This request is for an extension and
revision of an existing information collection. The revision to the
survey instrument will allow the survey participants to specify to
whom they reported unwanted behavior. NMFS certified observers are
a vital part of fisheries management. Observers are deployed to
collect fisheries data in the field; observers often deploy to
vessels and work alongside fishers for weeks and months at a time.
The work environment observers find themselves in can be
challenging, especially if the observer finds themselves a target
for victim type violations such as sexual harassment, intimidation,
or even assault. NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement
prioritizes investigations into allegations of sexual harassment,
hostile work environment, assault and other complaints which may
affect observers individually. However, it is difficult for a
person to disclose if they have been a victim of a crime, and law
enforcement cannot respond if no complaint is submitted. The true
number of observers who have experienced victim type crimes is
unknown, and the reasons why they do not report is also unclear.
More information is needed to understand how many observers per
year experience victim type crimes, and why they chose not to
report to law enforcement. The survey will also investigate the
reasons that prevented observers from reporting these violations.
The results of the survey will provide the Office of Law
Enforcement a better understanding of how often observers are
victimized, which will enable them to reallocate resources as
needed, conduct more training for observers to ensure they know how
to report, conduct training to ensure people understand what
constitutes a victim crime, and to increase awareness of potential
victimizations. Additionally, the survey results will help law
enforcement understand the barriers to disclosure, so enforcement
may begin to address these impediments so they no longer prevent
observers from disclosure.
US Code:
16 USC 1801 et seq Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management 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.