Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Socioeconomic Impacts of Proposed Boundary Expansion and Research Only Area Alternatives in the Flower Gardens Bank National Marine Sanctuary, 78723 [E8-30472]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 247 (Tuesday, December 23, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Page 78723]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-30472]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Socioeconomic 
Impacts of Proposed Boundary Expansion and Research Only Area 
Alternatives in the Flower Gardens Bank National Marine Sanctuary

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

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 23, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 7845, 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, 301-713-7261 or Bob.Leeworthy@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The purpose of this information collection is to obtain 
socioeconomic information in the Flower Gardens Bank National Marine 
Sanctuary (FGBNMS). The FGBNMS is in the process of revising its 
management plan, and two issues have emerged as top priorities: (1) 
boundary expansion and (2) research only area. Information is required 
to assess the potential socioeconomic impacts of boundary expansion and 
research only area alternatives. The study involves surveys of seven 
different user group/stakeholders: commercial fishing operations, 
recreational charter/party boat operations, private households that 
participate in recreational fishing, dive charter/guide operations, 
private households that participate in SCUBA diving, and oil and gas 
operations.
    Information will be collected on spatial use for all user groups to 
assess the extent of potential displacement of activity from either a 
proposed boundary expansion alternative or a research only area 
alternative.
    For business operations, costs and earnings will be obtained to 
assess the impact of regulatory alternatives on business profits. 
Socioeconomic/demographic information on owners/operators and number of 
employees and family members of owners/operators will also be obtained.
    For members of households that participate in recreational fishing 
or recreational SCUBA diving, information will be collected on 
socioeconomic/demographic profiles, spending associated with their 
activity, economic user value associated with their activity, and 
knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about FGBNMS management strategies 
and regulations.

II. Method of Collection

    Interviews will generally be used. For business operations, a team 
will go to the business establishment and work with the business owner/
staff to compile the information requested. Questionnaire forms and 
maps will be used to guide the information collection. For members of 
private households engaging in recreational activities, combinations of 
face-to-face, mail and Internet surveys will be conducted.

III. Data

    OMB Control 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: 360.
    Estimated Time per Response: Commercial fishing operations, 2 
hours; recreational fishing charter/party boat operations, 2 hours; 
members of private households participating in recreational activities, 
30 minutes; dive charter/guide operations, 2 hours; and oil and gas 
operations, 2 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 270.
    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 18, 2008.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E8-30472 Filed 12-22-08; 8:45 am]
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