[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 108 (Friday, June 5, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 30719-30720] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-14944] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Region Vessel Identification Requirements ACTION: 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 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 Alvin Katekaru, Pacific Islands Area Office, Southwest Region, NMFS, 2570 Dole Street, Honolulu, HI 96822-2396 (808) 973-2985. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract Under the provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) NOAA is responsible for management of the Nation's marine fisheries. As part of its efforts to enforce fishery regulations, NOAA has included in some of those regulations requirements that fishing vessels be clearly identified through painting or display of an identification number on its deckhouse, hull, and/or weather deck. The ability to identify vessels from air platforms greatly enhances the ability to enforce fishery regulations and determine whether a particular vessel is authorized to participate in a fishery or engage in the activities observed. 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, 0648-0306, but for internal management reasons NOAA has concluded that future clearances will be obtained on a regional or fishery basis. This notice is [[Page 30720]] for the requirements imposed in the Southwest Region's pelagic longline, crustaceans, bottomfish and seamount groundfish, precious corals, and northern anchovy fisheries. II. Method of Collection In these fisheries, the official number of the vessel must be clearly displayed on the port and starboard sides of the deck house or hull and on a weather deck. Minimum marking sizes are set as well as a requirement to keep the numbers visible without interference from gear or rigging. III. Data OMB Number: None (Previously cleared under 0648-0306). Form Number: N/A. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Business and other for-profit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 175. Estimated Time Per Response: 15 per marking, 45 minutes per vessel. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 169 hours. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $2,500. 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. 98-14944 Filed 6-4-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P