2011-1514. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Implantation and Recovery of Archival Tags for Highly Migratory Species

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 March 28, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, 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 Michael Clark, [phone] or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This request is for an extension of a currently approved information collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) allows scientists to implant archival tags in, or affix archival tags to, selected Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish). Archival tags collect location, temperature, and water depth data that is useful for scientists researching the movements and behavior of individual fish. It is often necessary to retrieve the tags in order to obtain the collected data; therefore, persons catching tagged fish are exempted from other normally applicable regulations (i.e., immediate release of the fish, minimum size, prohibited species, retention limits). These participants must notify NOAA, return the archival tag or make it available to NOAA personnel, and provide information about the location and method of capture if they harvest a fish that has an archival tag. The information obtained is used by NOAA in the formation of international and domestic fisheries policy and regulations.

Scientists outside of NOAA who affix or implant archival tags must obtain prior authorization from NOAA and submit subsequent reports about the tagging of fish. NOAA needs this information to evaluate the effectiveness of archival tag programs, to assess the likely impact of regulatory allowances for tag recovery, and to ensure that the research does not produce excessive mortality.

II. Method of Collection

Tags and associated information are either mailed in to NOAA and/or information may be collected via telephone.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0338.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently approved information collection).

Affected public: Individuals or households; business or other for-profit organizations; not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 32.

Estimated Time per Response: 30 minutes for reporting an archival tag recovery (25 respondents); 40 minutes each for notification of planned archival tagging activity and three reports (2 interim reports and 1 annual report) (7 respondents).

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 32.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

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 20, 2011.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.