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.
From the last estimate to this current information collection, the total number of reports estimated has increased from 483 to 1003. This increase was a result of using the maximum number of possible licensed pound net sites per Virginia fishery regulations (n=161) on which to base our information collection estimate, rather than the number of documented sites from previous NMFS monitoring efforts (n=80). We determined that the latter was potentially outdated and may be an underestimate. As a result, the total annual burden hours has increased from 81 to 167. Additionally, the annual cost burden for all respondents has increased from $111 to $231, because the maximum number of pound net sites in Virginia was used to estimate responses and cost estimates of reporting. The cost of a phone call is the same as previously estimated. The number of respondents has decreased from 37 to 35, based on updated information on the number of Virginia pound net licensees in the action area. In summary, these estimate variations are not a result of program changes but instead a result of new, updated, information.
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 2018 v2.docx
0470 30d FRN PUB 090418_44865.pdf
Reporting of Sea Turtle Incidental Takes in Virginia Chesapeake Bay Pound Net Operations