[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 89 (Friday, May 8, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 25446]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-12246]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Survey of Intent and Capacity to Harvest and Process Fish and
Shellfish (Northwest Region)
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, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C.
3506(c)(2)(A)).
DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 7, 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 William L. Robinson, NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way
NE, Seattle, WA 98112, 206-526-6140.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Abstract
Preseason survey information collected from the groundfish industry
helps provide (1) the capacity and extent to which U.S. fishing vessels
will annually harvest the optimum yield specified for a fishery; (2)
the portion of that optimum yield which will not be harvested by U.S.
fishing vessels, and can therefore be made available to foreign
vessels; and (3) the capacity and extent to which U.S. fish processors
can annually process that portion of the optimum yield that will be
harvested by U.S. vessels.
Pacific whiting, the species most often available to foreign and
joint venture operations in the past, recently has become fully
``Americanized'' (processed by U.S. processors only). However,
Americanization of other species is not assured, and therefore the need
for the survey continues. In addition, there has been an increased need
to determine the intent and capacity of segments of the domestic
industry, particularly with respect to resource allocation among user
groups. Therefore, the survey continues to be an appropriate and
important tool to assist in groundfish management.
II. Method of Collection
The survey consists of a written data collection instrument for
U.S. fish processors, and U.S. fishers of groundfish off the coasts of
Washington, Oregon, and California. The survey form will be returned to
NMFS (NWR) by mail, fax, electronic mail, or in person.
III. Data
OMB Number: 0648-0243.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Regular Submission.
Affected Public: Business or other for-profit (owners or operators
of vessels that catch or process fish in ocean waters 0-200 nautical
miles offshore Washington, Oregon, and California).
Estimated Number of Respondents: 60.
Estimated Time Per Response: 5 minutes.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 10.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (no capital expenditures
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: May 4, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and
Organization.
[FR Doc. 98-12246 Filed 5-7-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
