0512 Ss 060717

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

ALASKA PACIFIC HALIBUT FISHERIES: SUBSISTENCE

OMB CONTROL NUMBER 0648-0512

This request is for an extension of an existing collection.

INTRODUCTION

The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) and National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Region (NMFS) manage fishing for Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis) through regulations established under authority of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982 (Halibut Act). The IPHC promulgates regulations governing the Pacific halibut fishery under the Convention between the United States and Canada for the Preservation of the Halibut Fishery of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea (Convention), signed at Ottawa, Ontario, on March 2, 1953, as amended by a Protocol Amending the Convention (signed at Washington, D.C., on March 29, 1979). The Halibut Act also authorizes the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) to develop halibut fishery regulations, including limited access regulations, in its geographic area of concern that would apply to nationals or vessels of the United States.

The subsistence halibut program provides the opportunity to enhance accurate estimates of subsistence removals for stock assessment purposes. An important goal of the subsistence halibut program is to learn more about the fishery. Despite the lack of complete data, all subsistence harvests are estimated to account for less than one percent of total halibut removals.

Subsistence halibut means halibut caught by a rural resident or a member of an Alaska Native tribe for direct personal or family consumption as food, sharing for personal or family consumption as food, or customary trade. Subsistence fishing and hunting in Alaska has historically been part of the customary and traditional practices of Alaska Natives and non-Natives, especially in rural areas with limited alternative food resources.

The objectives of the subsistence halibut program are to facilitate enforcement through compatible State of Alaska and Federal regulations; periodically review petitions for inclusion on the list of eligible communities; improve implementation of the program; and reflect local subsistence fishing practices.

A. JUSTIFICATION

This collection of information consists of an application for special permits (Community Harvest Permit, Ceremonial Permit, and Educational Permit), application for a Subsistence Halibut Registration Certificate (SHARC), and harvest logs issued to participants in the subsistence halibut fishery. The permits are designed to work in conjunction with other halibut harvest assessment measures. Each of the instruments is designed to minimize the reporting burden on subsistence halibut fishermen while retrieving essential information. NMFS confirms the eligibility of registration applicants based on the information provided on an application. If eligible, the applicant receives the permit for which he or she applied.

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

The subsistence halibut program is intended to allow eligible persons to practice the long-term customary and traditional harvest of Pacific halibut for food in a non-commercial manner. NMFS designed the special permits as vessel-oriented permits that allow eligible persons to harvest subsistence halibut under reduced gear and harvest restrictions. In Alaska’s coastal areas, subsistence halibut fisheries are local, non-commercial, customary, and traditional food fisheries.

Persons eligible to subsistence halibut fish include—

♦ Members of federally recognized Alaska Native tribes with customary and traditional uses of halibut.

♦ Residents of rural communities with customary and traditional uses of halibut. A community in this program is defined as a place that is recognized by the U.S. Census; thus, only municipalities and census-designated places are included.

♦ Rural Residents

● Individuals domiciled in remote homesteads outside the boundaries of eligible communities within the subsistence use areas of Alaska. Those individuals or families practice the same patterns of use as residents of nearby communities that have customary and traditional uses, and, therefore, are eligible to participate.

● Individuals who reside within a designated 10-statute-mile band of land, adjacent to the waters of the Bering Sea and Pacific Ocean, and other designated places.

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.

a. Subsistence Halibut Registration Certificate (SHARC) Application [adjusted]

Before subsistence fishing for halibut, a participant must register for and must hold a valid Subsistence Halibut Registration Certificate (SHARC) issued by NMFS. To obtain a SHARC, eligible persons must apply by application to NMFS. Three types of SHARC applications are available: 1) for use by an individual rural resident, 2) for use by an individual Alaska Native tribal member, and 3) for use by an Alaska Native tribe for multiple individual tribal members.

A member of an eligible Alaska Native tribe may apply on his or her own behalf or may have the tribe apply for him or her. When an Alaska Native tribe submits an application for permits for more than one individual, the permit application may be submitted with a list of individuals or applicants instead of completing an application for each person.

If the tribe applies for the member, a SHARC will be sent directly to the tribe’s address indicated on the application. Similarly, if the member completes an individual application, the SHARC will be sent to the member’s address indicated on the application.

First time applicants must submit a paper application to the address listed below. Some renewal applications may be submitted online.

♦ Non-electronic submittal. The applicant must sign and date the application certifying that all information is true, correct, and complete. The applicant must submit the paper application as indicated on the application.

♦ Electronic submittal. An individual may submit a SHARC renewal application online at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/webapps/halibutsubsistence/Initial. By using the SHARC number and date of birth, and by submitting the application form, the applicant certifies that all information is true, correct, and complete.

SHARC applications are available in pdf format at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries-applications?field_fisheries_program_value=Subsistence+Halibut and may be completed on a computer, printed, and mailed or faxed to NMFS.

Paper applications may be submitted

By mail to— NMFS, Alaska Region

Restricted Access Management

P.O. Box 21668

Juneau, AK 99802-1668

Or by fax to— 907-586-7354

Each SHARC will be valid only for the period of time specified on the certificate. A person eligible to harvest subsistence halibut may renew his or her SHARC that is expired or will expire within 3 months.

SHARC application for individual rural resident

Whether registration is new or a renewal

If a renewal, enter SHARC number

Block A - Alaska Rural Subsistence Registrant Information

Name (First, Middle, Last) and birth date (mm/dd/yyyy) of fisherman

Daytime telephone number

E-mail address

Mailing address (P.O. box number, street, city, state, and zip code)

Include street address even if you have a P.O. Box number.

If no street address, describe the physical location of your domicile, such as latitude and longitude, if known, or direction and distance from a landmark or from a milepost on a road.

Rural community or rural area of residence

Dates of residence (dates from and to) in this community or area (month, day, year)

Block B – Type of Subsistence Halibut Registration (select one)

Block C – Verifier Information

Name of adult verifier (first, middle, last)

Verifier relationship to applicant

Mailing address (P.O. box, street, city, state, zip code)

Daytime telephone number

Block D – Certification of Eligibility

Signature of rural applicant and date of signature

SHARC for individual Alaska Native tribal member

Block A – Type of Subsistence Halibut Registration

Whether registration is new or a renewal

If a renewal, enter SHARC number

Block B - Alaska Native Tribal Subsistence Registrant Information

Name (first, middle, last) and birth date (mm/dd/yyyy) of fisherman

Daytime telephone number

E-mail address

Mailing address (P.O. box number or number and street, city, state, and zip code)

Name of Alaska Native tribe

Community or area of residence

Block C – Certification of Eligibility

Signature of tribal member applicant and date of signature

SHARC for group Alaska Native tribe

Block A - Alaska Native Tribe

Name of Alaska Native tribe

Business mailing Address: (street, city, state, zip code)

Daytime Telephone Number

E-mail address

Block B - Tribal Member(s) Information

Name (first, middle, last) and date of birth of tribal member

Daytime telephone number

Community or area of residence

Permanent Mailing address (P.O. number or street, city, state, zip code)

Indicate whether applying for new SHARC or renewal

If renewal, enter SHARC number

Block C - Certification of Tribal Official

Printed name, signature, and title of tribal official

Date of signature

On registration approval, NMFS issues the registrant a SHARC. A SHARC expires in 2 years if a rural resident registration or in 4 years if an Alaska Native tribal registration. The difference in SHARC duration is based on the assumption that rural, non-Native residents change address more frequently than tribal members. Therefore, it is easier for NMFS to maintain current addresses of rural residents by requiring renewal at a 2-year interval.

As of the end of calendar year 2016, there were a total of 4,792 active rural SHARCs and 2,537 active tribal SHARCs. This analysis uses the total number of active SHARCs in 2016.

The number of respondents was increased to 7,329 from 3,806 to reflect the 2016 data. An adjustment was made to reflect the current postage cost (0.49 instead of 0.45) and current Federal government personnel cost ($42/hr instead of $37/hr).

SHARC registration, Respondent

Total estimated number of respondents Total estimated responses 2 year, rural registrants 4,792/2 yr = 2,396 4 year, Native registrants 2,537/4 yr = 634 Total estimated burden hours Time per response = 10 minutes Total estimated personnel cost (505 x $37/hr) Total miscellaneous cost (6,449.16) Online x 1,102 = 0 Fax ($6 x 964 = 5,784) Postage ($0.49 x 964 = 472.36 Photocopy (1,928 x 2pp x 0.05 = 192.80)

7,329 3,030 505 hr $18,685 $6,449

SHARC registration, Federal Government
Total estimated annual responses Total estimated burden hours Time per response = 5 minutes Total estimated personnel cost (253 x $42/hr) Total miscellaneous cost	3,030 253 hr $10,626 0

b. Subsistence Halibut Special Permits Application [changed]

One application is used to apply for all three special permits: Community Harvest Permits, Ceremonial Permits, and Educational Permits. Along with the special permits, NMFS sends the applicant a harvest log that must be maintained during the extent of the permit. Upon completion of subsistence harvest, the coordinator or instructor must return the complete harvest log to NMFS.

Except for enrolled students fishing under a valid Educational Permit, before fishing under the special permits, fishermen must obtain a SHARC (see above), which identifies those persons who are currently eligible for subsistence halibut fishing.

Educational, community, and ceremonial permit applications and harvest logs are available in pdf format at https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/fisheries-applications?field_fisheries_program_value=Subsistence+Halibut and may be completed on a computer, printed, and mailed or faxed (harvest logs only) to NMFS.

Paper applications must be mailed to— NMFS, Alaska Region

Restricted Access Management

P.O. Box 21668

Juneau, AK 99802-1668

Community Harvest Permit (CHP)

An Area 2C or Area 3A community or Alaska Native tribe may apply for a CHP.

NMFS will issue a CHP to an eligible Area 2C or 3A community that is listed at 50 CFR 300.65(g)(1) and if no Alaska Native tribe exists in that community.

NMFS will issue a CHP, Ceremonial Permit, or Education Permit to an eligible Area 2C or 3A Alaska Native tribe that is listed at 50 CFR 300.65(g)(2).

The Alaska Native tribe or community must designate a CHP Coordinator as part of the registration process. The CHP Coordinator is responsible to issue the laminated CHP cards to eligible fishermen. The CHP allows a community or tribe to appoint one or more individuals from its respective community or tribe to harvest subsistence halibut from a single vessel under reduced gear and harvest restrictions. Each fisherman must have a CHP card as well as his or her SHARC on board the harvesting vessel when fishing under the CHP. The CHP must remain in the possession of the CHP coordinator or other tribal authority when not in use.

A CHP consists of a harvest log and up to five laminated permit cards. A CHP expires one year from the date of issuance. The CHP harvest log must be returned on or before the permit’s expiration date.

All previously issued harvest logs must be returned prior to receiving additional permits. A community or tribe that fails to return previously issued harvest logs will not receive any additional permits until all previously issued harvest logs are returned to NMFS

Ceremonial Permit and Educational Permit

Ceremonial and educational permits are available exclusively to eligible Alaska Native tribes.

Eligible tribes must designate a Ceremonial Permit Coordinator for Ceremonial Permits and an Educational Permit Instructor for Educational Permits. The Ceremonial Permit must remain in the possession of the Ceremonial Permit Coordinator or other tribal authority when not in use.

Ceremonial and educational permits consist of a single laminated permit card and one harvest log for each type issued by NMFS. Each permit expires 30 days from its date of issuance. The harvest log of each type must be returned within 15 days following the permit’s expiration date regardless of whether halibut were harvested using the permit.

All previously issued harvest logs must be returned prior to receiving additional permits. A community or tribe that fails to return previously issued harvest logs will not receive any additional permits until all previously issued harvest logs are returned to NMFS.

Subsistence Halibut Special Permits Application

Block A. Type of subsistence halibut special permit requested

Indicate whether applying for a community harvest permit, ceremonial permit, or educational permit

Indicate whether applying for a new permit or a renewal. If a renewal, enter permit number

Block B. Subsistence Halibut Community Harvest Permit

Name of Alaska Native tribe or community

Name, official title, and signature of tribal or community representative

CHP Coordinator

Name, daytime telephone number, and e-mail address

Mailing address: Number, Street, City, State, and Zip Code

Attachment: any previously issued CHP harvest logs

Block C. Subsistence Halibut Ceremonial Permit

Name of Alaska Native tribe

Name, official title, and signature of tribal representative

Ceremonial Permit Coordinator

Name, daytime telephone number, and e-mail address

Mailing address: Number, Street, City, State, and Zip Code

Describe occasion of cultural or ceremonial significance

Attachment: any previously issued ceremonial permit harvest logs

Block D. Subsistence Halibut Education Permit

Name of Alaska Native tribe

Name, official title, and signature of tribal representative

Educational Permit Instructor

Name and daytime telephone number

Mailing address: Number, Street, City, State, and Zip Code

Educational Institution or Organization

Name and daytime telephone number

Mailing address: Number, Street, City, State, and Zip Code

Course description

Demonstrate enrollment of qualified students

Describe minimum attendance requirements

Describe standards for the successful completion of the educational program

Describe standards for successful completion of the course.

Attachment: any previously issued educational permit harvest logs.

Blocks B, C, and D of this application are changed to match the eligibility and application requirements at 15 CFR 300.65. The words “or Community” have been added to fields 2 through 4 of Block B because communities, as well as tribes, may apply for a CHP, and it is the community representative who completes and submits the application on behalf of the community. The words “or Community” have been removed from fields 1 through 4 of Block C because communities are not eligible for a ceremonial permit. A field for the name of the educational institution or organization applying for the educational permit has been added to Block D. There is no change to the burden or cost of this information collection.

Although the potential participation is 39 tribes—each of which could apply for each of the special permits—and 15 communities that could apply for CHPs, the actual number of applications issued annually is much less.

Community Harvest Permits issued: three in 2015, and two in 2016.

Ceremonial Permits issued: none in 2015, and none in 2016.

Educational Permits issued: three in 2015, and six in 2016.

The number of respondents was increased to reflect the 2016 data. Eight respondents are used in this analysis.

Three adjustments were made. The cost of postage was added ($0.49) because applications must be submitted by mail. The cost of an e-mail attachment ($0.05) was removed because applications are not accepted by e-mail. The Federal government personnel cost was adjusted from $37/hr to $42/hr to reflect the current rate.

Subsistence special permit application, Respondent
Total respondents Total annual responses Frequency of response = 1 Total annual time burden hours (80 min) Time per response (10 min x 8) Total personnel cost (8 x $37/hr) Total miscellaneous costs (4.72) Postage (8 x 0.49= 3.92) Photocopy (8 x 2pp x 0.05 = 0.80)	8 8 1 hr $296 $5

Subsistence special permit application, Federal government
Total annual responses Total annual time burden hours (80 min) Time per response (10 min x 8) Total personnel cost (8 x $42) Total miscellaneous costs	8 1 hr $336 0

c. Community Harvest Permit (CHP) Harvest Log [changed]

The CHP Coordinator must maintain possession of the CHP Harvest Log at all times. The CHP Coordinator issues a CHP card to an eligible subsistence fisherman. The eligible subsistence fisherman returns the CHP card and reports his or her catch to the CHP Coordinator upon completion of subsistence fishing under the permit. The CHP Coordinator records this harvest information in a CHP Harvest Log. The CHP Coordinator must return the CHP card and CHP Harvest Log together upon expiration to NMFS.

Community Harvest Permit Harvest Log

Name and signature of Community Harvest Permit Coordinator

Subsistence Fisherman Identification

Name of fisherman

Community of residence

Date of birth

Tribal affiliation

SHARC number

Mailing address (number, street, city, state, and zip code)

Daytime telephone number

Indicate whether fisherman did subsistence halibut fishing during the period on permit.

If YES, complete the following harvest information.

Date of harvest

Local water body, bay or sound

IPHC regulatory area

Number and pounds of halibut

Type of gear used

Number of hooks set

Number of incidental lingcod caught

Number of incidental rockfish caught

Fields for the fisherman’s mailing address and daytime phone number have been added to Block B of the CHP harvest log. This is necessary because 15 CFR 300.65(j)(6)(i) specifies that the CHP harvest log must provide information on the fisherman’s identity, including his or her mailing address and daytime phone number.

When maintaining a CHP harvest log, the CHP Coordinator would take an estimated 30 minutes to instruct each fisherman on responsibilities prior to fishing and to record the fisherman’s catch information when returning. It is estimated that up to three fishermen would fish against a permit.

The number of respondents was changed to reflect the 2016 data. An adjustment was made to reflect the current postage cost (0.49 instead of 0.45) and current Federal government personnel cost ($42/hr instead of $37/hr).

Subsistence halibut CHP harvest log, Respondent
Total respondents 2 CHP Coordinators Total annual responses Frequency of response = 1 Total annual time burden hours (1.5 x 2) Time per response = 30 min x 3 fishermen Total personnel cost (3 x $37/hr) Total miscellaneous cost (0.54 x 2) Postage to mail log (2 x 0..49= 0.98 Photocopy (2 x 0.05 = 0.10)	2 2 3 hr $111 $1

Subsistence halibut CHP harvest log, Federal Government
Total annual responses Total annual time burden hours (45 min x 2) Time per response = 15 min x 3 fishermen Total personnel cost (1 x $42/hr) Total miscellaneous costs	2 2 hr $84 0

d. Subsistence Halibut Ceremonial or Educational Permit Harvest Log [changed]

The Ceremonial Permit Coordinator maintains possession of the Ceremonial Permit Harvest Log at all times and issues the Ceremonial Permit card to an eligible subsistence fisherman. Upon completion of subsistence fishing, the subsistence fisherman returns the Ceremonial Permit card and reports his or her catch to the Ceremonial Permit Coordinator. The coordinator records this harvest information in the Ceremonial Permit Harvest Log and returns the Ceremonial Permit card and harvest log to NMFS.

The Educational Permit Instructor maintains possession of the Educational Permit Harvest Log at all times and issues the Educational Permit card to eligible students. The eligible student returns the Educational Permit card and reports his or her catch to the Educational Permit Instructor upon completion of subsistence fishing. The instructor records this harvest information in the Educational Permit Harvest Log and returns the Educational Permit card and harvest log to NMFS.

Subsistence Ceremonial or Educational Permit Harvest Log

Indicate whether ceremonial or educational permit harvest log.

Name of Ceremonial Permit Coordinator or Educational Permit Instructor

Subsistence Fisherman Identification

Name of fisherman or student

Community of residence

Date of birth

Tribal affiliation

SHARC number (students do not need a SHARC)

Mailing address (number and street, city and state, zip code)

Daytime telephone number

Indicate whether fisherman did subsistence halibut fishing during the period on permit.

If YES, complete the following harvest information.

Date of harvest

Local water body, bay or sound

IPHC regulatory area

Number and weight (in pounds) of halibut

Type of gear used

Number of hooks set

Number of incidental lingcod caught

Number of incidental rockfish caught

Fields for the fisherman’s mailing address and daytime phone number have been added to the ceremonial or educational permit harvest log. This is necessary because 15 CFR 300.65(k)(6)(i) specifies that the ceremonial and educational harvest log must provide information on the fisherman’s identity, including his or her mailing address and daytime phone number. These additions will not change the burden or cost of this information collection.

When maintaining a ceremonial or educational permit harvest log, the coordinator or instructor would take an estimated 30 minutes to instruct each fisherman on responsibilities prior to fishing and to record the fisherman’s catch information when returning. It is estimated that up to three fishermen would fish against the permit.

The number of respondents is changed to reflect the 2016 data. An adjustment was made to reflect the current postage cost (0.49 instead of 0.45) and current Federal government personnel cost ($42/hr instead of $37/hr).

Subsistence halibut ceremonial or educational harvest log, Respondent
Total respondents 6 Educational Instructors Total annual responses Frequency of response = 1 Total annual time burden hours (1.5 hr x 6) Time per response = 30 min x 3 fishermen Total personnel costs (9 x $37/hr) Total miscellaneous costs (1.18 x 6) Postage (1 ceremonial log x 0.49 = 0.49) Postage (1 educational log x 0.49 = 0.49) Photocopy (2 logs x 2pp x .05 = 0.2)	6 6 9 hr $333 $7

Subsistence halibut ceremonial or educational harvest log, Federal Government
Total annual responses Total annual time burden hours (45 min x 6) Time per response = 15 min x 3 fishermen Total personnel costs (6 x $42) Total miscellaneous costs	6 5 hr $252 0

e. Subsistence appeals [adjusted]

NMFS provides an appeals process to provide administrative due process to those whose applications for a CHP, Ceremonial Permit, or Educational Permit are denied and to those whose permit is subject to revocation.

In every instance in which an administrative determination is made to deny an application or to revoke a permit, NMFS issues a formal Initial Administrative Decision (IAD) to the affected applicant or permit holder. If dissatisfied with the determination, the applicant may appeal to the National Appeals Office (NAO) under 15 CFR part 906. For permit appeals, the participant must provide a written statement in support of the appeal and must show why the initial determination should be reversed. If the participant does not appeal within 60 days following the issuance of the IAD, the IAD becomes a Final Agency Determination. There are no forms for this item.

To date, 16 permits have been denied and no appeals have been filed. For purposes of this analysis, 1 response is used.

An adjustment was made to the respondent personnel cost to reflect the assumption that most people would hire an attorney to prepare an appeal ($125/hr instead of $37/hr.) An adjustment was made to reflect the current postage cost (0.98 instead of 0.90) and current Federal government personnel cost ($125/hr instead of $37/hr).

Subsistence appeals, Respondent
Total respondents Total annual responses Frequency of response = 1 Total annual time burden hours Time per response = 4 hr Total personnel costs (4 x $37) Total miscellaneous costs (0.98) Attorney at $125 per hour: 500 Postage (1 x $0.98)	1 1 4 hr $148 $501

Subsistence appeals, Federal government
Total annual responses Total annual time burden hours Time per response = 25 hr Total personnel costs (25 x $125) Total miscellaneous costs	1 25 hr $3,125 0

f. Subsistence gear marking [adjusted]

Gear types authorized for use in the subsistence halibut fishery are setline and hand-held gear, including longline, handline, rod-and-reel, spear, jig, and hand-troll gear. Setline gear means one or more stationary, buoyed, or anchored lines with hooks attached. Only setline gear must be marked with identification information as follows: first initial and last name followed by an “S” (to indicate subsistence halibut), and address (street, city, and state). Markings must be in characters at least 4 inches (10.16 cm) in height and 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) in width in a contrasting color visible above the water line and must be maintained so the markings are clearly visible (see 50 CFR 300.65(h)).

Materials needed to mark the buoys consist of paint and paintbrush, permanent ink applicator, or tape, costing at most $5. Labor costs to mark the buoys are estimated at $12.50 per hour, based on a range between $10 and $15 per hour.

NMFS estimates it takes approximately 15 minutes to paint each buoy. This analysis uses the number of active respondents using one buoy, and an estimate of 50 percent of the buoys that would need repainting. An estimated 50 percent or 3,665 individual buoys would need marking, because the markings from the previous year are still legible, and the information is still correct.

There are no forms for this item.

The number of respondents was increased to 7,329 from 3,806 to reflect the 2016 data.

Subsistence halibut gear marking, Respondent
Total estimated respondents Total estimated annual responses (50% of 7,329 = 3,665 associated buoys Total estimated burden hours (916) Estimated time to paint each buoy = 15 minutes Total estimated personnel cost Cost per hour, in dollars = 12.50 Total miscellaneous cost Marking materials ($5 materials x 3,665)	7,329 3,665 916 hr $11,450 $18,325

Subsistence halibut gear marking, Federal Government
Total estimated annual responses Total estimated burden hours Total estimated personnel cost Total miscellaneous cost	0 0 0 0

It is anticipated that the information collected will be disseminated to the public or used to support publicly disseminated information. NMFS 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 to Question 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.

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.

A SHARC holder may renew his/her SHARC online at www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov. All of the applications and harvest logs are “fillable” on the computer screen by participants at www.alaskafisheries.noaa.gov, then may be downloaded, printed, and mailed. Harvest logs and SHARC applications may also be faxed to NMFS.

4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.

None of the information collected as part of this information collection duplicates other collections. This information collection is part of a specialized and technical program that is not like any other.

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

Individual people conducting subsistence fishing are “natural persons” and are not considered small entities under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA). The RFA defines small entities as small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions. Entities submitting ceremonial, educational, or community harvest permits are small entities.

Small entities eligible for these permits consist of tribal governments and rural communities. The potential participation is 15 communities that could apply for Community Harvest Permits, and 39 tribes that could apply for ceremonial, educational, and community harvest permits. However, the actual number of these permits issued annually is much less. NMFS attempts to minimize the information required to be submitted by all respondents, including the small entities. The permit applications require submission of the minimum amount of information needed to identify the applicant, determine eligibility, and provide the permit. In addition to submitting applications and logs by mail, NMFS provides the option to renew an existing SHARC online, as well as the option to submit the SHARC application by fax for those entities without access to a computer or the internet. Harvest logs may also be submitted by fax.

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

Without the specified permitting and reporting scheme described in this Supporting Statement, the subsistence halibut program would be unable to proceed. In addition, much needed information on the subsistence halibut fishery would be lost.

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

Not Applicable.

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 February 8, 2017 (82 FR 9726), solicited public comment. The comment period ended on April 10, 2017. No comments were received.

In addition, a survey was emailed to participants in the subsistence halibut fishery to further solicit comments. Six participants responded to the survey. Four of the six stated that they had no comments on the information collections. Two participants submitted comments. These comments and NMFS’ responses are presented below.

Comment 1: Reminders should be sent to SHARC holders before their permits expire.

Response: NMFS mails a reminder before a SHARC expires. When the commenter was informed of this, he realized that his SHARC expired later than he thought, and that was why he had not received his reminder.

Comment 2: The renewal cycle for the rural resident SHARC should be longer than every two years. The commenter suggested increasing it to every 3 years for fisherman under age 65, and making it permanent for fisherman 65 years and older.

Response: NMFS developed the subsistence halibut registration program as a way to focus collection of subsistence harvest information on those persons actually participating in the subsistence fishery. Additionally, a secondary purpose was to distinguish between those eligible to participate and those not eligible to participate. A 2-year registration for rural registrants ensures that NMFS has up-to-date contact information for rural residents to send subsistence harvest surveys. This 2-year registration period also ensures that only qualified rural applicants are re-applying. NMFS developed an online system for participants to renew SHARCs in order to minimize the registration burden. Revisions to the subsistence halibut registration program may be suggested to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.

ALASKA PACIFIC HALIBUT FISHERIES: SUBSISTENCE

COMMENT SUMMARY

OMB 0648-0512

SUBSISTENCE HALIBUT REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE (SHARC) APPLICATION

— Rural Resident

[6 ] Applicable [ ] Not applicable

1. Do you have the information needed to complete the SHARC permit application easily available?

(1) Yes

(0) No

(5) No Comment

If NO, tell us what you need to do to complete this form.

2. Do you prefer to file this application online?

(1) Yes

(0) No

(5) No Comment

If NO, tell us your preferred method – U.S. mail, fax, courier, e-mail attachment, other method?

3. Is our estimate of 10 minutes long enough for you to collect and record the information?

(1) Yes

(0) No

(5) No Comment

IF NO, how long does it take? Why does it take this much time?

4. Are the instructions for the application clear and understandable?

(1) Yes

(0) No

(5) No Comment

If NO, which question(s) is not clear? and why?

5. Do you think that renewing the SHARC every two years is necessary?

(0) Yes

(1) No

(5) No Comment

If NO, tell us what renewal cycle you would prefer.

[See text above for comment received and the response to that comment.]

6. Provide any additional comments on any aspect of the SHARC permit application

(1) Yes [See text above for comment received and the response to that comment.]

(0) No

(5) No Comment

SUBSISTENCE HALIBUT REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE (SHARC) APPLICATION

— Alaska Native Tribal Member

[ ] Applicable [ 6 ] Not applicable

1. Do you have the information needed to complete the SHARC permit application easily available?

If NO, tell us what you need to do to complete this form.

2. Do you prefer to file this application online?

If NO, tell us your preferred method – U.S. mail, fax, courier, e-mail attachment, other method?

3. Is our estimate of 10 minutes long enough for you to collect and record the information?

IF NO, how long does it take? Why does it take this much time?

4. Are the instructions for the application clear and understandable?

If NO, which question(s) is not clear? and why?

5. Do you think that renewing the SHARC every four years is necessary?

If NO, tell us what renewal cycle you would prefer.

6. Provide any additional comments on any aspect of the SHARC permit application

SUBSISTENCE HALIBUT SPECIAL PERMITS APPLICATION

— Community Harvest Permit, Ceremonial Harvest Permit, Educational Harvest Permit

[ ] Applicable [ 6 ] Not applicable

1. Do you have the information needed to complete the special permits application easily available?

If NO, tell us what you need to do to complete this form.

2. Would you prefer to file this application online?

If NO, tell us your preferred method – U.S. mail, fax, courier, e-mail attachment, other method?

3. Is our estimate of 10 minutes long enough for you to collect and record the information?

IF NO, how long does it take? Why does it take this much time?

4. Are the instructions for the application clear and understandable?

If NO, which question(s) is not clear? and why?

5. Do you think that renewing the special permit each year is necessary?

If NO, tell us what renewal cycle you would prefer.

6. Provide any additional comments on any aspect of the special permit application.

COMMUNITY HARVEST PERMIT HARVEST (CHP) LOG

[ ] Applicable [ 6 ] Not applicable

1. Do you have the information needed to complete the CHP log easily available?

If NO, tell us what you need to do to complete this log.

2. Would you prefer to file this harvest log online?

If NO, tell us your preferred method – U.S. mail, fax, courier, e-mail attachment, other method?

3. Is our estimate of 30 minutes long enough for you to collect and record the information?

IF NO, how long does it take? Why does it take this much time?

4. Are the instructions for the CHP log clear and understandable?

If NO, which question(s) is not clear? and why?

5. Provide any additional comments on any aspect of the CHP harvest log.

CEREMONIAL HARVEST PERMIT LOG

[ ] Applicable [ 6 ] Not applicable

1. Do you have the information needed to complete the Ceremonial harvest log easily available?

If NO, tell us what you need to do to complete this log.

2. Would you prefer to file this harvest log online?

If NO, tell us your preferred method – U.S. mail, fax, courier, e-mail attachment, other method?

3. Is our estimate of 30 minutes long enough for you to collect and record the information?

IF NO, how long does it take? Why does it take this much time?

4. Are the instructions for the harvest log clear and understandable?

If NO, which question(s) is not clear? and why?

5. Provide any additional comments on any aspect of the harvest log.

EDUCATIONAL HARVEST PERMIT HARVEST LOG

[ ] Applicable [ 6 ] Not applicable

1. Do you have the information needed to complete the Educational harvest log easily available?

If NO, tell us what you need to do to complete this log.

2. Would you prefer to file this harvest log online?

If NO, tell us your preferred method – U.S. mail, fax, courier, e-mail attachment, other method?

3. Is our estimate of 30 minutes long enough for you to collect and record the information?

IF NO, how long does it take? Why does it take this much time?

4. Are the instructions for the harvest log clear and understandable?

If NO, which question(s) is not clear? and why?

5. Provide any additional comments on any aspect of the harvest log.

NMFS continues to work with IPHC and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to improve data collection and monitoring of the entire Pacific halibut resource in the waters off Alaska.

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

No payment or gift is provided under this program.

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

This information is used to monitor the subsistence halibut program under the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982. Most responses to this information collection request are not confidential; however, birth dates are required on the community harvest permit log, the ceremonial or educational permit harvest log, and the SHARC applications. Birthdates are confidential under the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a).

The System of Records Notice that covers this information collection is COMMERCE/NOAA-19, Permits and Registrations, Permits and Registrations for United States Federally Regulated Fisheries. An amended notice was published on August 7, 2015 (80 FR 47457) and became effective September 15, 2015 (80 FR 55327).

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 issues of a sensitive nature exist under this program.

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

Estimated total respondents: 7,337, increased from 3,806: 7,329 permit holders, 2 CHP coordinators and six educational instructors. Estimated total responses: 6,712, increased from 6,074. Estimated total burden: 1,438 hr, increased from 1,379 hr. Estimated total personnel costs: $31,023, increased from $24,685. The personnel cost of $37 per hour is based on the average wage equivalent to a GS-7 employee in Alaska, including COLA, except for the estimated $12.50 per hour labor cost for gear marking.

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).

Estimated total annual miscellaneous costs: $25,288, increased from $23,807.

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

Estimated total responses: 3,047, increased from 1,775. Estimated total burden: 286 hr, increased from 176 hr. Estimated total personnel costs: $14,423, increased from $6,623. The personnel cost $42 per hour is based on the average wage equivalent to a GS-8 employee in Alaska, including COLA, except for the National Appeals Office which is estimated to be $125 per hour.

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

Adjustments were made to reflect an increase in postage cost, an increased number of SHARC respondents based on the most recently available data (2016), and the assumption that most people would hire an attorney to file an administrative appeal.

Adjustments

SHARC Registration

an increase of 3,523 in respondents, 7,329 instead of 3,806

an increase of 1,266 in responses, 3,030 instead of 1,764

an increase of 211 hr in burden, 505 hr instead of 294 hr

an increase of $7,807 in personnel costs, $18,685 instead of $10,878

an increase of $4,141 in miscellaneous costs, $6,449 instead of $2,308

Special Permits Application

an increase of 7 in respondents, 8 instead of 1

an increase of 7 in responses, 8 instead of 1

an increase of $259 in personnel costs, $296 instead of $37

an increase of $4 in miscellaneous costs, $5 instead of $1

CHP Harvest Log

a decrease of 1 in respondents, 2 instead of 3

a decrease of 1 in responses, 2 instead of 3

an increase of 1 hr in burden, 3 hr instead of 2 hr

an increase of $37 in personnel costs, $111 instead of $74

Ceremonial or Educational Harvest Log

an increase of 6 hr in burden, 9 hr instead of 3 hr

an increase of $222 in personnel costs, $333 instead of $111

an increase of $6 in miscellaneous costs, $7 instead of $1

..

Subsistence Appeals

An increase of $500 in miscellaneous costs, $501 instead of $1.

Gear Marking

an increase of 3,523 in respondents, 7,329 instead of 3,806

a decrease of 634 in responses, 3,665 instead of 4,299

a decrease of 159 hr in burden, 916 hr instead of 1,075 hr

a decrease of $1,987 in personnel costs, $11,450 instead of $13,437

a decrease of $3,170 in miscellaneous costs, $18,325 instead of $21,495

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

Information obtained through registration to issue SHARCs, community harvest permits, ceremonial permits, and educational permits is posted on the NMFS Alaska Region website at

https://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/permits-licenses?field_fishery_pm_value=Subsistence+Halibut.

The information is posted by permit type and summarized by year.

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.

Not Applicable.

18. Explain each exception to the certification statement.

Not Applicable.

B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS

This collection does not employ statistical methods.

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