[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 108 (Friday, June 5, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 30722-30723] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-14949] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Northeast 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 Mary M. Tokarcik, Fisheries Management Specialist, One Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930, (978) 281-9326. 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 a requirement that fishing vessels display the vessel's official number in a specific way. The display of the number assists law enforcement [[Page 30723]] 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 vessel-identification requirements under one Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number, 0648-0306, but for internal management reasons NOAA intends that future clearances will be obtained on a regional or fishery basis. This notice is for the requirements imposed in the Northeast Region for the following fisheries: summer flounder; black sea bass; scup; American lobster; Atlantic sea scallop; Northeast multispecies; Atlantic surf clam and ocean quahog; Atlantic mackerel, squid and butterfish. II. Method of Collection The vessel's official number must be displayed in a specified size on the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull and on a weather deck. III. Data OMB Number: None. Form Number: N/A. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Business and other for-profit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 5,655. Estimated Time Per Response: 45 minutes (15 minutes for each of 3 specified locations). Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,241 hours. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $120,169. 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. 98-14949 Filed 6-4-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P