03-15293. Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Subsistence Fishery for Pacific Halibut in Waters off Alaska, Registration and Gear Marking

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 18, 2003.

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 Patsy A. Bearden at 907-586-7228 or at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This submission seeks renewal of collection-of-information requirements that are part of the program for the Pacific halibut subsistence fishery. The program includes requirements for registration to participate in the fishery, and the marking of certain types of gear used in this fishery. The registration requirement is intended to allow qualified persons to practice the long-term customary and traditional harvest of Pacific halibut for food in a non-commercial manner. The gear-marking requirement aids in enforcement and in actions related to gear damage or loss.

II. Method of Collection

The registration information may be submitted by an individual or as a list of multiple individuals from an Alaska Native tribe. Submissions may be made by mail, FAX, e-mail or on-line.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0648-0460.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Individuals or households, and not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,658.

Estimated Time Per Response: 10 minutes for a subsistence halibut registration; and 15 minutes for subsistence halibut gear marking.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,167.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $16,816.

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 10, 2003.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.