization |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 hrs |
3 |
$54.43 |
163 |
Application for Transfer of Crab QS/IFQ to or from an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) |
Non-profit organization |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 hrs |
4 |
$54.43 |
218 |
Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) Annual Report |
ECCO representative |
2 |
1 |
2 |
4 hrs |
8 |
$54.43 |
435 |
BSAI Crab Rationalization Program Quota Share (QS) Beneficiary Designation Form |
QS holder |
4 |
1 |
4 |
30 min |
2 |
$22.52 |
45 |
File an Appeal to NMFS Decisions |
QS holder |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 hrs |
4 |
$22.52 |
90 |
Totals |
|
|
|
1,450 |
|
4,580 |
|
$83,922 |
* The application is completed by two respondents: the transferor and the transferee (some responses calculated as Column A divided by 2 equals’ number in column C).
** Industry reported.
Provide an estimate for the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden already reflected on the burden worksheet).
Operating costs account for the typical inclusive general office services packages that include expenses for email, fax, copying, mailing, and printing.
Some CR Program participants submit more than one instrument in this information collection. Therefore, the number of unique respondents is used to show the estimated number of separate participants who are expected to annually submit information during the renewal period. The estimated number of unique respondents consists of 455 QS holders and 13 PQS holders.
Information Collection |
# of Respondents (a) |
Annual # of Responses / Respondent (b) |
Total # of Annual Responses (c)=(a) x (b) |
Cost Burden / Respondent (h) |
Total Annual Cost Burden (i) = (c) x (h) |
Application for Annual Crab Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) permit |
455 |
1 |
455 |
Operating costs - $5 |
2,275 |
Application for Annual Crab Individual Processing Quota (IPQ) Permit |
13 |
1 |
13 |
Operating costs - $5 |
65 |
Application for Annual Crab Harvesting Cooperative Individual Fishing Quota Permit |
9 |
1 |
9 |
Operating costs - $5 |
45 |
Application for Registered Crab Receiver (RCR) Permit |
23 |
1 |
23 |
Operating costs - $5 |
115 |
Application for BSAI Crab Hired Master (skipper) Permit |
50 |
1 |
50 |
Operating costs - $5 |
250 |
Application for Federal Crab Vessel Permit (FCVP) |
81 |
1 |
81 |
Operating costs - $5 |
405 |
Application for Transfer of Crab Quota Share (QS) |
204* |
1 |
102 |
Operating costs - $5 |
1,020* |
Application for Transfer of Crab Processor Quota Share (PQS) |
100* |
1 |
50 |
Operating costs - $10 |
500* |
Application for Transfer (lease) of Crab IFQ |
784* |
1 |
392 (163 paper 229 online) |
Operating costs - $5 |
3,920* |
Application for Transfer of Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) between Crab Harvesting Cooperatives |
63* |
2 |
126 (16 paper 110 online) |
Operating costs - $10 |
1,260* |
Application for Transfer (Lease) of Crab IPQ |
58* |
1 |
29 (1 paper 28 online) |
Operating costs - $5 |
290* |
Application for Converted CPO Quota Share (QS) and CPO IFQ |
3 |
1 |
3 |
Operating costs - $5 |
15 |
Application for CR Program Eligibility to Receive QS/PQS or IFQ/IPQ by Transfer |
60 |
1 |
60 |
Operating costs - $5 |
300 |
Application for Annual Exemption from Western Aleutian Islands Golden King Crab West Region Delivery Requirements |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Operating costs - $5 |
5 |
Application for Exemption from CR Crab North or South Region Delivery Requirements |
20 |
1 |
20 |
Operating costs - $5 |
100 |
North or South Region Delivery Exemption Report |
20 |
1 |
20 |
Operating costs - $5 |
100 |
Voluntary Community Impact Report or IPQ Holder Report (N or S Response Report) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Operating costs - $5 |
5 |
CDQ Group Notification of Community Representative |
1 |
1 response for each of the 5 crab fisheries |
5 |
Operating costs - $5 |
25 |
Application to Become an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Operating costs - $5 |
5 |
Application for Transfer of Crab QS/IFQ to or from an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) |
2 |
1 |
2 |
Operating costs - $5 |
10 |
Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) Annual Report |
2 |
1 |
2 |
Operating costs - $5 |
10 |
BSAI Crab Rationalization Program Quota Share (QS) Beneficiary Designation Form |
4 |
1 |
4 |
Operating costs - $5 |
20 |
File an Appeal to NMFS Decisions |
1 |
1 |
1 |
Operating costs - $5 Attorney - $500** |
505 |
TOTALS |
468 unique respondents |
|
1,450 |
|
$11,245 |
* The application is completed by two respondents: the transferor and the transferee.
** 4 hours of attorney time at $125 per hour
Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.
A cost recovery program is in effect for the CR Program. Under this cost recovery program, NMFS is authorized to collect direct program costs from the permit holders. Therefore, the information collection requirements of the CR Program do not impose a cost on the Federal Government. Direct program costs are the costs NMFS incurs to manage, collect data from, and enforce the CR Program. The direct program costs for the CR Program in 2021/2022 was $2,594,226.
Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in ROCIS.
The respondents and responses have been adjusted to reflect the most current data. Changes to the number of respondents and responses have affected the total burden hours, labor costs, and miscellaneous costs.
Information Collection |
Respondents |
Responses |
Burden Hours |
Reason for change or adjustment |
|||
Current Renewal / Revision |
Previous Renewal / Revision |
Current Renewal / Revision |
Previous Renewal / Revision |
Current Renewal / Revision |
Previous Renewal / Revision |
||
Application for Annual Crab Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) permit |
455 |
467 |
455 |
467 |
1,138 |
1,168 |
— |
Application for Annual Crab Individual Processing Quota (IPQ) Permit |
13 |
29 |
13 |
29 |
26 |
58 |
— |
Application for Annual Crab Harvesting Cooperative Individual Fishing Quota Permit |
9 |
9 |
9 |
9 |
207 |
207 |
— |
Application for Registered Crab Receiver (RCR) Permit |
23 |
52 |
23 |
52 |
12 |
27 |
— |
Application for BSAI Crab Hired Master (skipper) Permit |
50 |
11 |
50 |
11 |
50 |
11 |
— |
Application for Federal Crab Vessel Permit (FCVP) |
81 |
102 |
81 |
102 |
27 |
34 |
— |
Application for Transfer of Crab Quota Share (QS) |
204 |
204 |
102 |
102 |
204 |
204 |
— |
Application for Transfer of Crab Processor Quota Share (PQS) |
100 |
100 |
50 |
50 |
100 |
100 |
— |
Application for Transfer (lease) of Crab IFQ |
784 |
784 |
392 |
392 |
637 |
637 |
— |
Application for Transfer of Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) between Crab Harvesting Cooperatives |
18 |
18 |
126 |
125 |
148 |
148 |
— |
Application for Transfer (Lease) of Crab IPQ |
58 |
58 |
29 |
29 |
31 |
31 |
— |
Application for Converted CPO Quota Share (QS) and CPO IFQ |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
2 |
2 |
— |
Application for CR Program Eligibility to Receive QS/PQS or IFQ/IPQ by Transfer |
60 |
60 |
60 |
60 |
120 |
120 |
— |
Application for Annual Exemption from Western Aleutian Islands Golden King Crab West Region Delivery Requirements |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
— |
Application for Exemption from CR Crab North or South Region Delivery Requirements |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
400 |
400 |
— |
North or South Region Delivery Exemption Report |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
400 |
400 |
— |
Voluntary Community Impact Report or IPQ Holder Report (N or S Response Report) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
— |
CDQ Group Notification of Community Representative |
1 |
1 |
5 |
5 |
25 |
25 |
— |
Application to Become an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
3 |
— |
Application for Transfer of Crab QS/IFQ to or from an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
4 |
4 |
— |
Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) Annual Report |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
8 |
8 |
— |
BSAI Crab Rationalization Program Quota Share (QS) Beneficiary Designation Form |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
2 |
2 |
— |
File an Appeal to NMFS Decisions |
1 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
4 |
— |
Total for Collection |
468 unique respondents* |
496 unique respondents |
1,450 |
1,488 |
4,580 |
3,597 |
|
Difference |
- 28 (adjustment) |
- 38 (adjustment) |
983 (adjustment) |
|
|||
*Unique respondents. Some CR Program participants submit more than one instrument in this information collection. Therefore, the number of unique respondents is used to show the estimated number of separate participants who are expected to annually submit information during the renewal period. The estimated number of unique respondents consists of 455 QS holders and 13 PQS holders.
Information Collection |
Labor Costs |
Miscellaneous Costs |
Reason for change or adjustment |
||
Current |
Previous |
Current |
Previous |
||
Application for Annual Crab Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) permit |
25,628 |
27,401 |
2,275 |
2,335 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application for Annual Crab Individual Processing Quota (IPQ) Permit |
586 |
1,360 |
65 |
145 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application for Annual Crab Harvesting Cooperative Individual Fishing Quota Permit |
6,210 |
4,856 |
45 |
45 |
Labor costs: Updated to use a rate previously reported by industry to be consistent with rates used in other NMFS Alaska Region information collections. |
Application for Registered Crab Receiver (RCR) Permit |
270 |
633 |
115 |
260 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application for BSAI Crab Hired Master (skipper) Permit |
1,126 |
258 |
250 |
55 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application for Federal Crab Vessel Permit (FCVP) |
608 |
798 |
405 |
510 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application for Transfer of Crab Quota Share (QS) |
4,594 |
4,786 |
1,020 |
1020 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate. |
Application for Transfer of Crab Processor Quota Share (PQS) |
2,252 |
2,346 |
500 |
500 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate. |
Application for Transfer (lease) of Crab IFQ |
14,345 |
14,944 |
3,920 |
3,920 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application for Transfer of Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) between Crab Harvesting Cooperatives |
4,440 |
3,472 |
1260 |
1,250 |
Labor costs: Updated to use a rate previously reported by industry to be consistent with rates used in other NMFS Alaska Region information collections. |
Application for Transfer (Lease) of Crab IPQ |
698 |
727 |
290 |
290 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application for Converted CPO Quota Share (QS) and CPO IFQ |
45 |
47 |
15 |
15 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application for CR Program Eligibility to Receive QS/PQS or IFQ/IPQ by Transfer |
2,702 |
2,815 |
300 |
300 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application for Annual Exemption from Western Aleutian Islands Golden King Crab West Region Delivery Requirements |
45 |
47 |
5 |
5 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application for Exemption from CR Crab North or South Region Delivery Requirements |
9,008 |
9,384 |
100 |
100 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
North or South Region Delivery Exemption Report |
9,008 |
9,384 |
100 |
100 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Voluntary Community Impact Report or IPQ Holder Report (N or S Response Report) |
45 |
47 |
5 |
5 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
CDQ Group Notification of Community Representative |
1,361 |
586 |
25 |
25 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Application to Become an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) |
163 |
70 |
5 |
5 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate. |
Application for Transfer of Crab QS/IFQ to or from an Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) |
218 |
94 |
10 |
10 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate. |
Eligible Crab Community Organization (ECCO) Annual Report |
435 |
188 |
10 |
10 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
BSAI Crab Rationalization Program Quota Share (QS) Beneficiary Designation Form |
45 |
47 |
20 |
20 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate. |
File an Appeal to NMFS Decisions |
90 |
94 |
505 |
505 |
Labor costs: Updated to use the most recent BLS hourly wage rate |
Total for Collection |
$83,922 |
$84,384 |
$11,245 |
$11,430 |
|
Difference |
- $462 (adjustment) |
- $185 (adjustment) |
|
||
For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.
Summary information on crab QS/PQS allocations and holders, IFQ/IPQ allocations and holders, program cooperatives, and permit holders are published in reports on the NMFS Alaska Region website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/alaska/commercial-fishing/permits-and-licenses-issued-alaska.
Final administrative appeal decisions with redactions are posted on the NMFS National Appeals Office website at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/rules-and-regulations/appeals. Personally identifiable information and confidential business information submitted in an administrative appeal are not released to the public.
If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
The agency plans to display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection on all instruments.
Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in “Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submissions."
The agency certifies compliance with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | Dumas, Sheleen (Federal) |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2024-07-25 |