[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 90 (Friday, May 9, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26723-26724]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-10665]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Implantation 
and Recovery of Archival Tags for Highly Migratory Species

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 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 July 8, 2014.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, 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 Craig Cockrell, (301) 427-8503, or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for extension of a currently approved information 
collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 
allows scientists to implant archival tags in, or affix archival tags 
to, selected Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (tunas, sharks, 
swordfish, and billfish). Archival tags collect location, temperature, 
and water depth data that is useful for scientists researching the 
movements and behavior of individual fish. It is often necessary to 
retrieve the tags in order to collect the data. Therefore, the National 
Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) exempts persons catching tagged fish 
from certain otherwise applicable regulations at 50 CFR 635 (e.g., 
immediate release of the fish, minimum size, prohibited species, 
retention limits). These participants must notify NOAA, return the 
archival tag or make it available to NOAA personnel, and provide 
information about the location and method of capture if they harvest a 
fish that has an archival tag. The information obtained is used by NOAA 
for international and domestic fisheries policy and regulations.
    Scientists not employed by NOAA must obtain NOAA authorization 
before affixing or implanting archival tags and submit subsequent 
reports about the tagging of fish. NOAA needs that information to 
evaluate the effectiveness of archival tag programs, to assess the 
likely impact of regulatory allowances for tag recovery, and to ensure 
that the research does not produce excessive mortality.

II. Method of Collection

    Tags and associated information are either mailed to NOAA and/or 
information may be collected via telephone.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0338.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a current 
information collection).
    Affected Public: Individuals or households, business or other for-
profit organizations, and not-for-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 50.
    Estimated Time per Response: 30 minutes for reporting an archival 
tag recovery; 40 minutes each for notification of planned archival 
tagging activity and three reports.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 63.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/
reporting costs.

[[Page 26724]]

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: May 6, 2014.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2014-10665 Filed 5-8-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P