Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific Billfish Angler Survey, 75153 [E5-7468]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 242 (Monday, December 19, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 75153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-7468]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific 
Billfish Angler Survey

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 17, 
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 dHynek@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to David Holts, Southwest Fishery Science Center, 8604 La 
Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037-1508 (phone 858-546-7186 or 
David.Holts@noaa.gov.)

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Billfish Angler Survey provides the only estimates of billfish 
angling activities in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This collection of 
recreational billfish catch and effort data began in 1969 and now 
provides a 37 year index of fishing success in many areas of the 
Pacific. The catch per unit of effort (CPUE) is measured in catch of 
billfish per angler fishing day. This time series of angler success 
provides a measure of relative abundance and is the only survey 
independent of commercial fisheries in the Pacific. Trends tracked over 
time indicate changes in the health and size of billfish stocks. This 
index of relative abundance is an important component of stock 
assessments, developing management options and monitoring domestic and 
international fishery interactions.

II. Method of Collection

    A paper form the size of a postcard is used.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0648-0020.
    Form Number: NOAA Form 88-162.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,500.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 5 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 125.
    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 13, 2005.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
 [FR Doc. E5-7468 Filed 12-16-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P