NMFS issues this final rule to
implement an electronic monitoring (EM) program for two sectors of
the limited entry trawl fishery, consistent with the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and
the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The
action allows catcher vessels in the Pacific whiting fishery and
fixed gear vessels in the shorebased Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ)
fishery to use EM in place of observers to meet the requirements of
the Trawl Rationalization Program for 100-percent at-sea observer
coverage. This action is necessary to increase operational
flexibility and reduce monitoring costs for vessels in the trawl
fishery by providing an alternative to observers. Data from the EM
program will be used to debit discards of IFQ species from IFQs and
mothership cooperative allocations. Through this action, NMFS has
also approved and is implementing the following measures: An
application process for interested vessel owners; performance
standards for EM systems; requirements for vessel operators; a
permitting process and standards for EM service providers; and,
requirements for processors (first receivers) for receiving and
disposing of prohibited and protected species from EM
trips.
Due to a series of
unpreventable circumstances, the ICR package was not entered into
ROCIS until after the Final Rule had published. Therefore, as
required by ROCIS, we are requesting an emergency review.
US Code:
16 USC 1801 et seq Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation & Management Reauthorization Act
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.