05-1341. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; High Seas Fishing Permit Application Information

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.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before March 28, 2005.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 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 Bob Dickinson, F/SF4, Room 13304, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282 (phone [phone], ext. 154).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

U.S. vessels that fish on the high seas (waters beyond the U.S. exclusive economic zone) are required to possess a permit issued under the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act. Applicants must submit information to identify their vessels and intended fishing areas. The application information is used to process applications and to maintain a register of vessels authorized to fish on the high seas.

II. Method of Collection

Paper forms must be mailed to NOAA.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0648-0304.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 200.

Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 100.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $10,000.

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 14, 2005.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.