02-781. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Highly Migratory Species Observer Notification Requirements

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

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, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506 (c)(2)(A)).

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before March 12, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Madeleine Clayton, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6086, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC 20230 (or via Internet at [e-mail]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Christopher Rogers at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Highly Migratory Species Management Division, 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, or by e-mail at [e-mail] or phone at 301-713-2347.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

Under current regulations NMFS may select for observer coverage any fishing trip by a vessel that has a permit for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS). NMFS will advise vessel owners in writing when their vessels have been selected. The owners of those vessels are then required to notify NMFS before commencing any fishing trip for Atlantic HMS. Such notification allows NMFS to arrange for observer placements and assignments. The estimated number of responses exceeds the number of respondents due to multiple trips taken within a particular season.

II. Method of Collection

Notification can be made by phone, fax, or letter.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0648-0374.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations; individuals or households.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 212.

Estimated Time Per Response: 2 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 295.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $4,468.

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: January 4, 2002.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.