This request is for extension of an existing information collection for electronic monitoring and vessel monitoring systems (VMS) in Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) commercial fisheries. Pelagic longline (PLL) vessels, bottom longline (BLL) vessels fishing in the region of the Mid-Atlantic Closed Area, shark gillnet vessels in vicinity of U.S. Southeast Restricted Area, and purse seine vessels are required to use Enhanced Mobile Transmitting Unit (E-MTU) VMS to submit hourly automatic position reports, and hail in and out on fishing trips. PLL and purse seine vessels are also required to report bluefin tuna catches via E-MTU message. PLL vessels are also required to install a video and gear electronic monitoring system and record all catch and relevant data regarding PLL gear retrieval. These data must be submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for catch monitoring and accounting of individual bluefin tuna quota balances.
US Code:
16 USC 971
Name of Law: Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975
Reduction in the number of respondents. For the VMS purchase, installation, and activation, the cost was not entered correctly in the last renewal.
$1,101,600
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
Clifford Hutt 301 427-8588
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.