0648-STSP Supporting Statement B

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

U.S. Department of Commerce

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration

Southwest Fisheries Science Center Sea Turtle Sightings

OMB Control No. 0648-XXXX

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods

1. Describe (including a numerical estimate) the potential respondent universe and any sampling or other respondent selection method to be used. Data on the number of entities (e.g., establishments, State and local government units, households, or persons) in the universe covered by the collection and in the corresponding sample are to be provided in tabular form for the universe as a whole and for each of the strata in the proposed sample. Indicate expected response rates for the collection as a whole. If the collection had been conducted previously, include the actual response rate achieved during the last collection.

The respondent universe includes members of the public that submit sea turtle sightings information on an opportunistic and voluntary basis, therefore there is no anticipated response rate. The information collection tool will be posted on the SWFSC’s website and promoted on NMFS West Coast Region sea turtle outreach materials.

2. Describe the procedures for the collection of information.

There will be no statistical methods used on these data. Estimation procedures, degree of accuracy, sampling procedures, and data collection cycles are not relevant to this information collection. The data will be used for visual mapping purposes only.

3. Describe methods to maximize response rates and to deal with issues of non-response. The accuracy and reliability of information collected must be shown to be adequate for intended uses. For collections based on sampling, a special justification must be provided for any collection that will not yield "reliable" data that can be generalized to the universe studied.

There is no requirement for the public to submit sighting information; instead, information will be submitted on an opportunistic and voluntary basis. Non-response does not impact this information collection.

4. Describe any tests of procedures or methods to be undertaken. Testing is encouraged as an effective means of refining collections of information to minimize burden and improve utility. Tests must be approved if they call for answers to identical questions from 10 or more respondents. A proposed test or set of tests may be submitted for approval separately or in combination with the main collection of information.

We will test the tool first to ensure it is working properly, i.e., we will submit our own test responses to ensure the information collection tool is properly displayed on the website, responses are being accurately recorded, etc. There will be no tests for the public.

5. Provide the name and telephone number of individuals consulted on statistical aspects of the design and the name of the agency unit, contractor(s), grantee(s), or other person(s) who will actually collect and/or analyze the information for the agency.

Christina Fahy (NMFS West Coast Region, Protected Resources Division) via Jennifer Shultz (NOAA Headquarters, Office of Protected Resources, jennifer.shultz@noaa.gov) was consulted on the statistical aspects of the survey (i.e., Jennifer confirmed there will be no statistical analysis performed on the data and that the data will only be used for visual mapping purposes).

Dr. Jeffrey Seminoff (jeffrey.seminoff@noaa.gov), Leader of the Marine Turtle Ecology & Assessment Program at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, will be the primary contact for collecting the sightings data.