In accordance with the regulations implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA), National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) initiated an ESA Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding the possible effects of implementing Amendment 11 (71 FR 36999) to the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS) Fishery Management Plan (FMP). USFWS determined that formal consultation was necessary on the possible effects to the threatened southern sea otter. USFWS completed a biological opinion (BO) for this action and although it was concluded that fishing activities were not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the southern sea otter there remained the potential to incidentally take southern sea otters. USFWS determined that certain measures should be put in place to ensure the continued protection of the species. The reporting requirements and conservation measures put forth in this action stem from this BO and are an attempt to provide further conservation efforts for southern sea otters.
PL:
Pub.L. 94 - 265 303
Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
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.
0566 SS ext 091613 rev.doc
Report of sea otter interaction