[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]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Gear Identification 
Requirements

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 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