05-5524. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Scientific Research, Exempted Fishing, and Exempted Educational Activity Submissions

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 May 20, 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 William Chappell, [phone] or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

Fishery regulations do not generally affect scientific research activities conducted by a scientific research vessel. Persons planning to conduct such research are encouraged to submit a scientific research plan to ensure that the activities are considered research and not fishing. The researchers are requested to submit reports of their scientific research activity after its completion.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) may also grant exemptions from fishery regulations for educational or other activities (e.g., the testing of fishing gear). The applications for these exemptions must be submitted, and reports on activities submitted.

II. Method of Collection

Most information is submitted on forms or other written format. For permits, some information may be phoned in or submitted electronically to NMFS, depending on the terms and conditions of the permit.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0648-0309.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Business and other for-profit organizations; individuals or households; not-for-profit institutions; and state, local, or tribal government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 170.

Estimated Time Per Response: 6 hours for a scientific research plan; 1 hour for an exempted fishing permit request, exempted fishing permit report, or scientific research activity report; and 30 minutes for an exempted educational activity request or an exempted educational activity report.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 695.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $14,797.

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: March 16, 2005.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.