Year-round reporting of sea turtle incidental take is necessary to (1) monitor the level of incidental take in the state- monitored pound net fishery, (2) ensure that the level of take does not exceed the Incidental Take Statement issued in conjunction with the Biological Opinion, and (3) verify that the seasonal pound net leader restrictions are adequate to protect sea turtles. The respondents are Virginia pound net fishermen.
Adjustments: The current burden estimate is lower than in 2009 (81 compared to 102 hours), because the estimate is based upon the number of pound nets in the regulated area and the number of pound nets has decreased since the last estimate (based upon best available information). The burden per report is the same. The number of respondents has decreased from 41 to 27, based on new information on the number of Virginia pound net licensees in the action area. Additionally, the annual cost burden for all respondents has decreased from $1,827 to $1,208, due to the decrease in the overall number of anticipated reports, as well as to a re-estimate of the cost of a call.
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.
0470 SS 062612.doc
Reporting of Sea Turtle Incidental Takes in Virginia Chesapeake Bay Pound Net Operations