Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Groundfish Tagging Program, 15459-15460 [E9-7685]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 64 / Monday, April 6, 2009 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Reporting Requirements for Commercial Fisheries Authorization Under Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 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 June 5, 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 Patricia Lawson, (301) 713– 2232 or Patricia.Lawson@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Reporting injury to and/or mortalities of marine mammals is mandated under Section 118 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This information is required to determine the impacts of commercial fishing on marine mammal populations. This information is also used to categorize commercial fisheries into Categories I, II, or III. Participants in the first two categories must be authorized to take marine mammals, while those in Category III are exempt from that requirement. All categories must report injuries or mortalities on a National Marine Fisheries Service form. II. Method of Collection pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES 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. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E9–7677 Filed 4–3–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P I. Abstract Reports are required from participants, and methods of submittal include Internet, mail and facsimile transmission of paper forms. III. Data OMB Number: 0648–0292. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission. VerDate Nov<24>2008 Affected Public: Not-for-profit institutions; and business or other forprofits organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 200. Estimated Time Per Response: 15 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 50. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. 19:48 Apr 03, 2009 Jkt 217001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Groundfish Tagging Program 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 June 5, 2009. PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15459 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 John Clary, (206) 526–4039 or e-mail john.c.clary@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The groundfish tagging program provides scientists with information necessary for effective conservation, management, and scientific understanding of the groundfish fishery off Alaska and the Northwest Pacific. The program area includes the Pacific Ocean off Alaska (the Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area, and the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska), California, Oregon, and Washington. Fish movement information from recovered tags is used in population dynamics models for stock assessment. There are two general categories of tags. The simple plastic tags (spaghetti tags) are external tags approximately two inches long printed with code numbers. When a tag is returned the tag number is correlated with databases of released, tagged fish to determine the net movement and growth rate of the tagged fish. Archival tags are microchips with sensors encased in plastic cylinders that record the depth, temperature or other data, which can be downloaded electronically from the recovered tags. The groundfish tagging and tag recovery program is part of the fishery resource assessment and data collection that National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducts under the Magnuson-Stevens Act authority as codified in 16 U.S.C. 1801(a)(8). II. Method of Collection This is a volunteer program requiring the actual tag from the fish to be returned, along with recovery information. Reporting forms with preaddressed and postage-free envelopes are distributed to processors and catcher vessels. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648–0276. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations, individuals or households. E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1 15460 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 64 / Monday, April 6, 2009 / Notices Estimated Number of Respondents: 661. Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes for returning a regular tag; and 20 minutes for returning an internal archival tag. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 88. 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: April 1, 2009. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. E9–7685 Filed 4–3–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XO42 Marine Mammals; File Nos. 14197 and 782–1812 pwalker on PROD1PC71 with NOTICES AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice; receipt of applications. SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Air Force, 30th Space Wing Civil Engineer Environmental Flight, Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA, has applied in due form for a permit to conduct research on marine mammals (File No. 14187); and NMFS National Marine Mammal Laboratory, Seattle, WA, has applied for a major amendment to Scientific Research Permit No. 782– 1812 for research on marine mammals. VerDate Nov<24>2008 19:48 Apr 03, 2009 Jkt 217001 DATES: Written, telefaxed, or e–mail comments must be received on or before May 6, 2009. ADDRESSES: The applications and related documents are available for review by selecting ‘‘Records Open for Public Comment’’ from the Features box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) home page, https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/index.cfm, and then selecting File No. 14197 or 782–1812 from the list of available applications. These documents are also available upon written request or by appointment in the following office(s): Permits, Conservation and Education Division, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East–West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910; phone (301)713–2289; fax (301)427–2521; and Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA 90802–4213; phone (562)980–4001; fax (562)980–4018. Written comments or requests for a public hearing on these applications should be mailed to the Chief, Permits, Conservation and Education Division, F/PR1, Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East–West Highway, Room 13705, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Those individuals requesting a hearing should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on the particular request would be appropriate. Comments may also be submitted by facsimile at (301)427–2521, provided the facsimile is confirmed by hard copy submitted by mail and postmarked no later than the closing date of the comment period. Comments may also be submitted by e–mail. The mailbox address for providing e–mail comments is NMFS.Pr1Comments@noaa.gov. Include the File No. (14197 or 782–1812) in the subject line of the e–mail comment as a document identifier. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Adams or Kate Swails, (301)713–2289. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit and major amendment are requested under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) and the regulations governing the taking and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216). File No. 14197. The proposed permit would authorize continued studies of the effects of noise from rocket and missile launches and subsequent launch–generated sonic booms on pinnipeds inhabiting Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB) and the northern Channel Islands (NCI). Continuing PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 research would examine effects from new launch vehicles, including the Delta IV. Target species are Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii), California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), and northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Anticipated research activities include capture with physical or chemical restraint, hearing tests, blood sampling, physiological measurements, and attachment of telemetry instruments. The applicant proposes to capture 50 harbor seals per year at VAFB, with incidental harassment of up to 600 harbor seals, 50 northern elephant seals, and 10 California sea lions annually. On the NCI, the applicant proposes to capture 450 harbor seals per year with incidental harassment of 2,700 animals annually, inclusive for the three targeted species. No mortalities are anticipated, but two incidental harbor seal deaths annually are requested at VAFB, as are two incidental deaths per species annually for the NCI. The permit is requested for a 5-year period. File No. 782–1812. The proposed permit amendment would authorize an increase in the number of California sea lions that could be taken per year for the duration of the permit, which expires June 30, 2011. The location of the research would remain the California Channel Islands. The applicant is requesting changes in research protocols and objectives that require capture, marking, and sampling of additional animals, and would result in incidental harassment of additional animals. The permit would be amended to increase numbers of takes of California sea lions for (1) harassment incidental to live and dead pup censuses in the California Channel Islands; (2) capture of pups 4 to 11 months old for condition health studies; (3) evaluating various methods of chemical immobilization for adult males; (4) evaluating different handling and marking methods of pups; and (5) investigating the breeding system using molecular genetics and behavioral observations of adult males. In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that the activities proposed are categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement. Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the applications to the Marine Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors. E:\FR\FM\06APN1.SGM 06APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 64 (Monday, April 6, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15459-15460]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-7685]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Groundfish 
Tagging Program

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 June 5, 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 John Clary, (206) 526-4039 or e-mail 
john.c.clary@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The groundfish tagging program provides scientists with information 
necessary for effective conservation, management, and scientific 
understanding of the groundfish fishery off Alaska and the Northwest 
Pacific. The program area includes the Pacific Ocean off Alaska (the 
Gulf of Alaska, the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Area, and the 
Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska), California, Oregon, and 
Washington. Fish movement information from recovered tags is used in 
population dynamics models for stock assessment. There are two general 
categories of tags. The simple plastic tags (spaghetti tags) are 
external tags approximately two inches long printed with code numbers. 
When a tag is returned the tag number is correlated with databases of 
released, tagged fish to determine the net movement and growth rate of 
the tagged fish. Archival tags are microchips with sensors encased in 
plastic cylinders that record the depth, temperature or other data, 
which can be downloaded electronically from the recovered tags. The 
groundfish tagging and tag recovery program is part of the fishery 
resource assessment and data collection that National Marine Fisheries 
Service (NMFS) conducts under the Magnuson-Stevens Act authority as 
codified in 16 U.S.C. 1801(a)(8).

II. Method of Collection

    This is a volunteer program requiring the actual tag from the fish 
to be returned, along with recovery information. Reporting forms with 
pre-addressed and postage-free envelopes are distributed to processors 
and catcher vessels.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0276.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations, 
individuals or households.

[[Page 15460]]

    Estimated Number of Respondents: 661.
    Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes for returning a regular tag; 
and 20 minutes for returning an internal archival tag.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 88.
    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: April 1, 2009.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
 [FR Doc. E9-7685 Filed 4-3-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.