Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Billfish Tagging Report Card, 32535-32536 [2017-14862]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 134 / Friday, July 14, 2017 / Notices coverage. EM would not replace Northeast Fishery Observer Program (NEFOP) observers, but EM would run concurrently on these trips. Initially, 100 percent of the video from every trip would be reviewed for data collection to monitor discards and support ongoing analysis to implement an audit program (i.e., reduce video review rates below 100 percent and/or use electronic VTR for discard data in quota monitoring). Given presumably high concentrations of healthy fish stocks in portions of groundfish closed areas, and because vessels would be fully monitored, the CCCFA also requested access to portions of groundfish closed areas to enable vessels to more effectively target healthy fish stocks (i.e., pollock, haddock, hake, and redfish), while avoiding cod. If approved, this request would help achieve another project objective, which is to increase participation and incentivize the use of EM. These exemptions would include: (1) Hook gear (jig machines, hand gear, benthic long lines) and sink gillnets in Closed Area I (CAI) and Closed Area II (CAII); (2) Hook gear (jig machines, hand gear, benthic long lines) in the Western Gulf of Maine (WGOM) Closure Area; and (3) Jig gear (jig machines and hand gear) in the Fippennies Ledge portion of Cashes Ledge. The CCCFA did not request that trawl gear vessels be allowed to access these closed areas under the EFP. The EFP would not exempt any participating vessels from the seasonal Gulf of Maine (GOM) Cod Protection Areas to ensure cod spawning protection is not undermined. EFP trips would occur year-round (excluding seasonal closures), although the majority of trips would occur in the summer and fall months. Participation in this EFP would be heavily dependent on how many vessels leave the already-approved EFP (i.e., 16 percent coverage, no closed area access), and choose to join this new EFP (i.e., 100 percent coverage, closed area access). There are currently 14 vessels listed on the current EFP. Because vessels may only participate in one of these EFPs; these 14 vessels, plus an additional 3 vessels, could be approved under this new 100-percent EM EFP. If access to the closed areas is approved, we expect most vessels would choose to participate in this new EFP. All catch of groundfish stocks allocated to sectors by vessels would be deducted from the sector’s annual catch entitlement for each groundfish stock. Legal-sized regulated groundfish would be retained and landed, as required by the FMP. Undersized groundfish would be handled according to the EM project guidelines in view of cameras and VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:44 Jul 13, 2017 Jkt 241001 returned to the sea as quickly as possible. All other species would be handled per normal commercial fishing operations. No legal-size regulated groundfish would be discarded, unless otherwise permitted through regulatory exemptions granted to the participating vessel’s sector. NMFS has not yet developed the full set of business rules for an audit program, such as the pass/fail criteria and the video review rates. However, under this EFP, vessels would continue to pursue the audit model by reporting all catch (kept and discards) on their electronic VTR, and EM would be used to monitor discards from each trip. This EFP is expected to significantly increase EM data collection by requiring EM on 100 percent of trips along with increased opportunities for accessing healthy fish stocks within some closed areas. This will improve the ability to develop and implement an audit program, beyond the EFPs that required EM coverage of 14 percent last year, and 16 percent this year. The CCCFA requested a gear exemption from the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (HMS) regulations; that request is being considered separately by the Atlantic HMS program. The CCCFA also requested an exemption from the Pre-Trip Notification System (PTNS), which is used in several fisheries for NEFOP observer deployment and for ASM deployment in the groundfish fishery; we do not intend to grant that exemption. Vessels participating in this EFP are still required to take NEFOP observers, and without a suitable and fair alternative, we must still use PTNS to facilitate and monitor observer deployments in the fishery. Additionally, it is highly likely that all Federal vessels will have a pre-trip requirement as part of the Region’s Fishery-Dependent Data Vision (FDDV) project. We think it is important to retain this type of requirement, rather than temporarily exempt vessels only to have it replaced by a similar requirement in the near future. However, we recognize the concerns expressed by the applicants, and the fishing industry at-large regarding reporting requirements. We expect that the FDDV will address many of these concerns, and that EM may offer the ability to simplify reporting. If approved, the applicant may request minor modifications and extensions to the EFP throughout the year. EFP modifications and extensions may be granted without further notice if they are deemed essential to facilitate completion of the proposed research PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 32535 and have minimal impacts that do not change the scope or impact of the initially approved EFP request. Any fishing activity conducted outside the scope of the exempted fishing activity would be prohibited. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: July 11, 2017. Emily H. Menashes, Acting Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017–14820 Filed 7–13–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Billfish Tagging Report Card National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: 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 September 12, 2017. 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 pracomments@doc.gov). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Gerard DiNardo, NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, (858) 546–7106, or gerard.dinardo@ noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Abstract This request is for extension of a currently approved information collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center operates a billfish tagging program. Tagging supplies are provided to volunteer anglers. When anglers catch and release a tagged fish they submit a E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1 32536 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 134 / Friday, July 14, 2017 / Notices brief report on the fish and the location of the tagging. The information obtained is used in conjunction with tag returns to determine billfish migration patterns, mortality rates, and similar information useful in the management of the billfish fisheries. This program is authorized under 16 U.S.C. 760(e), Study of migratory game fish; waters; research; purpose. II. Method of Collection Information is submitted by mail, via a paper form the size of a postcard. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648–0009. Form Number(s): NOAA Form 88– 162. Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently approved collection). Affected Public: Individuals or households. Estimated Number of Respondents: 1000. Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 83. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. mstockstill on DSK30JT082PROD 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. Dated: July 11, 2017. Sarah Brabson, NOAA PRA Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2017–14862 Filed 7–13–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:44 Jul 13, 2017 Jkt 241001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Dated: July 7, 2017. Jennifer Lukens, Director for the Office of Policy, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2017–14797 Filed 7–13–17; 8:45 am] RIN 0648–XF494 BILLING CODE 3510–22–P Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of open public meetings. AGENCY: This notice sets forth the schedule and proposed agenda of a forthcoming meeting of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC). The members will discuss and provide advice on improving resilience of coastal fishing communities. SUMMARY: The meeting is scheduled for August 9, 2017, 2–5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. ADDRESSES: Public access is available at 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Any member of the public wishing to participate may contact Heidi Lovett, (301) 427–8034; email: heidi.lovett@ noaa.gov. DATES: The MAFAC was established by the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary), and, since 1971, advises the Secretary on all living marine resource matters that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce. The charter and other information are located online at https:// www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ocs/mafac/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Matters To Be Considered The Committee is convening to discuss and finalize their recommendations on improving resilience of coastal fishing communities. Other administrative matters may be considered. This date, time, and agenda are subject to change. Time and Date The meeting is scheduled for August 9, 2017, 2–5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time by conference call. Conference call information for the public will be posted at https://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ ocs/mafac/ by July 26, 2017. Special Accommodations These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Heidi Lovett, 301– 427–8034 by July 26, 2017. PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE Office of the Secretary Judicial Proceedings Since Fiscal Year 2012 Amendments Panel; Notice of Federal Advisory Committee Meeting General Counsel of the Department of Defense, Department of Defense. ACTION: Notice of Federal Advisory Committee meeting. AGENCY: The Department of Defense (DoD) is publishing this notice to announce that the following Federal Advisory Committee meeting of the Judicial Proceedings Since Fiscal Year 2012 Amendments Panel will take place. DATES: Open to the public, Wednesday, July 26, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. and Thursday, July 27, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: One Liberty Center, Suite 1432, 875 North Randolph Street, Arlington, Virginia 22203. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maria Fried, 703–571–2664 (Voice), 703–693–3903 (Facsimile), whs.pentagon.em.mbx.judicial-panel@ mail.mil (Email). Mailing address is One Liberty Center, 875 N. Randolph Street, Suite 150, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Web site: https://jpp.whs.mil/. The most up-to-date changes to the meeting agenda can be found on the Web site. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Due to circumstances beyond the control of the Designated Federal Officer and the Department of Defense, the Judicial Proceedings Since Fiscal Year 2012 Amendments Panel was unable to provide public notification concerning its meeting on July 26 through 27, 2017, as required by 41 CFR 102–3.150(a). Accordingly, the Advisory Committee Management Officer for the Department of Defense, pursuant to 41 CFR 102– 3.150(b), waives the 15-calendar day notification requirement. This meeting is being held under the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 1972 (5 U.S.C., Appendix, as amended), the Government in the Sunshine Act of 1976 (5 U.S.C. 552b, as amended), and 41 CFR 102–3.140 and 102–3.150. For meeting information please contact the staff director, Captain SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\14JYN1.SGM 14JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 134 (Friday, July 14, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 32535-32536]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-14862]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Billfish 
Tagging Report Card

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 September 12, 
2017.

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 pracomments@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Gerard DiNardo, NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center, 
(858) 546-7106, or gerard.dinardo@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for extension of a currently approved information 
collection. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 
Southwest Fisheries Science Center operates a billfish tagging program. 
Tagging supplies are provided to volunteer anglers. When anglers catch 
and release a tagged fish they submit a

[[Page 32536]]

brief report on the fish and the location of the tagging. The 
information obtained is used in conjunction with tag returns to 
determine billfish migration patterns, mortality rates, and similar 
information useful in the management of the billfish fisheries. This 
program is authorized under 16 U.S.C. 760(e), Study of migratory game 
fish; waters; research; purpose.

II. Method of Collection

    Information is submitted by mail, via a paper form the size of a 
postcard.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0009.
    Form Number(s): NOAA Form 88-162.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently 
approved collection).
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 1000.
    Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 83.
    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: July 11, 2017.
Sarah Brabson,
NOAA PRA Clearance Officer.
[FR Doc. 2017-14862 Filed 7-13-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.