[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 108 (Friday, June 5, 1998)] [Notices] [Page 30724] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-14951] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Gear 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 Christopher Rogers, Highly Migratory Species Management Division (F/SF1), Office of Sustainable Fisheries, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910; (301) 713-2347. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract Any flotation device attached to handline or harpoon gear used to fish for Atlantic highly migratory species (tunas, swordfish, sharks) must be marked with the permit number of the vessel from which it is used. Regulations for these fisheries prohibit at-sea transfer of catch. This requirement is necessary to identify catch that is buoyed for later pickup. II. Method of Collection There is no form used under this requirement. Permit numbers are issued to vessel operators (under a separate information collection) and the permit number is marked on flotation gear. The requirement is contained at 50 CFR 285.33. III. Data OMB Number: None. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Individuals, Business and other for-profit organizations (respondents are operators of vessels in the Atlantic tunas, swordfish and shark fisheries who fish with handgear). Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,600. Estimated Time Per Response: 15 minutes per float (it is assumed that each vessel would have a maximum of five floats). Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,000. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $24,000 (for materials). 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. 98-14951 Filed 6-4-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-22-P