[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 7, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 52323]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-26562]
[[Page 52323]]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Marine Mammals: General Incidental Take Permits, Small Take
Exemptions, and Certificates of Inclusion
ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.
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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, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before December 8,
1997.
ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20230.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions
should be directed to Wanda L. Cain, Office of Protected Resources,
National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910 (301-713-2055).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
This information is used to issue Certificates of Inclusion under
the General Permit issued to the American Tunaboat Association (ATA)
and to process requests for dolphin mortality limits from those vessels
intending to fish for tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP)
with purse seine nets. This is the only General Permit authorized under
the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and it governs the taking of marine
mammals in the course of commercial purse seine fishing for yellowfin
tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Individual vessels must
obtain certificates of inclusion under this permit.
II. Method of Collection
Currently, no take of marine mammals is authorized under the
General Permit issued to the ATA under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
since the established quota is zero. However, NMFS requires vessels
fishing for tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to maintain
valid Vessel and Operator Certificates of Inclusion to maintain
adequate observer coverage.
Each year, NMFS notifies current certificated vessels and operators
of their obligation to renew their certificates if they intend to fish
in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Vessel Certificates of Inclusion
are valid for one year, non-transferable, and cost $200. Operator
Certificates of Inclusion are valid for one year, non-transferable, and
no fee is required. However, to qualify for an Operator Certificate of
Inclusion, the operator must have a current or previous calendar year
Certificate of Inclusion or attend a new operator's workshop session.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0648-0083.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Regular Submission.
Affected Public: Individuals & Businesses.
Estimated Number of Respondents: 27.
Estimated Time Per Response: 0.25 hr.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6.75 hrs.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.00 (no capital
expenditures are required of respondents).
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: October 1, 1997.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and
Organization.
[FR Doc. 97-26562 Filed 10-6-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
