The Large Pelagic Fishing Survey consists of dockside and telephone surveys of recreational anglers for large pelagic fish (tunas, sharks, and billfish) in the Atlantic Ocean. The survey provides National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) with information to monitor catch of bluefin tuna and marlin. Catch monitoring in these fisheries and collection of catch and effort statistics for all pelagic fish is required under the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The information collected is essential for the United States (U.S.) to meet its reporting obligations to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna. We are requesting two minor changes to the Large Pelagics Telephone Survey (LPTS) to be piloted in Puerto Rico only: 1) changes to the questionnaire used for the LPTS, and 2) addition of an electronic Internet reporting option for respondents in Puerto Rico as an alternative to the traditional phone interview or fax options
US Code:
16 USC 971
Name of Law: Atlantic Tunas Conventions Act
The net increase of 25 hours is based on the addition of 5 questions for Puerto Rico respondents to the telephone survey, with the option of completing the survey online.
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.