[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 96 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27565-27566]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13174]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Northeast Region Survey of Intent and Capacity To Process Fish 
and Shellfish

ACTION: Proposed Collection; Comment Request.

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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, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 17, 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 Clay Heaton, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management 
Council (MAFMC), 300 South New Street, Dover, Delaware 19901-6790, 
(302) 674-2331.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Fishery Management Plans for Atlantic Surf Clams and Ocean 
Quahogs, and Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish include 
requirements that the National Marine Fisheries Service and/or the 
MAFMC survey domestic processors and joint venture operators annually 
to establish industry capacity to utilize the managed species.
    A survey, required under the squid, mackerel and butterfish 
regulations at 50 CFR 648.21(b), is used to establish the intent and 
capacity of the US industry to utilize allowable harvest in a given 
year. If the US industry is unable to fully utilize the allowed harvest 
of Atlantic mackerel, the excess may be used in establishing levels of 
catch for joint ventures and/or direct foreign harvest .
    A survey, required under the surf clam and ocean quahog regulations 
at 50 CFR 648.7(a)(2)(ii), is used to obtain data for use in monitoring 
present processing activities and estimating future production at the 
processing plant level. As in previous years, this information is 
obtained annually through a telephone survey.
    Both surveys seek information concerning annual capacity to process 
theses species; historical amount of product processed; and quantity of 
product to be processed in the future.

II. Method of Collection

    Written and telephone surveys.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0648-0235.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Business and other for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 54.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 15 minutes for the Atlantic mackerel, 
squid, and butterfish survey; 5 minutes for the Atlantic Surf Clam and 
ocean quahog survey.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 10 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (no capital expenditures 
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

[[Page 27566]]

approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter 
of public record.

    Dated: May 13, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 98-13174 Filed 5-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P