0009 ss ren 031308rev

SUPPORTING STATEMENT
BILLFISH TAGGING REPORT
OMB CONTROL NO.: 0648-0009

A.

JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.
The Billfish Tagging Program began in 1963 and is an integral part of the Billfish Research
Program (Program) at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC). This Program is
authorized under 16 U.S.C. 760(e), Study of migratory game fish; waters; research; purpose.
The SWFSC provides tagging supplies to individuals electing to tag and release the billfish they
catch. The Billfish Tagging Report is issued with individual billfish tags and is imprinted with
the number matching the accompanying tag. The Billfish Tagging Report is the primary
mechanism by which these cooperating anglers and commercial fishers return the tagging and
release information concerning the billfish they have tagged. Interested individuals participate in
the Program strictly on a voluntary basis.
2. Explain how, by whom, how frequently, and for what purpose the information will be
used. If the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to support
information that will be disseminated to the public, then explain how the collection
complies with all applicable Information Quality Guidelines.
The Program is conducted throughout the year to determine billfish habitat, mortality rates,
migration patterns, feeding habits and growth rates. Fishery biologists investigating the health of
billfish resources throughout the Pacific utilize data from this Program. Results aid in ongoing
research concerning billfish resources and are published annually in the Billfish Newsletter.
Outreach efforts include contacting fishing clubs and asking that they provide tags to their
members, distribution of the Billfish Newsletter, as well as an occasional local seminar
demonstrating results of the tagging program and how they are being used to determine stock
structure and other parameters important for assessing the status of the billfish resources.
As explained in the preceding paragraphs, the information gathered has utility. National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) will
retain control over the information and safeguard it from improper access, modification, and
destruction, consistent with NOAA standards for confidentiality, privacy, and electronic
information. See response #10 of this Supporting Statement for more information on
confidentiality and privacy. The information collection is designed to yield data that meet all
applicable information quality guidelines. Prior to dissemination, the information will be
subjected to quality control measures and a pre-dissemination review pursuant to Section 515 of
Public Law 106-554.

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3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques or other forms of
information technology.
Data is collected from observations taken at sea on small fishing boats. The data summarizes the
actual fishing event that just occurred. Automated and/or electronic reporting at the time of
tagging is not possible due to the variety in vessel capability. However, starting later in 2008 we
will be implementing an online form through which the data can be submitted. Anglers are
requested to complete the Billfish Tagging Report immediately; once they return to land they can
either mail it to the SWFSC or send the data through the online form as soon as possible. It is
estimated that up to 10% of the tag reports may be submitted electronically through the online
form.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.
This program is unique to the billfish angling community in that it provides free tagging supplies
throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans and publishes its results annually. Billfish conservation
became very popular during the early 1980s and several foreign and private conservation
organizations began tagging programs. This program cooperates completely with these
organizations so that research efforts are expanded and not duplicated.
5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe
the methods used to minimize burden.
The Program deals with individual anglers and commercial fishers cooperating in the Program
and does not impact any business entity.
6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is
not conducted or is conducted less frequently.
Fishery biologists at the SWFSC and elsewhere use Program results for the purpose of providing
management advice. A break in the Program time line would jeopardize the usefulness of nearly
45 years of billfish tag and recapture data.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a
manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.
Response to the Billfish Tagging Report is consistent with OMB guidelines and completely
voluntary.

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8. Provide information on the PRA Federal Register Notice that solicited public comments
on the information collection prior to this submission. Summarize the public comments
received in response to that notice and describe the actions taken by the agency in response
to those comments. Describe the efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to
obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of
instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data
elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.
A Federal Register Notice published on November 8, 2007 (72 FR 63165) solicited comments on
this renewal.
One comment was received that did not specifically address the estimated cost and burden of the
Tagging Report. The individual suggested that the program be turned over to fishing clubs;
however, that would not guarantee that the scientists would receive the information, and there are
currently no fishing clubs volunteering to conduct such a program. Angler comments concerning
the Program are also requested annually in the Billfish Newsletter, and other fishery laboratories
and non-governmental organizations are encouraged to provide comments. Individual anglers
occasionally provide positive comments while requesting tagging supplies and/or general
information.
9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than
remuneration of contractors or grantees.
No payments are given to those returning the Billfish Tagging Report. Anglers who have tagged
a billfish and submitted the Billfish Tagging Report are awarded a baseball cap if and when that
particular billfish is recaptured.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for
assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
Program data results are not confidential; they are public information. Anglers who tag more
than a few fish each year are acknowledged by name in the Billfish Newsletter; however, the
contact information of participating anglers is not made available to the public.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual
behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered
private.
No sensitive questions are asked.
12. Provide an estimate in hours of the burden of the collection of information.
Time to complete the Billfish Tagging Report card is about five minutes per response. Our active
mailing list of taggers varies between 2,000 to 3,000 volunteers. The recent (2003-2006) annual
average number of Billfish Tagging Report cards received was 1,210. The projected annual
average is 1,250 responses. The estimated time burden is 104 hours (1,250 x 5 minutes/60
minutes = 104).

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13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to the respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection (excluding the value of the burden hours in #12
above).
There is no cost burden to the respondents. Postage is paid by the SWFSC if mailed from within
the U.S. For those mailing from foreign countries the only cost is that of postage. While we do
not have an estimate for this, it is expected to be less than $100.00.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.
Annual cost to print the Billfish Tagging Report, provide baseball caps to anglers upon recapture
of a tagged billfish, and postage is under $1,000. This figure is based on actual expenses
averaged over the last few years. Staff (2 GS11/12 level employees) spend about 30% of their
time on the entire Program: 2 x $70,000.00 x 30% = $42,000.00. Included is staff time to analyze
data, report results in-house, respond to data requests, prepare various manuscripts, prepare the
Billfish Newsletter and respond to the Paperwork Reduction Act requirements. Total cost is
$43,000.00.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 13 or
14 of the OMB 83-I.
The recent (2003-2006) annual average number of Billfish Tagging Report cards received was
1,210. The projected annual average is 1,250 responses. The estimated total annual average is
increased from the previous estimate of 750 responses due to increased interest in the program
and greater outreach.
16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and
publication.
The Program is conducted on a calendar year with the Billfish Newsletter published in May of
each year. The Billfish Newsletter is the method by which the SWFSC provides feedback to the
fishing community and is written for cooperating anglers participating in the Program. Results of
the International Angler Survey (OMB Control No.: 0648-0020) are also reported in the Billfish
Newsletter. Content of the Billfish Newsletter varies annually but always includes angling effort
by area and species captured, reported catches, results from the Billfish Tagging Program as well
as general interest articles directed to the billfish angler.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the
information collection, explain the reasons why display would be inappropriate.
The expiration date will be displayed.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in Item 19 of the
OMB 83-I.
No exceptions are requested.

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B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
This collection does not employ statistical methods.

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