SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

Sponsored by NOAA's Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), this request seeks an extension of a currently approved information collection. As part of this submission, we request updating the title of our OMB Control Number from Florida Fishing and Boating Survey Pilot to Southeast Fishing and Boating Survey. Replacing “Florida” with “Southeast” reflects our plans to survey marine anglers across additional Southeastern states, broadening the collection of data on regional angler preferences and demand. This broader scope necessitates only minor changes to the survey instrument to address regional terminology and will not alter the requested burden hours.

The primary goal under OMB Control Number 0648-0769 is to evaluate how boaters and anglers adjust their behaviors in response to changing trip costs and regulatory updates throughout the Southeast, including both Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of America waters. Collected data will enhance economic impact analyses regarding regulatory revisions (such as bag limits or season lengths) and shifting financial factors like fuel prices. Furthermore, responses covering current trip frequencies alongside projected trips under modified conditions will be used to construct predictive models for regional fishing and boating participation.

The population to be surveyed consists of anglers and boat owners with a license to fish in the Gulf of America or Atlantic. The sample will be drawn from a list of licensed Southeast anglers and boat owners. Anglers/boat owners will be emailed an invitation to the online survey that directs them to a website to complete the survey.

II. Method of Collection

Anglers/boat owners will be emailed an invitation that directs them to a website to complete the survey.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0769.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular Submission [Extension of a current information collection].

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,120.

Estimated Time per Response: 3 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 156 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.00.

Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.

Legal Authority: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act as reauthorized in 2007 (16 U.S.C. 1801 et. seq.)

IV. Request for Comments

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this information collection request. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

91 FR 69821