Implementation of Vessel Speed Restrictions to Reduce the Threat of Ship Collisions with North Atlantic Right Whales
Revision of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
09/21/2021
Requested
Previously Approved
02/29/2024
02/29/2024
3,624
3,263
674
272
0
0
This request is for a revision to a current information collection. Collisions with vessels continue to be a source of serious injury and mortality for the endangered North Atlantic right whale and are a threat to the speciesâ recovery. On October 10, 2008, NMFS published a final rule (0648-AS36) implementing seasonal speed restrictions along the east coast of the U.S. to reduce the incidence and severity of vessel collisions with North Atlantic right whales (73 FR 60173). The final rule contained a mandatory collection-of-information requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction act (PRA), which collects information about safety deviations from the rule in alignment with 50 CFR 224.105(c). This revision to the current information collection includes a voluntary survey effort of individuals in the vessel community to evaluate the ability and willingness of vessel operators to: (1) Comply with the ruleâs mandatory speed restrictions, and (2) cooperate with voluntary speed reduction efforts to protect North Atlantic right whales, which are promoted through NMFS outreach efforts. We will collect information from two size types of vessels in two different areas of the North Atlantic right whalesâ range using voluntary online surveys and small focus groups. Results from this information collection will support NMFSâ ability to develop effective outreach for vessel communities, with the long-term goal of improving the communitiesâ compliance and cooperation with North Atlantic right whale vessel strike reduction conservation efforts.
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.
Focus Group
0648-0580 30day 86 FR 52445_20210921.pdf
0648-0580 Supporting Statement B.docx
Focus Group