[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 163 (Tuesday, August 23, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 52638]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-21533]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Shipboard 
Observation Form for Floating Marine Debris

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

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 October 24, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 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 Carey Morishige, (808) 694-3936, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for a new information collection.
    This data collection project will be coordinated by James Callahan 
(private citizen) with assistance from the NOAA Marine Debris Program, 
recreational sailors (respondents), non-government organizations 
(respondents) as well as numerous experts on marine debris observations 
at sea. The Shipboard Observation Form for Floating Marine Debris was 
created based on methods used in studies of floating marine debris by 
established researchers, previous shipboard observational studies 
conducted at sea by NOAA, and the experience and input of recreational 
sailors. The goal of this form is to be able to calculate the density 
of marine debris within an area of a known size. Additionally, this 
form will help collect data on potential marine debris resulting from 
the March 2011 Japan tsunami in order to better model movement of the 
debris as well as prepare (as needed) for debris arrival to areas 
around the Pacific. This form may be used to collect data on floating 
marine debris in any water body.

II. Method of Collection

    Respondents have a choice of either electronic or paper forms. 
Methods of submittal include e-mail of electronic forms, and mail and 
facsimile transmission of paper forms.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (request for a new information 
collection).
    Affected Public: Individuals or households; not-for profit 
institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 60.
    Estimated Time per Response: 45 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 45.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/
reporting costs.

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: August 18, 2011.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2011-21533 Filed 8-22-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-JE-P