[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 226 (Monday, November 24, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 69837-69838]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-27647]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration


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

AGENCY: National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

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 January 23, 
2015.

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 Sherry Lippiatt, NOAA Marine Debris Program, (510) 410-
2602, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    This data collection project will be coordinated by the NOAA Marine 
Debris Program, and involve recreational and commercial vessels 
(respondents), shipboard observers (respondents), NGOs (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 continued debris arrival to areas around the 
Pacific. This form may additionally 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 email of electronic forms, and mail and 
facsimile transmission of paper forms.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0644.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a current 
information collection).
    Affected Public: Individuals or households; not-for profit 
institutions; business or other for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 20.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 10 hours.
    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.


[[Page 69838]]


    Dated: November 18, 2014.
Glenna Mickelson,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2014-27647 Filed 11-21-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-JE-P