2016-04888. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific Coast Groundfish Rationalization Sociocultural Study

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before May 6, 2016.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at [e-mail]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Suzanne Russell, Human Dimensions Team, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112, [phone] or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This request is for revision and extension of a currently approved information collection. The revision consists of minor changes to the information collection tool.

Historically, changes in fisheries management regulations have been shown to result in impacts to individuals within the fishery. An understanding of social impacts in fisheries—achieved through the collection of data on fishing communities, as well as on individuals who fish—is a requirement under several federal laws. Laws such as the National Environmental Protection Act and the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation Act (as amended 2007) describe such requirements. The collection of this data not only helps to inform legal requirements for the existing management actions, but will inform future management actions requiring equivalent information.

Literature indicates fisheries rationalization programs have an impact on those individuals participating in the affected fishery. The Pacific Fisheries Management Council implemented a rationalization program for the Pacific Coast Groundfish limited entry trawl fishery in January 2011. This research aims to continue to study the individuals in the affected fishery over the long term. Data collection will shift from a timing related to changes in the catch share program design elements to a five-year cycle. In addition, the study will compare results to previous data collection efforts in 2010, 2012, and 2015/2016. The data collected will provide updated and more comprehensive descriptions of the industry as well as allow for analysis of changes the rationalization program may create in the fishery. The measurement of these changes will lead to a greater understanding of the social impacts the management measure may have on the individuals in the fishery. To achieve these goals, it is critical to continue data collection for comparison to previously collected data and establish a time-series which will identify changes over the long term. Analysis can also be correlated with any regulatory adjustments due to the upcoming five-year review of the program. This study will continue data collection efforts to achieve the stated objectives.

This study is managed by the Human Dimensions Team, Ecosystem Science Program, Conservation Biology Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA.

II. Method of Collection

Verbal communication and collaboration with key informants, focus groups, paper surveys, electronic surveys, and in person interviews will be utilized in combination to obtain the greatest breadth of information as possible.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0606.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission (revision and extension of a current information collection).

Affected Public: Individuals or households; business or other for-profit organizations; not-for-profit institutions. State, local and tribal government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 500.

Estimated Time per Response: Surveys and focus groups, 1 hour each and interviews, 30 minutes each.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 750.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: 0 in recordkeeping/reporting costs.

IV. Request for Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

Dated: March 1, 2016.

Sarah Brabson,

NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.