Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, 16928-16929 [2020-06193]

Download as PDF 16928 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 58 / Wednesday, March 25, 2020 / Notices and Liability Act (CERCLA; 42 U.S.C., 9601 et seq.) or the Oil Pollution Action of 1990 (OPA; 33 U.S.C., 2701 et seq.), or physical injuries under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA) (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.). ONMS consists of the following component organizations: fourteen national marine sanctuaries and two marine national monuments, and the Office of General Counsel for Natural Resources (GCNR). NOAA published the GCNR rate for FY10 in the Federal Register on October 20, 2011 (76 FR 65182). ONMS conducts NRDAs as a basis for recovering damages from responsible parties and uses the funds recovered to restore injured sanctuary resources. When addressing NRDA incidents, the costs of the damage assessment are recoverable from responsible parties who are potentially liable for an incident. Costs include direct and indirect costs. Direct costs are costs for activities that are clearly and readily attributable to a specific output. In the context of ONMS, outputs may be associated with damage assessment cases, or may be represented by other program products. In contrast, indirect costs reflect the costs for activities that collectively support ONMS’s mission and operations. For example, indirect costs include general administrative support and traditional overheads. Although indirect costs may not be readily traced back to a specific direct activity, indirect costs may be allocated to direct activities using an indirect cost distribution rate. Consistent with standard Federal accounting requirements, ONMS is required to account for and report the full costs of its programs and activities. Further, ONMS is authorized by law to recover reasonable costs of damage assessment and restoration activities under CERCLA, OPA and the NMSA. Within the constraints of these laws, ONMS has the discretion to develop indirect cost rates subject to its requirements. ONMS’s Indirect Cost Effort In October 2002, NOAA contracted the public accounting firm Cotton and Company LLP to: (1) Evaluate the cost accounting system and allocation practices; (2) recommend the appropriate indirect cost allocation methodology; and (3) determine the indirect cost rates for the organizations that comprise ONMS. A subcontractor to Cotton and Company LLP, Empirical Concepts Incorporated (Empirical), calculated the ONMS indirect costs for fiscal year 2010. Empirical concluded that the cost accounting system and allocation practices of ONMS component organizations are consistent with Federal accounting requirements. Empirical also determined that the most appropriate indirect allocation method was the Direct Labor Cost Base for all ONMS component organizations. The Direct Labor Cost Base is computed by allocation total indirect costs over the sum of direct labor dollars plus the application of NOAA’s leave surcharge and benefits rates to direct labor. Empirical further assessed that the indirect cost rates for the ONMS component organizations were fair and equitable. A report on Empirical’s assessment and their determination can be obtained from the person identified in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. ONMS Indirect Cost Rate and Policies ONMS will apply the indirect cost rate for FY2010 as recommended by Empirical for each of the ONMS component organizations as provided in the following table: Fiscal year 2010 indirect rate (percent) ONMS component organization Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (except for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary) .................................................... Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary ..................................................................................................................................... khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES ONMS will apply the FY2010 rates identified in this notice to all damage assessment and restoration case costs incurred from October 1, 2010 until present, using the Direct Labor Cost base allocation methodology. For cases that have settled and for cost claims paid prior to the effective date of the fiscal year in question, ONMS will not reopen any resolved matters for the purpose of applying the rates in this notice. For cases not settled and cost claims not paid prior to the effective date of the fiscal year in question, ONMS will calculate costs using the rates in this notice. ONMS will use the FY2010 rates for future fiscal years until year-specific rates are developed. John Armor, Director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [FR Doc. 2020–06196 Filed 3–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–NK–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Mar 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program The Department of Commerce will submit the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), on or after the date of publication of this notice. The public is invited to submit comments on this request. ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/ public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting ‘‘Currently under 30-day PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 67.95 82.35 Review—Open for Public Comments’’ or by using the search function and entering either the title of the collection or the OMB Control Number 0648–0178. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of this submission may be obtained from Adrienne Thomas, PRA Officer, NOAA, 151 Patton Avenue, Room 159, Asheville, NC 28801, (828) 257–3148 or viewing the entire information collection request at www.reginfo.gov. Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) if the information will be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) the accuracy of the agency’s estimates of the burden and cost of the collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (4) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (5) ways to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 58 / Wednesday, March 25, 2020 / Notices minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Title: Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, Level A Stranding Report, Rehabilitation Disposition Data Sheet, and Human Interaction Form. OMB Control Number: 0648–0178. Form Number(s): None. Type of Request: Regular submission (extension of an existing collection). Number of Respondents: 400. Average Hours per Response: 30 minutes for Stranding Reports and Rehabilitation Disposition Forms; 45 minutes for the Human Interaction Data Sheet. Burden Hours: 14,600. Needs and Uses: This request is for revision of this previously approved data collection. All three of the currently approved forms in this collection (the Stranding Report form, Human Interaction Form, and Rehabilitation Disposition Form) have been slightly modified. The marine mammal stranding report provides information on strandings so that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) can compile and analyze, by region, the species, numbers, conditions, and causes of illnesses and deaths in stranded marine mammals. NMFS requires this information to fulfill its management responsibilities under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1421a). Section 402(b) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1421a) requires the Secretary to collect and update information on strandings. It further provides that the Secretary shall compile and analyze, by region, the species, numbers, conditions, and causes of illnesses and deaths in stranded marine mammals. Section 404 (a) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1421c) mandates that the Secretary respond to unusual marine mammal mortality events. Without a historical baseline provided by marine mammal information collected from strandings, detection of such events could be difficult, and the investigation could be impeded. Section 401(b) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1421) requires NMFS to facilitate the collection and dissemination of reference data on the health of marine mammal populations in the wild and to correlate health with physical, chemical, and biological environmental parameters. In order to perform this function, NMFS must standardize data collection protocols for health and correlations. Data and VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:18 Mar 24, 2020 Jkt 250001 samples collected from stranded animals are a critical part of the implementation of this mandate of the MMPA. Minor edits to the current version of the form are proposed, including beginning to collect live, entangled large whale data in this data collection, streamlining the confidence codes, collecting data on marine debris and entanglement interactions, and minor textual edits to field names to better match the other two forms. NMFS is also responsible for the welfare of marine mammals while in rehabilitation status. Under MMPA section 104(c)(10) [16 U.S.C. 1374(c)(10)], NMFS is required to maintain an inventory of live marine mammals held under permits for rehabilitation or captive display. The data in the Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Disposition report are required to monitor and track animals during rehabilitation and during transfer to permanent-permitted status. This information is submitted primarily by members of the marine mammal stranding networks which are authorized by NMFS. Minor changes are proposed for this form, including the collection of all pinniped pups born in rehab (previously was only for pups that survived the first 48 hours). Additionally, minor edits to field names were made to better match the other two forms. The Human Interaction Data Sheet provides NMFS with consistent and detailed information on signs of human interaction in stranded marine mammals. This information will assist the Agency in tracking resource conflicts and will provide a solid scientific foundation for conservation and management of marine mammals. With a better understanding of interactions, appropriate measures can be taken to resolve conflicts and, stranding data are the best source of information regarding the occurrence of different types of human interaction. Minor changes to field names are proposed for this form, to better match the other two forms. Affected Public: State governments; not-for-profit institutions; business or other for-profits organizations. Frequency: Annual and periodic. On occasion. Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory. Legal Authority: Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1421a). PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 16929 Dated: March 19, 2020. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2020–06193 Filed 3–24–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Foreign Fishing Vessel Permits, Vessel, and Gear Identification, and Reporting Requirements 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 May 26, 2020. ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Adrienne Thomas, PRA Officer, NOAA, 151 Patton Avenue, Room 159, Asheville, NC 28801 (or via the internet at PRAcomments@doc.gov). All comments received are part of the public record. Comments will generally be posted without change. All Personally Identifiable Information (for example, name and address) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Kent Laborde, Office of International Affairs and Seafood Inspection (F/IS5), 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, 301–427–8364 or kent.laborde@ noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Abstract The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issues permits, under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.; MSA), to foreign E:\FR\FM\25MRN1.SGM 25MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 58 (Wednesday, March 25, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16928-16929]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-06193]


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

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Marine Mammal Health 
and Stranding Response Program

    The Department of Commerce will submit the following information 
collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for 
review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35), on or after the date of publication of 
this notice. The public is invited to submit comments on this request.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed 
information collection should be submitted within 30 days of the 
publication of this notice on the following website www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by 
selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--Open for Public Comments'' 
or by using the search function and entering either the title of the 
collection or the OMB Control Number 0648-0178.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Copies of this submission may be 
obtained from Adrienne Thomas, PRA Officer, NOAA, 151 Patton Avenue, 
Room 159, Asheville, NC 28801, (828) 257-3148 or viewing the entire 
information collection request at www.reginfo.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments are invited on: (1) Whether the 
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of 
the functions of the Department, including whether the information will 
have practical utility; (2) if the information will be processed and 
used in a timely manner; (3) the accuracy of the agency's estimates of 
the burden and cost of the collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (4) ways to enhance 
the quality, utility and clarity of the information collection; and (5) 
ways to

[[Page 16929]]

minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are 
to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology.
    Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
    Title: Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, Level A 
Stranding Report, Rehabilitation Disposition Data Sheet, and Human 
Interaction Form.
    OMB Control Number: 0648-0178.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Request: Regular submission (extension of an existing 
collection).
    Number of Respondents: 400.
    Average Hours per Response: 30 minutes for Stranding Reports and 
Rehabilitation Disposition Forms; 45 minutes for the Human Interaction 
Data Sheet.
    Burden Hours: 14,600.
    Needs and Uses: This request is for revision of this previously 
approved data collection. All three of the currently approved forms in 
this collection (the Stranding Report form, Human Interaction Form, and 
Rehabilitation Disposition Form) have been slightly modified.
    The marine mammal stranding report provides information on 
strandings so that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) can 
compile and analyze, by region, the species, numbers, conditions, and 
causes of illnesses and deaths in stranded marine mammals. NMFS 
requires this information to fulfill its management responsibilities 
under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1421a). Section 
402(b) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1421a) requires the Secretary to collect 
and update information on strandings. It further provides that the 
Secretary shall compile and analyze, by region, the species, numbers, 
conditions, and causes of illnesses and deaths in stranded marine 
mammals. Section 404 (a) of the MMPA (16 U.S.C. 1421c) mandates that 
the Secretary respond to unusual marine mammal mortality events. 
Without a historical baseline provided by marine mammal information 
collected from strandings, detection of such events could be difficult, 
and the investigation could be impeded. Section 401(b) of the MMPA (16 
U.S.C. 1421) requires NMFS to facilitate the collection and 
dissemination of reference data on the health of marine mammal 
populations in the wild and to correlate health with physical, 
chemical, and biological environmental parameters. In order to perform 
this function, NMFS must standardize data collection protocols for 
health and correlations. Data and samples collected from stranded 
animals are a critical part of the implementation of this mandate of 
the MMPA. Minor edits to the current version of the form are proposed, 
including beginning to collect live, entangled large whale data in this 
data collection, streamlining the confidence codes, collecting data on 
marine debris and entanglement interactions, and minor textual edits to 
field names to better match the other two forms.
    NMFS is also responsible for the welfare of marine mammals while in 
rehabilitation status. Under MMPA section 104(c)(10) [16 U.S.C. 
1374(c)(10)], NMFS is required to maintain an inventory of live marine 
mammals held under permits for rehabilitation or captive display. The 
data in the Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Disposition report are 
required to monitor and track animals during rehabilitation and during 
transfer to permanent-permitted status. This information is submitted 
primarily by members of the marine mammal stranding networks which are 
authorized by NMFS. Minor changes are proposed for this form, including 
the collection of all pinniped pups born in rehab (previously was only 
for pups that survived the first 48 hours). Additionally, minor edits 
to field names were made to better match the other two forms.
    The Human Interaction Data Sheet provides NMFS with consistent and 
detailed information on signs of human interaction in stranded marine 
mammals. This information will assist the Agency in tracking resource 
conflicts and will provide a solid scientific foundation for 
conservation and management of marine mammals. With a better 
understanding of interactions, appropriate measures can be taken to 
resolve conflicts and, stranding data are the best source of 
information regarding the occurrence of different types of human 
interaction. Minor changes to field names are proposed for this form, 
to better match the other two forms.
    Affected Public: State governments; not-for-profit institutions; 
business or other for-profits organizations.
    Frequency: Annual and periodic. On occasion.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1421a).

    Dated: March 19, 2020.
Sheleen Dumas,
Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2020-06193 Filed 3-24-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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