0016 ss ren 021910_Part Brev

SUPPORT STATEMENT
SOUTHEAST REGION LOGBOOK FAMILY OF FORMS
OMB CONTROL NO. 00648-0016

B.

COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS.

There are two data collection activities within 0648-0016 in which statistical sampling methods
are used: (1) the collection of trip-level cost and earnings data as an add-on to the snappergrouper logbook with those selected also required to submit annual fixed cost survey data;
(2) the collection of discard data as a supplement to the reef fish/snapper-grouper logbook.
1. Describe the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent
selection method to be used.
The population of boats to be sampled is determined from logbook reports submitted to the
NMFS during 2006. Commercial fishermen are required to submit a trip report within seven
days after the completion of each Gulf of Mexico reef fish, South Atlantic snapper-grouper,
mackerel, shark and Atlantic dolphin /wahoo logbook trip. Fishermen who did not participate in
these fisheries during a given month are required to submit a ‘no-fishing’ report at the end of the
month.
In 2007, approximately 3,500 boats were permitted to fish in at least one or more of these
fisheries during 2006 of which 2,063 distinct vessels reported fishing activity. To reduce the
reporting burden on the fishermen, two separate 20% samples of the vessels with a Gulf of
Mexico, South Atlantic snapper-grouper, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel or shark permit were
selected to report. To assure that the samples were representative of the total universe of vessels
with Federal permits, stratified, random samples were selected from the universe of all vessels
with the above types of Federal permits. A two-tiered stratification was used. One tier was
geographical, and the universe was divided into two geographical strata - the Gulf of Mexico
(Florida Keys to the Texas-Mexican border) and the South Atlantic (which extends from the
North Carolina - Virginia border to the Florida Keys). The second stratum was based on the type
of gear. There were six categories in this stratum - handline, longline, trolling, trap, gill nets, and
diving. In all, there were 12 strata for the random sampling of vessels. A 20% sample was
selected randomly from each of the 12 strata. Slight adjustments were granted for permit holders
who held permits on more than one vessel, did not plan on fishing in 2006, or were selected for
reporting in other data collection programs not covered under this information collection. The
cost and earnings data survey received approximately 300 responses.. The discard program
received approximately 347 responses.
2. Describe the procedures for the collection, including the statistical methodology for
stratification and sample selection, the estimation procedure, the degree of accuracy
needed for the purpose described in the justification, any unusual problems requiring
specialized sampling procedures, and any specific use of periodic (less frequent than
annual) data collection cycles to reduce burden.
See Question 1 for information about sampling.
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The cost and earnings data are collected on the same logbook form on which the catch and effort
data are reported. Fishermen who are not selected to submit economic information receive a
cover letter instructing them not to report the cost earning section of the form. Fishermen who
are selected to report economic information receive a cover letter instructing them to report the
economic information in addition to information about their catches and fishing effort.
A separate form to collect information about annual fixed costs will be mailed to the selected
fishermen in the spring of each year, with the timing established to take advantage of the
availability of information about annual expenditures as recently compiled for end-of-year
federal income tax purposes. Trip reports about routine harvesting costs and annual reports on
fixed costs will be submitted to the NMFS/SEFSC logbook program in Miami, Florida.
Data will be used for descriptive and analytical purposes. Descriptive uses include the
estimation of average harvesting costs per boat per trip and total harvesting costs for all boats
and all trips in the sampling universe. Data may also be used to test for seasonality of average
harvesting costs per trip. Analytical uses include evaluations of regulatory proposals.
The supplemental discard logbook is mailed to selected permit holders along with their regular
coastal logbooks at the start of the year. The fishermen record interactions with endangered
species and discard information from target species for each trip. Annual reporting would result
in poorer quality data because fishermen will not be able to remember their fishing activity for
that length of time. There are no specialized sampling problems anticipated with the
supplemental discard logbook. Information from discard logbooks is used for stock assessments
and management decisions.
3. Describe the methods used to maximize response rates and to deal with nonresponse.
The accuracy and reliability of the information collected must be shown to be adequate for
the intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a specialized justification must be
provided if they will not yield “reliable” data that can be generalized to the universe
studied.
Project staff obtained input on this proposed data collection program from commercial fishermen
throughout the jurisdiction of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Gulf of
Mexico Fishery Management Council. Input included fishermen’s opinions about the types of
information that they can provide with minimum burden, and the format for collecting data.
Their input was used in the development of survey instruments so that they would be easier to
complete, with questions revised for clarity and to obtain more accurate data. Renewal of
permits will be delayed if the information is not received, to ensure compliance (and thus close
to a 100% response rate).
4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Tests are encouraged as
effective means to refine collections, but if ten or more test respondents are involved OMB
must give prior approval.
Because of the large universe and the anticipated variation in reported economic data and discard
or interaction data, it is not feasible to do a test with fewer than 10. However, interaction with
and feedback from the fishermen that are using the forms will provide sufficient information
about the forms and collection procedures to make whatever adjustments are needed. In 2006
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adjustments to the reporting form, instructions, database design, and the quality control
procedures were made. Furthermore, analyses of the data will provide information about the
variations in the economic and discard data to determine whether the strata and sample sizes are
appropriate.
5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on the statistical
aspects of the design, and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other
person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.
The following Southeast Fisheries Science Center staff was consulted on the statistical aspects of
this data collection activity:
Dr. Steve Turner, Survey Statistician
Dr. Clay Porch, Director, Sustainable Fisheries Division

(305) 361-4482
(305) 361-4232

Dr. Steve Turner, Group Leader, Fisheries Statistics Group, is responsible for the data collection
activity.

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