[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 9202]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-4590]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Taking and Importing Marine Mammals: Deterrence Regulations and 
Guidelines; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

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 April 27, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, 
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 or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Michael Payne, Chief, Marine Mammal Division, 
Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910-3226, telephone 301-713-2332.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) provides authority for 
individuals under the jurisdiction of the United States to deter marine 
mammals from: damaging private property, including fishing gear or 
catch, endangering public safety, and damaging public property. The 
MMPA requires the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to publish a 
list of guidelines for use in safely deterring marine mammals and to 
prohibit deterrence measures that have a significant adverse effect on 
marine mammals. A rule will set forth these guidelines and 
prohibitions, including requirements for reporting unintentional marine 
mammal mortality, petitioning NMFS to prohibit deterrent devices that 
might seriously injure or kill a marine mammal, and for the 
authorization to use certain measures to non-lethally deter marine 
mammals listed under the Endangered Species Act.

II. Method of Collection

    Respondents will meet the requirements set forth in the regulation. 
No forms will be used.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular Submission.
    Affected Public: (1) Any member of the public having an interaction 
with a marine mammal that for reasons of personal safety, results in 
the death of the marine mammal. (2) Any member of the public wishing to 
petition NMFS to have certain deterrence measures either prohibited 
from use because they may seriously injure or kill a marine mammal or 
authorized for proper use on marine mammals listed as either threatened 
or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3 (1 mortality report and 2 
petitions per year).
    Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes per mortality report, 40 
hours per petition.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 81.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (no capital expenditures 
are required).

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: February 18, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 98-4590 Filed 2-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P