Up-to-date visitor opinions, participant experiences and demographics are needed to support the conservation, education and management goals of the ONMS to strengthen and improve the stewardship, sustainable use and protection of natural, cultural and historical resources under the jurisdiction of the ONMS and to satisfy legal mandates under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq). The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is authorized to conduct evaluations, such as this survey, under the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act (section 314(c)) to ensure education programs have measurable objectives and milestones as well as clear, documented metrics for evaluating its programs.
ONMS recently updated its Strategic Plan and has identified a lack of information on the effectiveness of its education, outreach and communications initiatives as they relate to sanctuary/monument visitor centers, exhibits (permanent or traveling/temporary), kiosks and educational programming conducted by its visitor centers and partner facilities.
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.