The Large Pelagic Fishing Survey consists of dockside and telephone surveys of recreational anglers for large pelagic fish in the Atlantic Ocean. The survey provides 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, in order for the U.S. to meet its reporting obligations to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna. To address potential non-response bias we will add a non-response follow-up survey the the Large Pelagics Telephone Survey (LPTS) in the Northeast region. We will also add an electronic Internet reporting option to the LPTS for all areas in an effort to increase response rates. Other changes include reducing the estimated Large Pelagics Biological Survey sample size from 2,670 to 1,500 interviews, and dropping the Highly Migratory Species Characterization Survey and North Carolina Winter BFT Tuna Dockside Survey.
US Code:
16 USC 971
Name of Law: Atlantic Tunas Conventions Act
Program changes:
1. Elimination of the Highly Migratory Species Characterization Survey results in a reduction of 5,566 unduplicated respondents, 10,000 responses and 2,500 hours.
2. Elimination of the North Carolina Winter BFT Dockside Survey results in a reduction of 1,300 responses and 130 hours.
3. Reduction of the estimated sample size for the Large Pelagics Biological Survey by 1,170 results in a reduction of 19 hours.
4. Addition of a non-response follow-up survey to the Large Pelagics Telephone Survey (Northeast states only) results in an increase of 206 hours, to the combined total for Northeast and Southeast state, to approximate the 100% response previously estimated, so there is no change to the estimated number of responses.
Total net decreases due to program changes: 12,470 responses and 2,443 hours.
Adjustment: Corrections to calculations of responses and response times for the headboat survey resulted in a decrease of 150 responses but no change to burden hours for this survey.
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.
Large Pelagics Fishing Survey - HMS Characterization Survey
0380 SS 082311 Part A rev.pdf
Large Pelagics Fishing Survey - Telephone Survey