Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Pacific Islands Region Vessel and Gear Identification Requirements, 68305-68306 [2020-23822]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 209 / Wednesday, October 28, 2020 / Notices jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES seal (Phoca vitulina), Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), and killer whale (Orcinus orca). A description of the methods and inputs used to estimate take anticipated to occur and, ultimately, the take that was authorized is found in the previous documents referenced above. The data inputs and methods of estimating take are identical to those used in the initial IHA. NMFS has reviewed recent Stock Assessment Reports, information on relevant Unusual Mortality Events, and recent scientific literature, and determined that no new information affects our original analysis of impacts or take estimate under the initial IHA. We refer to the documents related to the previously issued IHA, which include the Federal Register notice of the issuance of the initial 2019 IHA for ADOT&PF’s construction work (84 FR 56767; October 23, 2019), ADOT&PF’s application, the Federal Register notice of the proposed IHA (84 FR 22453; May 17, 2019), and all associated references and documents. Determinations ADOT&PF will conduct activities as analyzed in the initial 2019 IHA. As described above, the number of authorized takes of the same species and stocks of marine mammals are identical to the numbers that were found to meet the negligible impact and small numbers standards and authorized under the initial IHA and no new information has emerged that would change those findings. The re-issued 2020 IHA includes identical required mitigation, monitoring, and reporting measures as the initial IHA, and there is no new information suggesting that our analysis or findings should change. Based on the information contained here and in the referenced documents, NMFS has determined the following: (1) The required mitigation measures will effect the least practicable impact on marine mammal species or stocks and their habitat; (2) the authorized takes will have a negligible impact on the affected marine mammal species or stocks; (3) the authorized takes represent small numbers of marine mammals relative to the affected stock abundances; and (4) ADOT&PF’s activities will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on taking for subsistence purposes as no relevant subsistence uses of marine mammals are implicated by this action. National Environmental Policy Act To comply with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:29 Oct 27, 2020 Jkt 253001 (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and NOAA Administrative Order (NAO) 216–6A, NMFS must review our proposed action with respect to environmental consequences on the human environment. Accordingly, NMFS has determined that the issuance of the IHA qualifies to be categorically excluded from further NEPA review. This action is consistent with categories of activities identified in CE B4 of the Companion Manual for NOAA Administrative Order 216–6A, which do not individually or cumulatively have the potential for significant impacts on the quality of the human environment and for which we have not identified any extraordinary circumstances that would preclude this categorical exclusion. Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires that each Federal agency insure that any action it authorizes, funds, or carries out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. To ensure ESA compliance for the issuance of IHAs, NMFS consults internally, in this case with the Alaska Regional Office, whenever we propose to authorize take for endangered or threatened species. The effects of this proposed federal action were adequately analyzed in NMFS’ Biological Opinion for the Auke Bay Ferry Terminal Modifications Project, dated October 3, 2019, which concluded that the take NMFS proposed to authorize through this IHA would not jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or destroy or adversely modify any designated critical habitat. Authorization NMFS has issued an IHA to ADOT&PF for in-water construction activities associated with the specified activity from November 1, 2020 through October 31, 2021. All previously described mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements from the initial 2019 IHA are incorporated. Dated: October 23, 2020. Donna S. Wieting, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2020–23849 Filed 10–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 68305 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Pacific Islands Region Vessel and Gear Identification Requirements National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Information Collection, request for comment. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before December 28, 2020. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at Adrienne.thomas@noaa.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 0648– 0360 in the subject line of your comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to Walter Ikehara, Fishery Information Specialist, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Region, (808) 725–5175, walter.ikehara@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Abstract This request is for extension of a currently approved information collection. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) established the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council), to develop fishery ecosystem plans (FEP) for fisheries in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas of the Pacific Islands Region. These plans, when approved by the Secretary of Commerce, are implemented in Federal regulations by E:\FR\FM\28OCN1.SGM 28OCN1 68306 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 209 / Wednesday, October 28, 2020 / Notices NMFS and enforced by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), in cooperation with state and territorial agencies. The FEPs and Federal regulations are intended to prevent overfishing and to ensure the long-term productivity and social and economic benefit of the resources. Regulations at 50 CFR 665.16, 300.35, and 300.217 require that all U.S. vessels with Federal permits fishing for western Pacific fishery management unit species display identification markings on the vessel. Each Vessel registered for use with a permit issued under Subparts B through E and Subparts G through I of 50 CFR 665, must have the vessel’s official number displayed on both sides of the deckhouse or hull, and on an appropriate weather deck. Regulations at 50 CFR 300.35 require that each vessel fishing under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty must display its international radio call sign on the hull, the deck, and on the sides of auxiliary equipment, such as skiffs and helicopters. Vessels fishing for highly migratory species in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Convention Area and in international waters must comply with the regulations at 50 CFR 300.217 requiring the display of the vessel’s international radio call sign on both sides of the deckhouse or hull, and on an appropriate weather deck, unless specifically exempted. In each case, the numbers must be a specific size and in specified locations. The display of the identifying numbers aids in fishery law enforcement. The regulations at 50 CFR 665.128, 665.228, 665.428, 665.628, and 665.804 require that certain fishing gear must be marked. In the pelagic longline fisheries, the vessel operator must ensure that the official number of the vessel is affixed to every longline buoy and float. In the coral reef ecosystem fisheries, the vessel number must be affixed to all fish and crab traps. The marking of gear links fishing or other activity to the vessel, aids law enforcement, and is valuable in actions concerning the damage to or loss of gear, and civil proceedings. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES II. Method of Collection The vessel owner or crew paint the identification markings on each vessel and associated equipment and gear. NMFS collects no other information. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648–0360. Form Number(s): None. VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:29 Oct 27, 2020 Jkt 253001 Type of Review: Regular submission, extension of a current information collection. Affected Public: Business or other forprofit organizations; Individuals or households. Estimated Number of Respondents: 324. Estimated Time per Response: 1.25 hours per purse seine vessel and 0.75 hours per other fishery vessel for vessel ID marking. 0.083 hours per gear marking. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,337. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $89,473. Respondent’s Obligation: Mandatory. Legal Authority: 50 CFR 665, 50 CFR 300. IV. Request for Comments We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request to OMB to approve this Information Collection Request. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2020–23822 Filed 10–27–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Highly Migratory Species Scientific Research Permits, Exempted Fishing Permits, and Letters of Authorization National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before December 28, 2020. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at Adrienne.thomas@noaa.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 0648– 0471 in the subject line of your comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to Craig Cockrell at 301–427–8503, and craig.cockrell@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Abstract This is a request for extension of a currently approved information collection. Exempted fishing permits (EFPs), scientific research permits (SRPs), display permits, letters of acknowledgment (LOAs), and shark research fishery permits are issued under the authority of the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) and/or the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act (ATCA) (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.). Issuance of EFPs E:\FR\FM\28OCN1.SGM 28OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 209 (Wednesday, October 28, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 68305-68306]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-23822]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment 
Request; Pacific Islands Region Vessel and Gear Identification 
Requirements

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of Information Collection, request for comment.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other 
Federal agencies to comment on proposed and continuing information 
collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information 
collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The 
purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment 
preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed 
information collection must be received on or before December 28, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at [email protected]. Please 
reference OMB Control Number 0648-0360 in the subject line of your 
comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise 
sensitive or protected information.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
specific questions related to collection activities should be directed 
to Walter Ikehara, Fishery Information Specialist, National Marine 
Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Region, (808) 725-5175, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for extension of a currently approved information 
collection.
    The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(Magnuson-Stevens Act) established the Western Pacific Fishery 
Management Council (Council), to develop fishery ecosystem plans (FEP) 
for fisheries in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and high seas 
of the Pacific Islands Region. These plans, when approved by the 
Secretary of Commerce, are implemented in Federal regulations by

[[Page 68306]]

NMFS and enforced by NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement (OLE) and the 
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), in cooperation with state and territorial 
agencies. The FEPs and Federal regulations are intended to prevent 
overfishing and to ensure the long-term productivity and social and 
economic benefit of the resources.
    Regulations at 50 CFR 665.16, 300.35, and 300.217 require that all 
U.S. vessels with Federal permits fishing for western Pacific fishery 
management unit species display identification markings on the vessel. 
Each Vessel registered for use with a permit issued under Subparts B 
through E and Subparts G through I of 50 CFR 665, must have the 
vessel's official number displayed on both sides of the deckhouse or 
hull, and on an appropriate weather deck. Regulations at 50 CFR 300.35 
require that each vessel fishing under the South Pacific Tuna Treaty 
must display its international radio call sign on the hull, the deck, 
and on the sides of auxiliary equipment, such as skiffs and 
helicopters. Vessels fishing for highly migratory species in the 
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Convention 
Area and in international waters must comply with the regulations at 50 
CFR 300.217 requiring the display of the vessel's international radio 
call sign on both sides of the deckhouse or hull, and on an appropriate 
weather deck, unless specifically exempted. In each case, the numbers 
must be a specific size and in specified locations. The display of the 
identifying numbers aids in fishery law enforcement.
    The regulations at 50 CFR 665.128, 665.228, 665.428, 665.628, and 
665.804 require that certain fishing gear must be marked. In the 
pelagic longline fisheries, the vessel operator must ensure that the 
official number of the vessel is affixed to every longline buoy and 
float. In the coral reef ecosystem fisheries, the vessel number must be 
affixed to all fish and crab traps. The marking of gear links fishing 
or other activity to the vessel, aids law enforcement, and is valuable 
in actions concerning the damage to or loss of gear, and civil 
proceedings.

II. Method of Collection

    The vessel owner or crew paint the identification markings on each 
vessel and associated equipment and gear. NMFS collects no other 
information.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0360.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission, extension of a current 
information collection.
    Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations; 
Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 324.
    Estimated Time per Response: 1.25 hours per purse seine vessel and 
0.75 hours per other fishery vessel for vessel ID marking. 0.083 hours 
per gear marking.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,337.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $89,473.
    Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.
    Legal Authority: 50 CFR 665, 50 CFR 300.

IV. Request for Comments

    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau 
to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether 
the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy 
of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed 
collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions 
used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of 
the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden 
on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology.
    Comments that you submit in response to this notice are a matter of 
public record. We will include or summarize each comment in our request 
to OMB to approve this Information Collection Request. Before including 
your address, phone number, email address, or other personal 
identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your 
entire comment--including your personal identifying information--may be 
made publicly available at any time. While you may ask us in your 
comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public 
review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Sheleen Dumas,
Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2020-23822 Filed 10-27-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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