[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 14, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Page 11255]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-03001]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment 
Request; Greater Atlantic Region Vessel Identification Requirements

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

ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other 
Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information 
collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information 
collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The 
purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment 
preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed 
information collection must be received on or before April 15, 2024.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at [email protected]. Please 
reference OMB Control Number 0648-0350 in the subject line of your 
comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise 
sensitive or protected information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
specific questions related to collection activities should be directed 
to Laura Hansen, Fishery Management Specialist, NOAA, Greater Atlantic 
Regional Fisheries Office, (978) 281-9225, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for the extension of a current information 
collection. Regulations at 50 CFR 648.8 and Sec.  697.8 require that 
owners of vessels over 25 ft (7.6 m) in registered length that have 
federal permits to fish in the Greater Atlantic Region display the 
vessel's name and official number. The name and number must be of a 
specific size at specified locations: the vessel name must be affixed 
to the port and starboard sides of the bow and, if possible, on its 
stern. The official number must be displayed on the port and starboard 
sides of the deckhouse or hull, and on an appropriate weather deck so 
as to be clearly visible from enforcement vessels and aircraft. The 
success of fisheries management programs depends upon regulatory 
compliance. The vessel identification requirement, which is required of 
all federally permitted fishing vessels in the Greater Atlantic region, 
is essential to facilitate enforcement. The ability to link fishing or 
other activities to a vessel owner or operator is crucial to the 
enforcement of regulations issued under the authority of the Magnuson-
Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act. When this 
information is clearly displayed, it enables enforcement personnel to 
easily identify Federal permit holders while engaged in fishing.

II. Method of Collection

    No information is submitted to NMFS as a result of this collection. 
The vessel's identification information must be affixed to the vessel 
in the designated locations, as specified in the regulations.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0350.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a current 
information collection).
    Affected Public: Individuals or households; business or other for-
profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,935.
    Estimated Time per Response: 45 minutes (.75 hours) to affix vessel 
information to the required locations.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,952
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $59,025.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: 50 CFR 648.8.

IV. Request for Comments

    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau 
to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether 
the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy 
of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed 
collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden 
on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request 
to OMB to approve this ICR. Before including your address, phone 
number, email address, or other personal identifying information in 
your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment--including 
your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available 
at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your 
personal identifying information from public review, we cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Sheleen Dumas,
Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for 
Economic Affairs, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2024-03001 Filed 2-13-24; 8:45 am]
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