Justification for Change

JUSTIFICATION FOR CHANGE
MARINE RECREATIONAL FISHERIES STATISTICS SURVEY
OMB CONTROL NO 0648-0052
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries previously requested a
revision to OMB Control No. 0648-0052 (approved 11/18/2010) to implement a panel survey of
recreational anglers to collect information about recreational fishing effort and catch. The survey
utilizes a dual-frame design that samples from lists of licensed saltwater anglers, as well as a
residential household address frame. The survey instruments include a short screener
questionnaire to identify recreational anglers and recruit panel participants, and a diary to collect
more detailed information about catch and effort.
This request is to provide the final version of the mail survey screener questionnaire that will be
utilized to identify saltwater anglers and recruit individuals to participate in a follow-up panel
study. We had previously received approval for a draft survey instrument that has been
shortened to maximize response, minimize the potential for nonresponse bias and better suit the
needs of the survey: questions on the number in the household who fished in the past year, their
names, sexes and ages, have been removed.
We do not expect the burden hours to change as a result of modifications to the screener
questionnaire.