Section 302(j) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires disclosure of financial interests in any harvesting, processing, or any marketing activities by nominees and members of the Fishery Management Councils.
In further compliance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006, appointees by a Council to Scientific and Statistical Committees will also now be required to complete the disclosure form, and will likewise have their forms posted on the Internet/available to the public during office hours.
Appointees to Scientific and Statistical Committees are now required to complete financial interest forms and update them annually or within 30 days of any change, as are Council members. This change adds 61 responses and 36 hours to the annualized burden.
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.