The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) created the Coral Reef Conservation Program to safeguard and ensure the welfare of the coral reef ecosystems along the coastlines of America's States and Territories. The administration of this program has potential economic and cultural impacts on the lives of nearby residents. In accordance with its mission goals, NOAA has designed a survey to help assess the impacts of the Coral Reef Conservation Program.
NOAA has developed a jurisdictional survey instrument to be implemented in Guam in 2015-16. As per OMB guidelines for PRA clearance, NOAA is required to submit a justification statement of one page or less listing the questions selected from the full question bank for the jurisdictional survey instrument. This request also briefly describes the information collection venues and sampling methodology applicable to Guam. Please note, this change justification is the third such request as per previous submissions for similar survey efforts in American Samoa, Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
There are no program changes. There have been minor adjustments to sample sizes. There are net reductions to annualized estimates, of 185 respondents and responses, and 37 hours.
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.