Annual Economic Survey of Federal Gulf and South Atlantic Shrimp Permit Holders

We are requesting an extension of a currently approved data collection with no changes. Economic data is collected from vessel owners who operate in the Gulf and South Atlantic federal waters of US Southeast Region, and who have one or more federal permits for the commercial catch of shrimp. The Annual Economic Survey of Federal Gulf and South Atlantic Shrimp Permit Holders is conducted by the Social Science Research Group of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Now in its 20th year, the survey collects data about operating expenses and the costs of owning and maintaining shrimp vessels. Each spring, surveys are sent by mail to a random sample of about a third of all vessels with federal permits for the harvest of Gulf penaeid shrimp or South Atlantic penaeid or rock shrimp. The survey has been very successful, with high response rates. For the 2021-2023 data years, response rates by permit type and year have ranged from 61% to 87%; with open access permits at the lower end as would be expected (permit non-renewal is less of a motivation to complete the survey if you can always get a new one). A collection of economic information from fishermen affected by the management of federal commercial fisheries is needed to ensure that national goals, objectives, and requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MFCMA) and other laws are met. This information is vital in assessing the economic and social effects of management decisions and regulations on individual fishing enterprises, fishing communities, and the nation as a whole.

The latest form for Annual Economic Survey of Federal Gulf and South Atlantic Shrimp Permit Holders expires 2029-07-31 and is listed under ICR 202504-0648-004.