2020-09768. Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Vessel Monitoring System Requirements in Western Pacific Fisheries

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before July 6, 2020.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Adrienne Thomas, PRA Officer, NOAA, 151 Patton Avenue, Room 159, Asheville, NC 28801 (or via the internet at [e-mail]). Please reference OMB Control Number 06xx-xxxx in the subject line of your comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Walter Ikehara, [phone] or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This request is for extension of a currently approved information collection.

As part of fishery management plans developed under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, owners of commercial fishing vessels in the Hawaii pelagic longline fishery, American Samoa pelagic longline fishery (only vessels longer than 50 feet), Northwestern Hawaiian Islands lobster fishery (currently inactive), and Northern Mariana Islands bottomfish fishery (only vessels longer than 40 feet) must allow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to install vessel monitoring system (VMS) units on their vessels when directed to do so by NOAA enforcement personnel. VMS units automatically send periodic reports on the position of the vessel. NOAA uses the reports to monitor the vessel's location and activities, primarily to enforce regulated fishing areas. NOAA pays for the units and messaging. There is no public burden for the automatic messaging; VMS installation, annual maintenance and operating (connection) costs for Hawaii longline vessels are paid for by NOAA Fisheries.

II. Method of Collection

Automatic electronic submission.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0441.

Form Number: None.

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

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations; individuals or households.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 209.

Estimated Time per Response: 4 hours for installation or replacement of a VMS unit; 2 hours for annual maintenance.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 478 (estimated 15 installations per year).

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in VMS system installation and maintenance, recordkeeping, or reporting costs.

IV. Request for Comments

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Dated: May 4, 2020.

Sheleen Dumas,

Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department.