SOFF_SupportingStatement_102511_Part_A_rev

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

Shipboard Observation Form for Floating Marine Debris

OMB CONTROL NO. 0648-xxxx

A. JUSTIFICATION

1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.

This request is for a new information collection.

Resources, funding, and time limitations as well as an increased safety risk all restrict regular at-sea surveys of marine debris. Because of these limitations, marine debris surveys at sea have been conducted as an add-on to other research at sea. These opportunities are typically quite rare. Building on a small-scale project begun by James Callahan (recreational sailor) in Hawaii, there is currently an opportunity to collect additional information needed on debris within areas such as the North Pacific Subtropical High (aka “Great Pacific garbage patch”), other areas of marine debris concentration at sea, and potential Japan tsunami debris. Information would be collected through a partnership between the NOAA Marine Debris Program and non-government organization (NGOs) and recreational sailors who are on the ocean regularly. This survey will assist us in carrying out activities prescribed in the Marine Debris Research, Prevention, and Reduction Act of 2006 (33 U.S.C. §§ 1951 et seq.), mainly “mapping, identification and impact assessment”.

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.

Data collection forms will be distributed each year to recreation sailors during the TransPacific Yacht Race and Pacific Cup Race (each takes place every other year with one race going on each year). Additionally, forms will be made available to other recreational sailors as well as NGOs that frequently sail our oceans. Distribution will be done through James Callahan (private citizen, recreational sailor, and coordinator for this overall project) and the NOAA Marine Debris Program at outreach events, presentations, and other outreach opportunities as well as through a project website. Outreach opportunities typically occur four to five times per year. James Callahan began this data collection on a small scale in 2008 in Hawaii with yacht sailors of both the TransPacific and Pacific Cup Races.

The collected data and information will be used to better model movement and concentration of the debris, facilitate greater understanding of marine debris and marine debris concentration areas in the open ocean as well as prepare (as needed) for potential Japan tsunami marine debris arrival to areas around the Pacific. The data, once collected, will undergo simple analysis (e.g., main debris type seen) and mapping and the results will be posted on the project Web site.

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.

This data collection form is meant to be filled out primarily by hand and can be done electronically if the respondent has the necessary means, such as computer, smartphone, or email access. Related technologies are the collection of latitude and longitude locations for transect lines, typically with a GPS unit. Submission of completed and scanned forms can be via email or facsimile, but is expected to be primarily through mail.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.

There exist other partnership efforts to collect additional information on debris within areas such as the North Pacific Subtropical High (aka “Great Pacific garbage patch”), other areas of marine debris concentration at sea, and potential Japan tsunami debris. Those efforts are on a smaller scale and currently ongoing, coordinated among the NOAA Marine Debris Program, the NOAA Observer Program and NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. This effort seeks to partner with a broader range of ocean users (NGOs and recreational sailors).

5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize burden.

NA.

6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently.

There are no immediate consequences if data is not collected; however the data and information, particularly about potential Japan tsunami debris, are integral to near-future planning and coordination for debris deposition and possible impacts across the Pacific Rim. Knowledge of likely quantities and types of tsunami debris coupled with computer model simulations and predictions of deposition timeframe will help all managers best prepare for arrival (or not) of this debris. Large debris items could pose an economic and environmental hazard as well as potential human health and safety risk depending on the type of debris. Smaller items may pose less of a risk; however arrive in larger quantities.

7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.

NA.

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 August 23, 2011 (76 FR 52638) solicited public comments. No comments were received.

9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

No gifts or payments will be provided to respondents.

10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.

Data are combined and names are removed to ensure anonymity. Respondents are made aware of this by a statement on the data collection form.

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.

NA.

12. Provide an estimate in hours of the burden of the collection of information.

The number of anticipated respondents and responses each year is 45. These estimates are based mainly on communications with James Callahan, recreational sailor, and feedback from other recreational sailors. Response frequency is one time per year (based on likelihood of outreach event and/or sailing race) with the average response time per respondent being one hour, based on time necessary to complete the form and mail it back. The total annual response time is 45 hours.

Annualized labor cost to respondents for their time participating in this data collection project is $961.20, based on the 2010 national volunteer average value of $21.36/hr. (http://www.volunteeringinamerica.gov/national) multiplied by an average of one hour per respondent and 45 expected responses.

13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to the respondents or record-keepers resulting from the collection (excluding the value of the burden hours in Question 12 above).

Total annual cost burden to the respondents is $0. Respondents will be provided with envelopes with prepaid postage.

14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.

Total annual cost burden Federal government (materials costs) is approximately $200/year. This is the cost of waterproof paper and copying of data sheets onto that paper. Time burden is included in regular labor costs.

15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments.

This is a new program.

16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and publication.

As data forms come in, they will be scanned and sent to the NOAA Marine Debris Program. Data will then be entered into a simple Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and simple analyses completed (e.g., avg., min, max, graphing). Results will be shown online at a Web site created specifically for this project.

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.

NA.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.

NA.

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