The National Marine Fisheries Service assumes that the addition of 28 categories of forage species to the vessel trip report will not result in an increase in burden. Upon renewal of this control number or no later than three years, whichever is earlier, NMFS must consult with respondents as to whether this assumption is valid, describe in the supporting statement, and upwardly revise burden estimates if appropriate.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
08/31/2019
08/31/2019
08/31/2019
224,765
0
224,765
17,481
0
17,481
3,248,423
0
3,248,423
The issuance of a permit is an essential part of managing fishery resources. The purpose and use of permits is to: (1) Register vessel owners, vessel operators, fishing vessels, fish dealers, and processors; (2) list the characteristics of fishing vessels and/or dealer/processor operations; (3) exercise influence over compliance (e.g., withhold permit issuance pending collection of unpaid penalties, or unsubmitted, but required data); (4) provide a mailing list for the dissemination of important information to the industry; (5) register participants to be considered for limited entry; and (6) provide a universe for data collection samples. Identification of the participants, their gear types, vessels, and expected activity levels is an effective and necessary tool in the enforcement of fishery regulations.
This information collection also includes the requirement for onboard vessel monitoring systems (VMS) and reporting via VMS. Vessels are also required to request, in writing, participation in any of the various exemption programs offered in the Northeast region. Exemption programs may allow a vessel to fish in an area that is limited to vessels of a particular size, using a certain gear type, or fishing for a particular species. Vessels are also required to request gillnet and lobster tags through the Northeast region permit office when using gillnet gear or lobster traps.
The revision requires vessel operator, fishing vessels and dealers that fish for, possess, catch or retain for commercial sales or purpose, as appropriate, a set of previously unmanaged forage species and species groups within the Mid-Atlantic Federal Waters, to be issued a vessel operator, commercial fishing vessel, or dealer permit from the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office.
PL:
Pub.L. 94 - 265 303
Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation 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.
Monkfish Southern Fishery Management Area Landing Limit and Minimum Fish Size Exemption