[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 115 (Thursday, June 14, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Page 32319]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-15063]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 061101E ]


Recovery and Implantation of Archival Tags

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

ACTION: Proposed information 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 August 13, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Madeleine Clayton, 
Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
6086, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington DC 20230 (or via 
Internet at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument (s) and instructions 
should be directed to Christopher Rogers, F/SF1, Room 13563, 1315 East-
West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282 (phone 301-713-2347, ext. 
109).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
authorizes programs to implant archival tags in, or affix archival tags 
to, selected Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (tunas, sharks, 
swordfish, and billfish). Archival tags are miniature data loggers that 
acquire information about the movements and behavior of the fish. 
Persons catching tagged fish are exempted from other normally 
applicable regulations, such as immediate release of the fish, but must 
notify NOAA, return the archival tag or make it available to NOAA 
personnel, and provide information about the location and method of 
capture. The information obtained is used by NOAA in the formation of 
international and domestic fisheries policy and regulations.
    Persons who affix or implant archival tags must obtain prior 
authorization from NOAA and submit subsequent reports about the tagging 
of fish. NOAA needs the information to evaluate the effectiveness of 
archival tag programs, to assess the likely impact of regulatory 
allowances for tag recovery, and to ensure that the research does not 
produce undue mortality.

II. Method of Collection

    Catch notifications are provided to a toll-free telephone number. 
Tags and associated information are mailed in (a reward is given for 
tag recoveries). Notifications and reports of archival tagging efforts 
are provided in written form, meeting requirements set forth in 
regulations.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0648-0338.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households, business or other for-
profit organizations, and not-for-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 20.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes for reporting on an 
archival tag recovery, 30 minutes for notification of planned archival 
tagging activity, and one hour for reports of archival tagging 
activity.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 15.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

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 8, 2001.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 01-15063 Filed 6-13-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S