Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Recreation/Tourism Study, Socioeconomic Monitoring Program for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, 39306 [E6-10896]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 133 (Wednesday, July 12, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Page 39306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-10896]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Recreation/
Tourism Study, Socioeconomic Monitoring Program for the Florida Keys 
National Marine Sanctuary

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

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 September 11, 
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 Dr. Vernon Leeworthy, 301-713-3000, extension 138, or 
Bob.Leeworthy@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The purpose of this information collection is to obtain 
socioeconomic monitoring information in the Florida Keys National 
Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). This is an approximately 10-year replication 
of a study done in 1995-96 entitled ``Linking the Economy and 
Environment of the Florida Keys/Florida Bay'' that provided baseline 
measures for recreation/tourism in the Florida Keys. The study also 
replicates measures on recreation/tourist uses of the reefs that were 
estimated for the baseline in 2000-2001 in a study entitled 
``Socioeconomic Study of Reefs in Southeast Florida''.
    The study involves surveys on both visitors and residents of the 
Florida Keys/Monroe County. The visitors are different by season 
(summer versus winter) so separate estimates are made by season, while 
for residents annual estimates are made.
    Information is collected on socioeconomic profiles, detailed 
recreation activity profiles, expenditures, non market economic use 
values, importance/satisfaction ratings on 25 natural resources 
attributes, facilities and services, and knowledge attitudes and 
perceptions of Sanctuary management strategies and regulations.
    In addition, surveys of several businesses are to be conducted. A 
survey of for-hire recreational fishing guides is planned to gather 
information on knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of Sanctuary 
management strategies and regulations, especially the various zoning 
strategies. Short post card surveys are planned for Dive Shop Owners/
Operators and Cruise Ship Operations to assess whether these businesses 
market customers based on the protected status of waters surrounding 
the Florida Keys.

II. Method of Collection

    Interviews will generally be used. Visitors will be surveyed face-
to-face while in the Florida Keys and will also be given mail-back 
questionnaires. Residents will be surveyed using mail-back 
questionnaires. For-hire recreational fishing guides will be surveyed 
at their homes or businesses by an interview team. Dive Shop Owners/
Operators and Cruise Ship Operations will be sent post card mail 
surveys.

III. Data

    OMB Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals or households; business or other for-
profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 16,020.
    Estimated Time Per Response: Visitors: auto, air and cruise ship 
on-site surveys, 4 minutes; customer on-site surveys, 15 minutes; mail-
back questionnaires, 20 minutes; resident surveys, 1 hour; business 
interviews; 2 hours; and business post card surveys, 5 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 10,469.
    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: July 6, 2006.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
 [FR Doc. E6-10896 Filed 7-11-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-NK-P