[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 108 (Friday, June 5, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 30718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-14942]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Gear-Marking Requirements for Fishing in the Southern Ocean Areas 
of the Convention of Antarctic Marine Living Resources

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, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 4, 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 Robin Tuttle, Office of Science and Technology, 
National Marine Fisheries Service, Room 14212, 1315 East-West Highway, 
Silver Spring, MD 20910 (301-713-2282).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    Under the provisions of the Convention of Antarctic Marine Living 
Resources a requirement had been imposed that vessels operating in 
certain areas of the southern oceans and fishing for finfishes, krill, 
or crab must mark any fishing gear not attached to the vessel with a 
buoy displaying the vessel's identification number. The requirements 
assists law enforcement officials in monitoring fishing and other 
activities and to ascertain whether the vessel is participating in 
activities authorized for that vessel.
    NOAA has previously received Paperwork Reduction Act clearance for 
all of its gear-marking requirements under one Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) control number, 0648-0305, but for internal management 
reasons NOAA intends that future clearances will be obtained on a 
regional or fishery basis.

II. Method of Collection

    The vessel's official number must be displayed on any fishing gear 
not attached to the vessel.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None (Previously cleared under 0648-0305).
    Form Number: N/A.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Business and other for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 15 minutes per buoy.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 5.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $200.

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 1, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 98-14942 Filed 6-4-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P