Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Observer Programs' Information That Can Be Gathered Only Through Questions, 9387-9388 [E9-4522]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 41 / Wednesday, March 4, 2009 / Notices These amended final results are published in accordance with sections 751(h) and 777(i)(1) of the Act. Dated: February 23, 2009. Ronald K. Lorentzen, Acting Assistant Secretary for Import Administration. [FR Doc. E9–4626 Filed 3–3–09; 8:45 am] II. Method of Collection BILLING CODE 3510–DS–S Respondents from fire and emergency service districts throughout the U.S. will record event-specific fire and emergency medical response data through a secure, web-based database program. Respondents are authorized representatives of a fire or EMS district trained in the data entry format required in this data collection. The data will be collected in a statistically representative manner in order to support generalization of the findings to a wide array of communities in the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Allocation of Resources for Fire Service and Emergency Medical Service 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 May 4, 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 directed to Jason D. Averill, Fire Protection Engineer, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–8664, (301) 975–2585; or jason.averill@nist.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract This information collection will be conducted by the Building and Fire Research Laboratory, a part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, to establish a technical basis for optimal allocation of fire service and emergency medical service (EMS) resources. Presently, no scientifically-based method exists with which a fire chief or local administrator may evaluate the capacity of the fire and emergency medical services to respond to risks which are or may be present within the community served. Additionally, there is no validated capability to quantitatively evaluate VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:08 Mar 03, 2009 Jkt 217001 alternative levels of hazard mitigation or services. This project will provide the technical foundation to model the existing community hazards and response capacity, as well as explore the impact of changes to the service capacity. III. Data OMB Number: 0693–0047. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Government. Estimated Number of Respondents: 400. Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,267. 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: February 27, 2009. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E9–4554 Filed 3–3–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–13–P PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9387 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Observer Programs’ Information That Can Be Gathered Only Through Questions AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. 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 May 4, 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 directed to Joe Terry, (858) 546–7197, (Joe.Terry@noaa.gov) or Samantha Brooke, (301) 713–2367, Samantha.Brooke@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) deploys fishery observers on United States commercial fishing vessels and to fish processing plants in order to collect biological and economic data. NMFS has at least one observer program in each of its six Regions. These observer programs provide the only reliable or most effective method for obtaining information that is critical for the conservation and management of living marine resources. Observer programs primarily obtain information through direct observations by employees or agents of NMFS; and such observations are not subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). However, observer programs also collect the following information that requires clearance under the PRA: (1) Standardized questions of fishing vessel captains/crew or fish processing plant managers/staff, which include gear and E:\FR\FM\04MRN1.SGM 04MRN1 9388 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 41 / Wednesday, March 4, 2009 / Notices performance questions, safety questions, and trip costs, crew size and other economic questions; (2) questions asked by observer program staff/contractors to plan observer deployments; (3) forms that are completed by observers and that fishing vessel captains are asked to review and sign; (4) questionnaires to evaluate observer performance; and (5) a form to certify that a fisherman is the permit holder when requesting observer data from the observer on the vessel. NMFS has received PRA clearances for the second and fourth types of collections for some observer programs (OMB Control Numbers 0648–0423 and 0648–0202 for deployment questions and 0648–0550 and 0648–0536 for observer evaluations); those burden hours are now included in this national, comprehensive PRA submission. The information collected will be used to: (1) Monitor catch and bycatch in federally-managed commercial fisheries; (2) understand the population status and trends of fish stocks and protected species, as well as the interactions between them; (3) determine the quantity and distribution of net benefits derived from living marine resources; (4) predict the biological, ecological, and economic impacts of existing management action and proposed management options; and (5) ensure that the observer programs can safely and efficiently collect the information required for the previous four uses. In particular, these biological and economic data collection programs contribute to legally mandated analyses required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), Executive Order 12866 (EO 12866), as well as a variety of state statutes. The confidentiality of the data will be protected as required by law. II. Method of Collection The surveys conducted by NMFS observers while they are deployed to a vessel to observe a particular fishing trip will be asked in-person to the captain, crew and/or owner (if onboard the vessel) during the course of the observed trip. Economic information not available during the trip may be requested via a mail follow-up survey. The questions asked by the observer program staff or contractor to plan observer deployments are typically asked via telephone or mailed survey. The feedback questionnaires to evaluate observer performance will be mailed to the vessel owners or captains. VerDate Nov<24>2008 15:08 Mar 03, 2009 Jkt 217001 III. Data OMB Control Number: None. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,900. Estimated Time per Response: 51 minutes. Information will be collected for observed fishing trips and deployments to fish processing plants; therefore, there will be multiple responses for some respondents. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 12,800. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $1,500. 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: February 26, 2009. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E9–4522 Filed 3–3–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Availability of Seats for the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council AGENCY: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce (DOC). ACTION: Notice and request for applications. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 SUMMARY: The ONMS is seeking applications for the following vacant seats on the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council: North Carolina Maritime Museums. Applicants are chosen based upon their particular expertise and experience in relation to the seat for which they are applying; community and professional affiliations; philosophy regarding the protection and management of marine resources; and possibly the length of residence in the area affected by the sanctuary. Applicants who are chosen as members should expect to serve twoyear terms, pursuant to the council’s Charter. DATES: Applications are due by May 29, 2009. ADDRESSES: Application kits may be obtained from Shannon Rides, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606. Completed applications should be sent to the same address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Shannon Ricles, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, VA 23606; 757–591– 7328; Shannon.ricles@noaa. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Established in 1975 as the Nation’s first marine sanctuary, the Monitor National Marine Sanctuary is managed by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. It is one of 13 sanctuaries and protects the wreck of the famed Civil War ironclad, USS Monitor, best known for its battle with the Confederate ironclad, CSS Virginia in Hampton Roads, Va., on March 9, 1862. The advisory council consists of 13 members and 3 alternates: 9 nongovernmental voting members and 4 governmental voting members. The council seats represent a variety of regional interests and stakeholders, including: Recreational Diving, Heritage Tourism, Education, Maritime Museums, Conservation, the U.S. Navy, Virginia and North Carolina Department of Historic Resources, the National Park Service, Recreational/Commercial Fishing and the public at-large. It is the combined expertise and experience of these individuals that creates an advisory council that is a valuable and effective resource for the sanctuary manager. The council’s objectives are to provide the sanctuary manager with advice on: (1) Protecting natural and cultural resources, and identifying and evaluating emergent or critical issues involving sanctuary use or resources; (2) identifying and realizing the sanctuary’s research objectives; (3) identifying and realizing educational opportunities to increase public knowledge and stewardship of the sanctuary E:\FR\FM\04MRN1.SGM 04MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9387-9388]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-4522]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Observer 
Programs' Information That Can Be Gathered Only Through Questions

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

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 May 4, 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 directed to Joe Terry, (858) 546-7197, (Joe.Terry@noaa.gov) or 
Samantha Brooke, (301) 713-2367, Samantha.Brooke@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) deploys fishery observers on 
United States commercial fishing vessels and to fish processing plants 
in order to collect biological and economic data. NMFS has at least one 
observer program in each of its six Regions. These observer programs 
provide the only reliable or most effective method for obtaining 
information that is critical for the conservation and management of 
living marine resources. Observer programs primarily obtain information 
through direct observations by employees or agents of NMFS; and such 
observations are not subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). 
However, observer programs also collect the following information that 
requires clearance under the PRA: (1) Standardized questions of fishing 
vessel captains/crew or fish processing plant managers/staff, which 
include gear and

[[Page 9388]]

performance questions, safety questions, and trip costs, crew size and 
other economic questions; (2) questions asked by observer program 
staff/contractors to plan observer deployments; (3) forms that are 
completed by observers and that fishing vessel captains are asked to 
review and sign; (4) questionnaires to evaluate observer performance; 
and (5) a form to certify that a fisherman is the permit holder when 
requesting observer data from the observer on the vessel. NMFS has 
received PRA clearances for the second and fourth types of collections 
for some observer programs (OMB Control Numbers 0648-0423 and 0648-0202 
for deployment questions and 0648-0550 and 0648-0536 for observer 
evaluations); those burden hours are now included in this national, 
comprehensive PRA submission.
    The information collected will be used to: (1) Monitor catch and 
bycatch in federally-managed commercial fisheries; (2) understand the 
population status and trends of fish stocks and protected species, as 
well as the interactions between them; (3) determine the quantity and 
distribution of net benefits derived from living marine resources; (4) 
predict the biological, ecological, and economic impacts of existing 
management action and proposed management options; and (5) ensure that 
the observer programs can safely and efficiently collect the 
information required for the previous four uses. In particular, these 
biological and economic data collection programs contribute to legally 
mandated analyses required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), 
Executive Order 12866 (EO 12866), as well as a variety of state 
statutes. The confidentiality of the data will be protected as required 
by law.

II. Method of Collection

    The surveys conducted by NMFS observers while they are deployed to 
a vessel to observe a particular fishing trip will be asked in-person 
to the captain, crew and/or owner (if onboard the vessel) during the 
course of the observed trip. Economic information not available during 
the trip may be requested via a mail follow-up survey. The questions 
asked by the observer program staff or contractor to plan observer 
deployments are typically asked via telephone or mailed survey. The 
feedback questionnaires to evaluate observer performance will be mailed 
to the vessel owners or captains.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,900.
    Estimated Time per Response: 51 minutes. Information will be 
collected for observed fishing trips and deployments to fish processing 
plants; therefore, there will be multiple responses for some 
respondents.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 12,800.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $1,500.

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: February 26, 2009.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. E9-4522 Filed 3-3-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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