Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Survey Instrument Assessing Ecosystem-Based Resource Management in the United States Gulf of Mexico, 24757 [2019-11117]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 103 (Wednesday, May 29, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Page 24757]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-11117]



[[Page 24757]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Survey 
Instrument Assessing Ecosystem-Based Resource Management in the United 
States Gulf of Mexico

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 29, 2019.

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 [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Kathleen Ernst ([email protected]) or Julien 
Lartigue ([email protected]), NOAA RESTORE Science Program, 
NOAA/NCEI 1021 Balch Blvd., Suite 1003, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529, 
240-429-5966.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The NOAA RESTORE Science Program is committed to improving 
ecosystem-based management practices throughout the Gulf of Mexico by 
funding project teams that bring together scientists and resource 
managers to produce findings and products that (1) increase knowledge 
and understanding of the ecosystem as a whole, and (2) inform 
ecosystem-based management. To assess progress towards these outcomes, 
the Science Program established a long-term outcome metric for the 
program: The management of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem and its 
resources is informed by a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic 
linkages between the components of the ecosystem and there is growing 
confidence in, and capacity for, taking an ecosystem-based approach to 
management. A survey instrument has been developed that will assess the 
state of ecosystem based management practices across the Gulf of 
Mexico. This survey instrument will be electronically distributed to 
resource managers from not-for-profit institutions and local, state, 
tribal, and federal government agencies. Potential participants can 
print the survey, or receive the survey by mail if they so choose. 
Currently, no survey instrument assessing the state of ecosystem-based 
management practices in the Gulf of Mexico has been undertaken at the 
regional scale. This survey instrument is intended to create a baseline 
of understanding regarding ecosystem-based management practices and 
progress in the Gulf of Mexico region of the United States.

II. Method of Collection

    Information will primarily be collected electronically using a 
survey instrument to record responses. The survey instrument will be 
available as a Google Form, and partial responses will be recorded if a 
participant submits the survey but does not complete all survey 
questions. An option to print the survey instrument and mail it to the 
NOAA RESTORE Science Program Offices is also available at this url: 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScp7IOm8ZAeSCtSGasyqM48xjx7jVQ_xGXttDR6XZuTfrXUGw/viewform. In 
the event that a potential respondent requests that a survey be mailed 
to them, NOAA RESTORE Science Program staff will mail the survey to the 
potential respondent with a stamped return envelope addressed to the 
NOAA RESTORE Science Program.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-xxxx.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission, new information collection.
    Affected Public: Individual natural resource management 
professionals working for not-for-profit institutions; state, local, or 
tribal government, or the Federal government.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 100.
    Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 5.5 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $1,620.00.

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.

Sheleen Dumas,
Departmental Lead PRA Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, 
Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2019-11117 Filed 5-28-19; 8:45 am]
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