2011-24737. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; National Marine Sanctuary Permits

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 November 28, 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 Vicki Wedell, 301-713-7237 or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This request is for a revision and extension of this information collection.

National Marine Sanctuary regulations at 15 CFR part 922 list specific activities that are prohibited in national marine sanctuaries. These regulations also state that otherwise prohibited activities are permissible if a permit is issued by the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS). Persons desiring a permit must submit an application, and anyone obtaining a permit is generally required to submit one or more reports on the activity allowed under the permit.

The recordkeeping and reporting requirements at 15 CFR part 922 form the basis for this collection of information. This information is required by ONMS to protect and manage sanctuary resources as required by the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.).

The revision to this collection is to include a separate format and updated guidelines for the lionfish removal permit.

II. Method of Collection

Depending on the permit being requested, various applications, reports, and telephone calls may be required from applicants. Applications and reports can be submitted via e-mail, fax, or traditional mail. Applicants are encouraged to use electronic means to apply for permits and submit reports whenever possible.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0141.

Form Number: None.

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

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

Estimated Number of Respondents: 634.

Estimated Time per Response: General permits, 1 hour and 30 minutes; special use permits, 8 hours; historical resources permits, 13 hours; baitfish permits, lionfish removal permits, permit amendments and certifications, 30 minutes; voluntary registrations, 15 minutes; appeals, 24 hours; Tortugas access permits, 6 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,873.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $1,034 in reporting/recordkeeping 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: September 21, 2011.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.