05-2293. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Vessel and Gear Marking

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 collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before April 8, 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 Michael Clark, Highly Migratory Species Management Division (F/SF1), Office of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910 (phone [phone]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

Under current regulations at 50 CFR part 635.6, fishing vessels permitted for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) must display their official vessel numbers on their vessels. Flotation devices attached to certain fishing gear must also be marked with the vessel's number to identify catch that is buoyed. These requirements are necessary for law enforcement and monitoring purposes.Specifically, all vessels owners that hold a valid HMS permit, other than an HMS angling permit, are required to mark their vessels with their vessel identification number. The numbers should be permanently affixed to, or painted on the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull and on an appropriate weather deck, so as to be clearly visible from an enforcement vessel or aircraft. Furthermore, fishermen that use longline gear must mark high-flyers and terminal buoys with their vessel identification number. Gillnet fishermen must also mark their terminal buoys, and handgear or harpoon fishermen must mark all buoys attached to their gear with their vessel identification number.

II. Method of Collection

There is no form or information collected under this requirement. Official vessel numbers issued to vessel operators are marked on the vessel and on flotation gear, if applicable.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0648-0373.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations (vessel owners); and Individuals or households.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 8,700 vessels for vessel identification marking; and 24,064 permit holders for gear marking.

Estimated Time Per Response: 45 minutes/year to mark a vessel; and 15 minutes/year to mark a float.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6,525 hours for vessel identification marking; and 6,877 hours for gear marking.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $304,500.

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 the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; ) 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 28, 2005.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.