[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 19, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 13281]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-6593]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 031403D]


Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Basic Requirements for All 
Marine Mammal Special Exception Permits to Take, Import and Export 
Marine Mammals, and for Maintaining a Captive Marine Mammal Inventory 
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Fur Seal Act, and the 
Endangered Species Act.

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

ACTION: Notice.

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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 May 19, 2003.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Amy Sloan or Ruth Johnson at 301-713- 2289, or to 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The respondents will be applicants for and holders of scientific 
research and enhancement permits, commercial and educational 
photography permits, public display permits for captures and first-time 
imports, and Letter of Confirmation holders under the General 
Authorization for Level B scientific research projects. The Marine 
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the Fur Seal Act (FSA) and the Endangered 
Species Act (ESA) prohibit the taking, import, and export of marine 
mammals with certain exceptions. Applicants desiring a permit or 
authorization to take, import, or export must provide certain 
information to be used as a basis for determining whether the proposed 
activity is consistent with the purposes, policies, and requirements of 
the MMPA, ESA, and/or FSA and if a permit or authorization should be 
issued. Permit holders and authorized researchers under the General 
Authorization are required to report periodically on activities 
conducted and species taken to ensure compliance with permit conditions 
and protection of the animals. This also updates information as 
necessary on any marine mammals held captive for purposes of 
maintaining the marine mammal inventory as required under the 1994 
Amendments to the MMPA.
    There is no overlap or duplication for marine mammal permit actions 
under the ESA as the marine mammal regulations (50 CFR 216.32 - 216.44) 
address requirements of both laws, and a single application and permit 
covers all requirements of both.

II. Method of Collection

    Most application material is paper and written to respond to a 
required format. Some reports can be submitted electronically.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0648-0084.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households; business or other for-
profit organizations; not-for-profit institutions; Federal Government; 
and State, Local, or Tribal Government. The majority of the affected 
public will be from the scientific research community, photographic 
journalists, and public display facilities.Estimated Number of 
Respondents: 493.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 29 hours for an application for a 
scientific research or enhancement permit; 20 hours for an application 
for a public display permit; 10 hours for an application for a 
photography permit; 19 hours for a major amendment to a permit; 3 hours 
for a minor amendment to a permit or for a change to a General 
Authorization; 2 hours for a request to retain or transfer a 
rehabilitated marine mammal; 1 hour for a foreign government 
certification and comity statement for a public display export request; 
30 minutes for notification of a public display capture or import; 2 
hours for a notification of and report on a public display capture; 30 
minutes for an emergency transfer waiver of notifications; 30 minutes 
for an initial escape report; 1 hour for an one-week status report on 
an escape; 2 hours for a six-month status report on an escape; 12 hours 
for a scientific research/enhancement annual or final report; 2 hours 
for public display or photography permit annual or final report; 8 
hours for a General Authorization annual or final report; 2 hours for a 
marine mammal inventory (1 hour for a transport notification, 30 
minutes for a data sheet and a person/holder/facility sheet); and 2 
hours for recordkeeping.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6,462.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $1,000.

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: March 12, 2003.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 03-6593 Filed 3-18-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S