[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 244 (Wednesday, December 21, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75792-75793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-7585]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southern 
Resident Killer Whale Watching Industry Socioeconomic Study

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), DOC.

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 21, 
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 and instructions should 
be directed to Suzanne M. Russell, 206-860-3274 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    Orca whales, also known as killer whales (Orcinus orca), are 
cultural icons for the human residents of the Pacific Northwest's Puget 
Sound. The importance of killer whales is clearly evident for the 
tribal cultures of the area, expressed in artwork throughout the 
Pacific Northwest, and for the whale watching tourism industry.
    In 2003, the Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) were officially 
listed as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This 
listing resulted in the development of a proposed conservation plan 
which outlines the steps to be taken to restore the population to full 
health. In 2005, the SRKW were selected for additional protection 
through an endangered species listing under the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA).
    The presence of killer whales in the Puget Sound basin brings these 
animals in close proximity to humans. This unique circumstance has 
fostered the development of a whale watching industry that aims to 
provide tourists opportunities to view the whales. This industry is 
dependent on the healthy existence of the whales and their continued 
return to the Puget Sound.
    Ongoing marine biological studies related to the SRKW consider many 
aspects of the ecosystem. Social sciences consider the human components 
of the ecosystem. Together, the biological and social sciences can 
complement one another, leading toward a more integrated understanding 
of the ecosystem. The link between the SRKW and the whale watching 
industry in the Puget Sound provides a uniquely important rational for 
conducting studies in both biological and social science disciplines. 
The main goal of this study is to describe the whale watching tourism 
industry as it pertains to the SRKW.

II. Method of Collection

    Literature reviews, secondary sources including Internet sources, 
U.S. Census data, key informants, focus groups, paper surveys, 
electronic surveys, and in person interviews will be utilized to obtain 
the broadest scope of information as possible.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households; not-for-profit 
institutions; and business or other for-profit organizations; State or 
Local government, Federal government.

[[Page 75793]]

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 350.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 2 hours and 50 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,000.
    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: December 15, 2005.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
 [FR Doc. E5-7585 Filed 12-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P