Authority to Collect

The collection of this information is authorized by the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA); Marine Mammal Protection Act; Endangered Species Act; and 50 CFR 660.16, Groundfish observer program.

---

Purpose

Northwest Fisheries Science Center Observer Program database systems are used to store fishery-dependent data collected by fisheries observers aboard commercial fishing vessels and also to store information for tracking observer deployments and eligibility.

---

Routine Uses

The information submitted is confidential under the MSA and NOAA Administrative Order 216-100. NOAA will use this information in fisheries management and scientific research and to track observer deployments and make observer eligibility determinations. Some of the information may be used by NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement or the United States Coast Guard for informational uses or investigations into potential violations. Disclosure of this information is permitted under the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. Section 552a) to be shared among NOAA staff for work-related purposes. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all of the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act Systems of Records Notices, Commerce/NOAA-6, Fishermen's Statistical Data and Commerce/ NOAA-15, Monitoring of National Marine Fisheries Service Observers.

---

Disclosure

Furnishing this information is mandatory. Failure to provide accurate information may prevent observer certification, observer provider permitting, or participation in the Fishery; or result in observer decertification; or result in a violation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act or regulations promulgated under the Act.