NOAA has established large irregularly-based rockfish conservation areas off the coasts of Washington, Oregon, and California. In order to allow fishing in or near these areas that does not threaten the conservation objectives, NOAA needs methods to effectively enforce restrictions on the location of fishing and the gear used. NOAA is proposing that certain vessels be required to install a vessel monitoring system that automatically gives hourly position reports. Inactive vessels or vessels fishing outside the monitored area can request an exemption from the automatic reporting requirement.
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.
Vessel Monitoring Program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery