[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 175 (Thursday, September 10, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48477-48478]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-24209]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Swordfish and Shark Fisheries Vessel 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, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before November 9, 
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

    For vessels permitted in the swordfish or shark fisheries, the 
vessel's official number is required to be displayed on the port and 
starboard side of the deckhouse or hull, and on a weather deck, so as 
to be clearly visible from an enforcement vessel or aircraft. Certain 
regulations for these fisheries require enforcement while at-sea (e.g., 
closed areas or seasons, gear restrictions,

[[Page 48478]]

prohibited transfer of catch, etc.). This requirement is necessary to 
identify vessels at sea.

II. Method of Collection

    There is no form used or information collected under this 
requirement. Permits are issued to vessel operators (under a separate 
information collection) and the permitted vessel's official number is 
marked on the hull of the vessel.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, individuals 
(operators of vessels permitted in the swordfish and shark fisheries).
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 800.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 45 minutes (3 locations @ 15 minutes 
each).
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 600.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $24,000 ($30 per vessel).

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: September 2, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer.
[FR Doc. 98-24209 Filed 9-9-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P