[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 230 (Wednesday, November 27, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Page 60263]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-30268]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Southwest Region Permit Family of Forms

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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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 January 27, 
1997.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, Acting 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information of 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Svein Fougner, Fisheries Management Division, 
Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 W. Ocean Boulevard, Suite 4200, Long Beach, 
California 90802, telephone 310-980-4034.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Federal Fisheries Permits Program administered by the Southwest 
Region, NMFS, is the principal mechanism for monitoring participation 
in the pelagic longline, crustacean, bottomfish and precious corals 
fisheries in the western Pacific region. These fisheries are regulated 
under fishery management plans prepared by the Western Pacific Fishery 
Management Council and approved by the Secretary of Commerce. Persons 
wishing to participate in these fisheries must have permits, and 
permits are obtained from the Southwest Region, NMFS. Information on 
the permit application forms ensures up-to-date records for purposes of 
determining interests in the fisheries, participation, entry and exit 
patterns so that impacts on permittees from possible regulatory changes 
can be determined; for enforcement; and for advising fishermen of 
actual or potential changes in regulations.

II. Method of Collection

    Permittees file applications for new permits, renewals, or other 
permit actions (e.g., permit transfers) with the Pacific Area Office, 
Southwest Region, and submit appropriate fees if required. Application 
forms are provided by the Pacific Area Office, which then reviews the 
application, determines that all information is furnished, obtains NOAA 
General Counsel clearance (to determine if there are any unpaid fines 
or penalties), and issues the permit. Permit information is then 
entered into the appropriate data base.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0648-0204.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular Submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals and Businesses, primarily commercial 
fishermen.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 275.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes for fishery permit 
applications, 1 hour for experimental permit applications, and 2 hours 
for longline limited entry permit appeals.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 158.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

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: November 21, 1996.
Linda Engelmeier,
Acting Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 96-30268 Filed 11-26-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P