Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southern Resident Killer Whale Watching Industry Socioeconomic Study, 75792-75793 [E5-7585]

Download as PDF 75792 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 244 / Wednesday, December 21, 2005 / Notices 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 15, 2005. Madeleine Clayton, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E5–7586 Filed 12–20–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–07–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE 1994, the Government of the United States, the Government of Canada and the Government of Mexico established Rules of Procedure for Article 1904 Binational Panel Reviews (‘‘Rules’’). These Rules were published in the Federal Register on February 23, 1994 (59 FR 8686). The panel review in this matter has been conducted in accordance with these Rules. Panel Decision: The panel affirmed the International Trade Commission’s final injury determination on remand respecting Hard Red Spring Wheat from Canada. The NAFTA Secretariat was instructed to issue a Notice of Final Panel Action on the 11th day following the December 12, 2005 panel decision. International Trade Administration North American Free-Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Article 1904 Binational Panel Reviews Dated: December 14, 2005. Caratina L. Alston, U.S. Secretary NAFTA Secretariat. [FR Doc. E5–7628 Filed 12–20–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–GT–P NAF Secretariat, United States Section, International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Decision of Panel. AGENCY: On December 12, 2005 the binational panel issued its decision in the review of the injury determination made by the International Trade Commission, respecting Hard Red Spring Wheat from Canada Final Injury Determination, Secretariat File No. USA–CDA–2003–1904–06. The binational panel affirmed the International Trade Commission. Copies of the panel decision are available from the U.S. Section of the NAFTA Secretariat. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Caratina L. Alston, United States Secretary, NAFTA Secretariat, Suite 2061, 14th and Constitution Avenue, Washington, DC 20230, (202) 482–5438. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Chapter 19 of the North American Free-Trade Agreement (‘‘Agreement’’) establishes a mechanism to replace domestic judicial review of final determinations in antidumping and countervailing duty cases involving imports from a NAFTA country with review by independent binational panels. When a Request for Panel Review is filed, a panel is established to act in place of national courts to review expeditiously the final determination to determine whether it conforms with the antidumping or countervailing duty law of the country that made the determination. Under Article 1904 of the Agreement, which came into force on January 1, erjones on PROD1PC68 with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:53 Dec 20, 2005 Jkt 208001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southern Resident Killer Whale Watching Industry Socioeconomic Study National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), DOC. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: 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 21, 2006. 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 Suzanne M. Russell, 206– 860–3274 or suzanne.russell@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 I. Abstract Orca whales, also known as killer whales (Orcinus orca), are cultural icons for the human residents of the Pacific Northwest’s Puget Sound. The importance of killer whales is clearly evident for the tribal cultures of the area, expressed in artwork throughout the Pacific Northwest, and for the whale watching tourism industry. In 2003, the Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) were officially listed as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This listing resulted in the development of a proposed conservation plan which outlines the steps to be taken to restore the population to full health. In 2005, the SRKW were selected for additional protection through an endangered species listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The presence of killer whales in the Puget Sound basin brings these animals in close proximity to humans. This unique circumstance has fostered the development of a whale watching industry that aims to provide tourists opportunities to view the whales. This industry is dependent on the healthy existence of the whales and their continued return to the Puget Sound. Ongoing marine biological studies related to the SRKW consider many aspects of the ecosystem. Social sciences consider the human components of the ecosystem. Together, the biological and social sciences can complement one another, leading toward a more integrated understanding of the ecosystem. The link between the SRKW and the whale watching industry in the Puget Sound provides a uniquely important rational for conducting studies in both biological and social science disciplines. The main goal of this study is to describe the whale watching tourism industry as it pertains to the SRKW. II. Method of Collection Literature reviews, secondary sources including Internet sources, U.S. Census data, key informants, focus groups, paper surveys, electronic surveys, and in person interviews will be utilized to obtain the broadest scope of information as possible. III. Data OMB Number: None. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Individuals or households; not-for-profit institutions; and business or other for-profit organizations; State or Local government, Federal government. E:\FR\FM\21DEN1.SGM 21DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 70, No. 244 / Wednesday, December 21, 2005 / Notices Estimated Number of Respondents: 350. Estimated Time Per Response: 2 hours and 50 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,000. 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 15, 2005. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E5–7585 Filed 12–20–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121605A] Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. erjones on PROD1PC68 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council will convene a public meeting of the Shrimp Advisory Panel (AP). DATES: The Shrimp AP meeting is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2006. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the SpringHill Suites Houston Hobby Airport, 7922 Mosley Road, Houston, Texas 77061. Council address: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, 2203 VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:25 Dec 20, 2005 Jkt 208001 North Lois Avenue, Suite 1100, Tampa, Florida 33607. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Richard Leard, Deputy Executive Director; telephone 813.348.1630. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Shrimp AP will receive reports from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on the status and health of the shrimp stocks as well as a report on the biological and economic aspects of the 2005 Cooperative Shrimp Closure with the state of Texas. The Shrimp AP may make recommendations for a cooperative closure with Texas for 2006. The Shrimp AP will review scoping documents for both Amendment 27 to the Reef Fish Fishery Management Plan (FMP)/Amendment 14 to the Shrimp FMP and Amendment 28 to the Reef Fish FMP/Amendment 15 to the Shrimp FMP. Joint Reef Fish Amendment 27/ Shrimp Amendment 14 proposes actions that deal with adjustments to the total allowable catch (TAC) for red snapper; size limits; bag limits; recreational season dates; and the certification of new shrimp bycatch reduction devices (BRDs). The amendment will also look at shrimp limits on trawling gear, shrimp restrictions on the transfer of vessel permits, and possible area closures for shrimp. Joint Reef Fish Amendment 28/ Shrimp Amendment 15 will consider such issues as gear restrictions for the reef fish fishery; establishing commercial fishing seasons; further reducing bycatch; as well as other management alternatives. The Shrimp AP consists principally of commercial shrimp fishermen, dealers, and association representatives. Although other non-emergency issues not on the agenda may come before the AP for discussion, in accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSFCMA), those issues may not be the subject of formal action during these meetings. Actions of the AP will be restricted to those issues specifically identified in the agenda and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under Section 305(c) of the M-SFCMA, provided the public has been notified of the Council’s intent to take action to address the emergency. Copies of the agenda can be obtained by calling 813.348.1630. This meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Dawn Aring at the Council (see ADDRESSES) at least five working days prior to the meeting. PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 75793 Dated: December 16, 2005. Emily Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. E5–7594 Filed 12–20–05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–S DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [I.D. 121605B] New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of a public meeting. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is scheduling a public meeting of its Magnuson-Stevens Committee in November, 2005 to consider actions affecting New England fisheries in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Recommendations from this group will be brought to the full Council for formal consideration and action, if appropriate. DATES: The meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at 10 a.m. ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The meeting will be held at the New England Fishery Management Council Office, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950; telephone: (978) 465–0492; fax: (978) 465–3116. Council address: New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul J. Howard, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council; telephone: (978) 465–0492. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Committee will meet to review and Council positions on issues related to Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act reauthorization and, if available, a new Senate staff draft of the Act. Any committee recommendations will be forwarded for approval at the Council’s January 31–February 2, 2006 meeting scheduled in Portland, ME. Although non-emergency issues not contained in this agenda may come before this group for discussion, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this notice and any issues arising after publication of this notice that require emergency action under E:\FR\FM\21DEN1.SGM 21DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 244 (Wednesday, December 21, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75792-75793]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E5-7585]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Southern 
Resident Killer Whale Watching Industry Socioeconomic Study

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

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 February 21, 
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 Suzanne M. Russell, 206-860-3274 or 
suzanne.russell@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    Orca whales, also known as killer whales (Orcinus orca), are 
cultural icons for the human residents of the Pacific Northwest's Puget 
Sound. The importance of killer whales is clearly evident for the 
tribal cultures of the area, expressed in artwork throughout the 
Pacific Northwest, and for the whale watching tourism industry.
    In 2003, the Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) were officially 
listed as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This 
listing resulted in the development of a proposed conservation plan 
which outlines the steps to be taken to restore the population to full 
health. In 2005, the SRKW were selected for additional protection 
through an endangered species listing under the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA).
    The presence of killer whales in the Puget Sound basin brings these 
animals in close proximity to humans. This unique circumstance has 
fostered the development of a whale watching industry that aims to 
provide tourists opportunities to view the whales. This industry is 
dependent on the healthy existence of the whales and their continued 
return to the Puget Sound.
    Ongoing marine biological studies related to the SRKW consider many 
aspects of the ecosystem. Social sciences consider the human components 
of the ecosystem. Together, the biological and social sciences can 
complement one another, leading toward a more integrated understanding 
of the ecosystem. The link between the SRKW and the whale watching 
industry in the Puget Sound provides a uniquely important rational for 
conducting studies in both biological and social science disciplines. 
The main goal of this study is to describe the whale watching tourism 
industry as it pertains to the SRKW.

II. Method of Collection

    Literature reviews, secondary sources including Internet sources, 
U.S. Census data, key informants, focus groups, paper surveys, 
electronic surveys, and in person interviews will be utilized to obtain 
the broadest scope of information as possible.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households; not-for-profit 
institutions; and business or other for-profit organizations; State or 
Local government, Federal government.

[[Page 75793]]

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 350.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 2 hours and 50 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 1,000.
    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 15, 2005.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
 [FR Doc. E5-7585 Filed 12-20-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

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