Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; NOAA Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee Survey on Marine Mammal Deterrents, 41081-41082 [2023-13372]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 120 / Friday, June 23, 2023 / Notices 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; NOAA Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee Survey on Marine Mammal Deterrents 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 August 22, 2023. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at NOAA.PRA@noaa.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 0648– XXXX 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 Katie Denman, Policy Analyst, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of Policy, 1325 East-West Hwy Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301) 427–8038, and katie.denman@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: I. Abstract This is a request for a new information collection. A recent summary of a series of marine mammal deterrent workshops by NOAA Fisheries states, ‘‘under a recent proposed rule, NOAA Fisheries developed guidelines for deterring marine mammals under its jurisdiction, and recommended specific measures for species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The guidelines focus on how to safely use deterrents to avoid VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:01 Jun 22, 2023 Jkt 259001 injuring or killing marine mammals. However, evaluation of the efficacy of each deterrent was beyond the scope of the rulemaking process, and available data on deterrent effectiveness is lacking.’’ 1 Consequently, the Protected Resources Subcommittee of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) was asked to help NOAA Fisheries narrow down the scope for assessing the effectiveness of the marine mammal deterrents listed in the proposed guidelines and create a decision making process to prioritize areas to begin characterizing the effectiveness. To achieve this, the Subcommittee plans to rank relative risk of expected losses from interactions with marine mammals by various user groups nationwide, which will identify where the biggest impacts of marine mammals are likely to be occurring. The information for the relative risk and expected loss analysis will be generated through a survey of five user groups (commercial fishermen, recreational fishermen, tribal fishermen (inclusive of tribal nations and other coastal indigenous populations), aquaculture operators, and waterfront property managers (e.g. harbormasters and harbor facility assistants)). II. Method of Collection The MAFAC will employ electronic technology to conduct and analyze the survey through the open access and easy-to-use Google Forms software. The link to the form can be shared widely by announcement on the NOAA MAFAC website, through e-newsletters, email, and to the wide spectrum of NOAA partners and constituents. III. Data OMB Control Number: 0648–XXXX. Form Number(s): None. Type of Review: Regular submission [New information collection]. Affected Public: Individuals or households. Estimated Number of Respondents: 150 individuals. Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 12.5 hours. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary. Legal Authority: The Secretary of Commerce approved the establishment of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC or Committee) on December 28, 1970. The Committee was initially chartered on February 17, 1971, and has been renewed periodically 1 (Raum-Suryan PO 00000 Frm 00015 under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (FACA), 5 U.S.C. app. It has been determined the Committee’s continuance is in the public interest in accordance with the duties and the laws imposed on the Department. The Committee advises the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) on all living marine resource matters that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce. Specifically, the Committee draws on the expertise of its members, its task forces, and other appropriate sources, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), to evaluate and recommend priorities and needed changes in national program direction. Its objective is to ensure the Nation’s living marine resource policies and programs meet the needs of commercial and recreational fishermen, aquaculture activities, and environmental, consumer, academic, tribal, governmental, and other national interests. 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 ICR. 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 et al.) p. 1. Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 41081 E:\FR\FM\23JNN1.SGM 23JNN1 41082 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 120 / Friday, June 23, 2023 / Notices cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Sheleen Dumas, Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, Commerce Department. [FR Doc. 2023–13372 Filed 6–22–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XD097] Pacific Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. AGENCY: The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (Pacific Council) will convene an online meeting of its Ad Hoc Equity and Environmental Justice Committee (EEJC) to elect a chair and make plans for its first working meeting. This meeting is open to the public. DATES: The online meeting will be held Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The scheduled ending time for this meeting is an estimate. The meeting will adjourn when business for the day is completed. ADDRESSES: This meeting will be held online. Specific meeting information, including directions on how to join the meeting and system requirements will be provided in the meeting announcement on the Pacific Council’s website (see www.pcouncil.org). You may send an email to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt (kris.kleinschmidt@ noaa.gov) or contact him at (503) 820– 2412 for technical assistance. Council address: Pacific Fishery Management Council, 7700 NE Ambassador Place, Suite 101, Portland, OR 97220–1384. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jim Seger, Staff Officer, Pacific Council; telephone: (503) 820–2416. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The EEJC will have an organizational meeting to elect a chair and plan for its first working session. This committee was formed by the Pacific Council at its April 2023 meeting to advise the Pacific Council on working with NMFS on the forthcoming EEJ Strategy Regional Implementation Plan and the Geographic Strategic Plan. No management actions will be decided by lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:01 Jun 22, 2023 Jkt 259001 the EEJC but recommendations may be provided to the Pacific Council at its September 7–14, 2023 meeting. A detailed agenda for the webinar will be available on the Pacific Council’s website prior to the meeting. Although non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda may be discussed, those issues may not be the subject of formal action during this meeting. Action will be restricted to those issues specifically listed in this document and any issues arising after publication of this document that require emergency action under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, provided the public has been notified of the intent to take final action to address the emergency. Special Accommodations Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Mr. Kris Kleinschmidt (kris.kleinschmidt@ noaa.gov; (503) 820–2412) at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: June 20, 2023. Rey Israel Marquez, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–13412 Filed 6–22–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [RTID 0648–XD094] Fisheries of the South Atlantic; South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meetings National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of seminar series presentation via webinar. AGENCY: The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) will host a presentation on Larval Dispersal from Spawning Special Management Zones via webinar July 11, 2023. DATES: The webinar presentation will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. ADDRESSES: Meeting address: The presentation will be provided via webinar. The webinar is open to members of the public. Information, including a link to webinar registration will be posted on SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 the Council’s website at: https:// safmc.net/safmc-seminar-series/ as it becomes available. Council address: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N. Charleston, SC 29405. Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, SAFMC; phone: (843) 302–8439 or toll free: (866) SAFMC–10; fax: (843) 769– 4520; email: kim.iverson@safmc.net. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Council will host a presentation from Gulf of Maine Research Institute staff entitled ‘‘Simulated larval dispersal of snapper-grouper species to evaluate the efficacy of spawning Special Management Zones.’’ The presentation involves five spawning Special Management Zones (SMZs) designated off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. These are marine protected areas that were explicitly designated to increase the spawning and recruitment of species in the snappergrouper complex by protecting important spawning areas from fishing pressure. Each location was chosen as a potential source of high recruitment for the broader region. It was unclear, however, if the oceanographic conditions around the spawning SMZs favor recruitment success. Therefore, for several species, larval dispersal via ocean currents was simulated from each SMZ to investigate whether they can effectively serve as sources of recruitment for the snapper-grouper populations in the region. A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation. Members of the public will have the opportunity to participate in the discussion. The presentation is for informational purposes only and no management actions will be taken. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Special Accommodations The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the Council office (see ADDRESSES) 5 days prior to the meeting. Note: The times and sequence specified in this agenda are subject to change. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq. Dated: June 20, 2023. Rey Israel Marquez, Acting Deputy Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–13411 Filed 6–22–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P E:\FR\FM\23JNN1.SGM 23JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 120 (Friday, June 23, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 41081-41082]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-13372]



[[Page 41081]]

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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; NOAA Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee Survey on Marine 
Mammal Deterrents

AGENCY: National Oceanic & 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 August 22, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at [email protected]. Please 
reference OMB Control Number 0648-XXXX 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 Katie Denman, Policy Analyst, National Marine Fisheries Service, 
Office of Policy, 1325 East-West Hwy Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301) 
427-8038, and [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Abstract

    This is a request for a new information collection.
    A recent summary of a series of marine mammal deterrent workshops 
by NOAA Fisheries states, ``under a recent proposed rule, NOAA 
Fisheries developed guidelines for deterring marine mammals under its 
jurisdiction, and recommended specific measures for species listed 
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The guidelines focus on how to 
safely use deterrents to avoid injuring or killing marine mammals. 
However, evaluation of the efficacy of each deterrent was beyond the 
scope of the rulemaking process, and available data on deterrent 
effectiveness is lacking.'' \1\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ (Raum-Suryan et al.) p. 1.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Consequently, the Protected Resources Subcommittee of the Marine 
Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) was asked to help NOAA Fisheries 
narrow down the scope for assessing the effectiveness of the marine 
mammal deterrents listed in the proposed guidelines and create a 
decision making process to prioritize areas to begin characterizing the 
effectiveness. To achieve this, the Subcommittee plans to rank relative 
risk of expected losses from interactions with marine mammals by 
various user groups nationwide, which will identify where the biggest 
impacts of marine mammals are likely to be occurring. The information 
for the relative risk and expected loss analysis will be generated 
through a survey of five user groups (commercial fishermen, 
recreational fishermen, tribal fishermen (inclusive of tribal nations 
and other coastal indigenous populations), aquaculture operators, and 
waterfront property managers (e.g. harbormasters and harbor facility 
assistants)).

II. Method of Collection

    The MAFAC will employ electronic technology to conduct and analyze 
the survey through the open access and easy-to-use Google Forms 
software. The link to the form can be shared widely by announcement on 
the NOAA MAFAC website, through e-newsletters, email, and to the wide 
spectrum of NOAA partners and constituents.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-XXXX.
    Form Number(s): None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission [New information collection].
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 150 individuals.
    Estimated Time per Response: 5 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 12.5 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: The Secretary of Commerce approved the 
establishment of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC or 
Committee) on December 28, 1970. The Committee was initially chartered 
on February 17, 1971, and has been renewed periodically under the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (FACA), 5 U.S.C. app. It has 
been determined the Committee's continuance is in the public interest 
in accordance with the duties and the laws imposed on the Department. 
The Committee advises the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) on all 
living marine resource matters that are the responsibility of the 
Department of Commerce. Specifically, the Committee draws on the 
expertise of its members, its task forces, and other appropriate 
sources, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 
(NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), to evaluate and 
recommend priorities and needed changes in national program direction. 
Its objective is to ensure the Nation's living marine resource policies 
and programs meet the needs of commercial and recreational fishermen, 
aquaculture activities, and environmental, consumer, academic, tribal, 
governmental, and other national interests.

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 ICR. 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

[[Page 41082]]

cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

Sheleen Dumas,
Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Under Secretary for 
Economic Affairs, Commerce Department.
[FR Doc. 2023-13372 Filed 6-22-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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