Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Alaska Observer Program, 28976 [2015-12155]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 97 (Wednesday, May 20, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Page 28976]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-12155]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Alaska Observer 
Program

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 July 20, 2015.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at JJessup@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Patsy Bearden, (907) 586-7008 or patsy.bearden@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The North Pacific Groundfish and Halibut Observer Program (Observer 
Program) plays a critical role in the conservation and management of 
Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska groundfish and halibut 
fisheries. Five observer contracting companies provide observer 
services (see https://www.afsc.noaa.gov/FMA/observer_providers.htm). 
Observers collect biological samples and fishery-dependent information 
on total catch and interactions with protected species. Managers use 
data collected by observers to monitor quotas, manage groundfish and 
prohibited species catch, and document and reduce fishery interactions 
with protected resources. Scientists use observer-collected data for 
stock assessments and marine ecosystem research.
    All sectors of the groundfish fishery, including vessels less than 
60 feet length overall and the commercial halibut sector, are now 
included in the Observer Program. The National Marine Fisheries Service 
(NMFS) has the flexibility to decide when and where to deploy observers 
based on a scientifically defensible deployment plan reviewed annually 
by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. The Observer Program 
places all vessels and processors in the groundfish and halibut 
fisheries off Alaska into one of two observer coverage categories: A 
full coverage category and a partial coverage category.

II. Method of Collection

    This request is for extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    Electronically submitted landing information submitted by managers 
of shoreside processors and stationary floating processors (SFPs) is 
used to assess the observer fee liability for each landing. Managers of 
shoreside processors and SFPs access reports generated by NMFS' Web-
based application for a receipt of the observer fee liability 
associated with each landing. NMFS makes electronic monitoring 
available as an alternative tool for fulfilling observer coverage 
requirements. The electronic monitoring option does not change the 
funding mechanism or fee amount, but does provide an alternative to 
carrying a human observer.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0318.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular (extension of a current information 
collection).
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 959.
    Estimated Time per Response: 8 hr to review and 1 hr to submit 
candidate college transcripts and statements, Observer provider; 1 hr 
for Observer training registration; 7 minutes for Observer briefing 
registration; 7 minutes for Projected observer assignment; 5 minutes 
for Physical examination verification; 7 minutes for Observer 
deployment/logistics report; 30 minutes for Observer debriefing 
registration; 12 minutes for Certificates of insurance; 30 minutes for 
Observer provider contracts; 1 hr for Other reports; 30 minutes for 
Industry Request for Assistance in Improving Observer Data Quality 
Issues; 60 hr for Observer provider permit application; 30 minutes for 
Observer provider invoice copies; 15 minutes each for Update to 
provider information, Observer declaration and deployment system 
(ODDs), Observer fee calculation and submittal and Notification of one-
time election of observer coverage; 4 hours for Observer appeal; 1 hr 
for Request for electronic monitoring as exemption for observer 
coverage.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,130.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $3,256.

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: May 14, 2015.
Sarah Brabson,
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2015-12155 Filed 5-19-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P