[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 233 (Tuesday, December 6, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72614-72615]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-6854]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Spatial 
Assessment and Analysis of Non-Consumptive Uses in California's 
National Marine Sanctuaries

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.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 6, 
2006.

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(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Dr. Vernon R. Leeworthy, NOS/Special Projects, 
1305 East West Highway, SSMC 4, 9th Floor, Silver Spring, Maryland 
20910 (or via Internet at [email protected]).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    The purpose of this data collection is to provide information 
needed to inform National Marine Sanctuary management and the greater 
California Marine Life Protection Act process, an assessment of the 
economic magnitude of private non-consumptive activities within marine 
sanctuaries and the ways in which marine protection affects these 
values. Non-consumptive recreation includes any recreation activity 
that does not involve removing Sanctuary resources (e.g.) scuba diving, 
snorkeling, whale watching, bird watching, viewing other wildlife, 
viewing/photographing scenery, surfing, kayaking, and sailing). The 
outcomes of the proposed research will include the first geographically 
organized inventory of private non-consumptive users and values, 
insight into how biological and physical attributes influence user 
behavior and values, and the economic impacts associated with these 
users, in terms of local expenditures and social welfare. All stages of 
the study will involve a formal peer review process.
    Three core tasks will be completed for Channel Islands and Monterey 
Bay National Marine Sanctuaries:
    1. Establish baseline data: (i) Total amount and spatial 
distribution of non-consumptive use; (ii) Socioeconomic and expenditure 
profiles of non-consumptive users; and (iii) Knowledge, attitudes, and 
perceptions of sanctuary management strategies and regulations.
    2. Analyze the market and non-market economic impact of non-
consumptive use.
    3. Analyze how non-market use varies with respect to attributes of 
marine and coastal environments.

II. Method of Collection

    Information will be collected via telephone and face-to-face 
interviews, and aboard a NOAA vessel using computer aided technology.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,400.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 52 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,945.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

[[Page 72615]]

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: November 30, 2005.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E5-6854 Filed 12-5-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-12-P