verifiable at the level of the individual haul and less dependent on estimates generated by at-sea observers. The use of at-sea scales can provide very precise and potentially accurate estimates of catch. At-sea scales have proven to be reliable and are now used to account for the vast majority of catch by catcher/processors fishing off Alaska. However, recent evidence of fraud calls into question the overall accuracy of the approach and indicates that catch estimates based on scale weights may systematically underestimate harvest in those fisheries dependent on scale weights for catch accounting.
The At-sea Scales Program would be modified for catcher/processors and motherships that are required to weigh catch at sea by reducing the possibility of scale tampering and improving the accuracy of catch estimation.
US Code:
16 USC 1801 et seq.
Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
Capital costs are fixed, one-time expenses incurred on the purchase of land, buildings, construction, and equipment used in the production of goods or in the rendering of services.
Program changes
Scale heads & calibration software are required.
Includes purchase and installation, $177,000
A new Flow scale video monitoring system is required.
Includes purchase and installation, $ 369,000.
Electronic monitoring system was removed.
Other minor program changes.
Net program changes: Increases of 31,020 responses, 36 hours and$110,289.
Net adjustments: Decreases of 203 responses, 258 hours and $4,156,663..
$50,051
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.
Scale type evaluation