Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Permitting, Vessel Identification, and Vessel Monitoring System Requirements for the Commercial Bottomfish Fishery in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, 59660 [2011-24736]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 187 (Tuesday, September 27, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Page 59660]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-24736]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Permitting, 
Vessel Identification, and Vessel Monitoring System Requirements for 
the Commercial Bottomfish Fishery in the Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands

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 November 28, 
2011.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 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 Walter Ikehara, (808) 944-2275 or Walter. 
Ikehara@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for a revision and extension of a currently 
approved information collection (the National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) is now requiring a permit fee).
    NMFS requires that owners of commercial fishing vessels in the 
bottomfish fishery in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
(CNMI) obtain a federal bottomfish permit. If their vessels are over 40 
ft. (12.2 m) long, they must also mark their vessels in compliance with 
federal identification requirements and carry and maintain a satellite-
based vessel monitoring system (VMS). This collection of information is 
needed for permit issuance, to identify actual or potential 
participants in the fishery, and aid in enforcement of regulations and 
area closures.

II. Method of Collection

    Respondents have a choice of either electronic or paper forms. 
Methods of submittal include e-mail of electronic forms, and mail and 
facsimile transmission of paper forms. VMS data are collected 
electronically and automatically.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0584.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (revision and extension of a 
currently approved collection).
    Affected Public: Not-for-profit institutions; state, local, or 
tribal government; business or other for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 125 total; 6 medium-large vessels 
(over 40 ft).
    Estimated Time per Response: Permit applications and renewals, 30 
minutes; vessel identification, 45 minutes; initial VMS installation, 2 
hours; VMS maintenance, 2 hours annually.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 84.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $4,385.

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: September 21, 2011.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2011-24736 Filed 9-26-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P