A VMS transmitter automatically
determines the vessel’s position several times per hour using a
Global Positioning System satellite. A communications service
provider receives the transmission and relays it to NOAA Fisheries
Office for Enforcement. The VMS transmitters are designed to be
tamper-resistant and automatic. In most cases, the vessel owner is
unaware of exactly when the unit is transmitting and is unable to
alter the signal or the time of transmission. The VMS unit is
passive and automatic, requiring no reporting effort of the vessel
operator. This action would add VMS requirements for vessels
operating in a GOA IFQ regulatory area and using longline pot gear
to fish IFQ sablefish and IFQ halibut. A vessel’s VMS transmitter
must be transmitting when the vessel leaves port in the GOA IFQ
sablefish longline pot fishery. The vessel operator must receive a
VMS confirmation number before fishing for sablefish in the GOA IFQ
regulatory areas with longline pot gear.
US Code:
16
USC 773-773k Name of Law: Northern Pacific Halibut Act of
1982
PL:
Pub.L. 94 - 265 303 Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act
Program adjustments are due to
the difference between previous and current respondents and
responses. This extension adjusts upward the number of respondents
by 261*, using the most recently available permit data (2017) and
has adjusted upward the cost estimates for inflation. Costs in this
submission reflect that the allocated reimbursement for VMS
purchase has already been used for this period. NMFS has also
responded to public comment in adjusting burden hours upward as
well as adding burden hours and technician costs for VMS unit
failure troubleshooting that was identified in public comments and
not previously tabulated. Also, a major cost correction:
previously, technician costs for installation and maintenance were
not included. * The previous ICR (1/17) had 63 unduplicated
respondents. The sponsor for that ICR has since retired so we
cannot trace what happened. The apparent degree of change related
to this discrepancy is greater than in reality.
$76,960
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Uncollected
Scott Miller 907
586-7416
No
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.