Observers collect biological samples and fishery-dependent information on total catch and interactions with protected species. Managers use data
collected by observers to monitor quotas, manage groundfish and prohibited species catch, and document and reduce fishery interactions with protected
resources. Scientists use data collected by observers for stock assessments and marine ecosystem research. The stock assessments are the basis for
setting annual catch quotas for groundfish species. Processors are required to allow observers to “use the … processor’s communication equipment and
personnel, on request, for the entry, transmission, and receipt of work-related messages, at no cost to the observers or the United States".
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) would extend the requirements to catcher vessels less than 125 ft length overall (LOA) to provide a
computer with ATLAS software installed on it while participating in the Bering Sea pollock fishery. An observer must be allowed to use the vessel’s
communications equipment and personnel, on request, for the confidential entry, transmission, and receipt of work-related messages, at no cost to the
observer or the United States (U.S.). This collection will be merged into OMB Control No. 0648-0318 after this request and an 0318 revision request are approved.
US Code:
16 USC 1773
Name of Law: Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982
US Code:
16 USC 1801 et seq
Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
This action requires observer access on catcher vessels less than 125 ft LOA to use the vessel’s communications equipment and personnel, on request, for the confidential entry, transmission, and receipt of work-related messages, at no cost to the observer or the United States.
Access to a computer for electronic data entry significantly increases the speed observer data can be made available for inseason management and catch accounting. Further, the data validation measures built into the software improves initial data quality and decreases the need for corrections during the observer debriefing process.
There is no change to burden, as this is a temporary new collection (new burden is 7 hours).. After approval of this request, and of a revision to OMB Control No. 0648-0318 in relation to RIN 0648-BF36, this burden will be added to the existing collection.
$0
No
No
No
No
No
Uncollected
Patsy Bearden 907 586-7008
No
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.
0731 resub BF25 033116.ss.docx
Notification of observer before handling the vessel's Bering Sea pollock catch