This request is for a revision of a currently approved information collection. This revision is being requested in support of the final rule to implement Framework Adjustment 16 to the Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish Fishery Management Plan. Framework 16 proposes adding a vessel hold baseline requirement for limited access Illex squid vessels in order to cap fishing power and limit expansion of effort in the fishery. In order to comply with this requirement, limited access Illex squid permit holders will need to submit certified vessel hold capacity measurements to NMFS approximately 12 months after implementation of the rule, and vessel hold capacity measurements will be required on all subsequent vessel permit applications and RPH applications for limited access Illex squid vessels.
This action will also clarify an existing requirement for limited access Illex squid permit holders to submit daily reports via vessel monitoring system (VMS) to better verify catch in this fishery. The burden hours and cost associated with daily VMS reporting in the Illex squid fishery were already calculated and approved through previous actions; therefore, this clarification does not need additional approval through the PRA. Additionally, this action will require Illex and longfin squid vessels to declare their primary annual vessel processing type in order to assist stock assessment scientists in calculating catch per unit effort (CPUE). This information will be collected through the use of existing vessel permit applications and there will be negligible additional burden and no cost; therefore, this requirement also does not need additional approval through the PRA.
PL:
Pub.L. 94 - 265 303
Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act
Pursuant to final rule BN02, a new requirement was added that cause changes to both our responses and time burden. A new requirement for limited access Illex squid vessels to establish a volumetric hold baseline is being implemented. This requirement is being implemented in order to cap fishing power and restrict future increases in capacity in the Illex squid fishery. A vesselâs certified hold measurement will be used to establish its volumetric hold baseline (similar to the standard horsepower and length baseline measures required for all federally permitted vessels in the Greater Atlantic Region). This change will affect 46 vessels that do not already have this vessels specification because of their Tier 1 or Tier 2 Atlantic mackerel permit requirements. This new baseline requirements is the reason for the change to this collection of 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.
DAS Credit Form
0648-0202 Supporting Statement Part A BN02.docx
EO 12131.pdf
DAS Credit: Standing By Entangled Whale - notification and request