[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 127 (Wednesday, July 2, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39530-39531]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-16780]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[I.D. 062603A]


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Northeast 
Region Sea Scallop Exemption Requirements

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 September 2, 
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 Peter Christopher, 978-281-9288, or at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    Sea scallop fishermen wishing to fish in exemption areas are 
subject to certain vessel monitoring system (VMS) and communications 
requirements. The information requirements are: (1) VMS purchase and 
installation, (2) documentation and verification of VMS installation, 
(3) automated position reports from the VMS twice per hour, (4) daily 
reporting of catch and related information, (5) notification of intent 
to participate in the fishery 15 days prior to the opening of the 
exemption area, and (6) notification at least 5 days prior to leaving 
on a fishing trip to allow for observer assignment.

II. Method of Collection

    Verification of VMS installation is made by submission of a paper 
document. Other reporting is done electronically via the VMS unit's e-
mail messaging system.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0648-0416.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations, 
individuals or households, and not-for-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 267.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 1 hour for VMS installation; 5 minutes 
for a VMS documentation/verification requirement; 5 seconds for an 
automated VMS position report; 10 minutes for daily transmittal of 
catch and related information; and 2 minutes for a notification of 
intent to participate in the fishery or a notification before leaving 
on a fishing trip.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,950.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $195,000.

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.


[[Page 39531]]


    Dated: June 25, 2003.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 03-16780 Filed 7-1-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-S