2011-16648. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific Albacore Logbook

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. Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before August 30, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, 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 John Childers, [phone] or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This request is for an extension of a currently approved information collection.The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations, Southwest Fisheries Science Center operates a Pacific Albacore Data Collection Program. Fishermen participating on the Pacific albacore tuna fishery are required to complete and submit logbooks documenting their catch and effort on fishing trips. This is a requirement under the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan and the High-Seas Fisheries Compliance Act permit for logbook submissions. The information obtained is used by the NOAA to assess the status of albacore stocks and to monitor the fishery. Fishermen are also provided an electronic logbook computer program that they can voluntarily use in place of the paper copy of the logbook.

II. Method of Collection

Respondents have a choice of either electronic data submission or paper forms. Methods of submittal include e-mail of electronic data submissions, and mailing of paper forms. A logbook form is used that consists of a front page form that collects vessel characteristics and a log sheet form that collects daily fishing information. Use of the electronic form is voluntary.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0223.

Form Number: NOAA Form 88-197.

Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently approved information collection).

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,000.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $2,560.

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 28, 2011.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.