2012-15127. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Understanding Recreational Angler Attitudes and Preferences for Saltwater Fishing

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

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 August 20, 2012.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 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 Kristy Wallmo, 301-427-8190 or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This request is for a new collection of information.

The objective of the survey will be to understand the range of attitudes, preferences, and concerns that recreational anglers hold towards saltwater fishing.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Science and Technology will conduct this survey to improve our understanding of anglers' expectations and how they may change with fish stock recovery. As more stocks recover, the survey is well-timed to inform fisheries management on anglers' satisfaction with current management and the types of goals and objectives that should be pursued (e.g., in developing guidelines). Results of the survey will be used to inform fisheries management and planning and establish a baseline for outreach and education.

II. Method of Collection

The survey will be conducted using two modes: mail and Internet.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: None.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission (request for a new information collection).

Affected Public: Individual recreational fishing permit holders.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 6,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 20 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,000.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/reporting costs.

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: June 15, 2012,

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.