98-4590. Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Deterrence Regulations and Guidelines; Proposed Collection; Comment Request  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
    [Notices]
    [Page 9202]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-4590]
    
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
    
    National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
    
    
    Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Deterrence Regulations and 
    Guidelines; Proposed Collection; Comment Request
    
    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 April 27, 1998.
    
    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 Michael Payne, Chief, Marine Mammal Division, 
    Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
    Spring, MD 20910-3226, telephone 301-713-2332.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    I. Abstract
    
        The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) provides authority for 
    individuals under the jurisdiction of the United States to deter marine 
    mammals from: damaging private property, including fishing gear or 
    catch, endangering public safety, and damaging public property. The 
    MMPA requires the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to publish a 
    list of guidelines for use in safely deterring marine mammals and to 
    prohibit deterrence measures that have a significant adverse effect on 
    marine mammals. A rule will set forth these guidelines and 
    prohibitions, including requirements for reporting unintentional marine 
    mammal mortality, petitioning NMFS to prohibit deterrent devices that 
    might seriously injure or kill a marine mammal, and for the 
    authorization to use certain measures to non-lethally deter marine 
    mammals listed under the Endangered Species Act.
    
    II. Method of Collection
    
        Respondents will meet the requirements set forth in the regulation. 
    No forms will be used.
    
    III. Data
    
        OMB Number: None.
        Form Number: None.
        Type of Review: Regular Submission.
        Affected Public: (1) Any member of the public having an interaction 
    with a marine mammal that for reasons of personal safety, results in 
    the death of the marine mammal. (2) Any member of the public wishing to 
    petition NMFS to have certain deterrence measures either prohibited 
    from use because they may seriously injure or kill a marine mammal or 
    authorized for proper use on marine mammals listed as either threatened 
    or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
        Estimated Number of Respondents: 3 (1 mortality report and 2 
    petitions per year).
        Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes per mortality report, 40 
    hours per petition.
        Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 81.
        Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (no capital expenditures 
    are required).
    
    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: February 18, 1998.
    Linda Engelmeier,
    Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
    Organization.
    [FR Doc. 98-4590 Filed 2-23-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Published:
02/24/1998
Department:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Entry Type:
Notice
Document Number:
98-4590
Dates:
Written comments must be submitted on or before April 27, 1998.
Pages:
9202-9202 (1 pages)
PDF File:
98-4590.pdf