[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