Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Application for Appointment in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, 54304-54305 [2023-17169]

Download as PDF 54304 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 153 / Thursday, August 10, 2023 / Notices turtles and sturgeon associated with the otherwise lawful anchored small and large-mesh gill net fisheries operating in the inshore waters of North Carolina. All comments received will become part of the public record and will be available for review. Section 9 of the ESA and Federal regulations prohibit the ‘taking’ of a species listed as endangered or threatened. The ESA defines ‘‘take’’ to mean harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. NMFS may issue permits, under limited circumstances to take listed species incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA provides a mechanism for authorizing incidental take of listed species. NMFS regulations governing permits for threatened and endangered species are promulgated at 50 CFR 222.307. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Species Covered in This Notice The following species are included in the EA: North Atlantic and South Atlantic Distinct Population Segments (DPSs) of green (Chelonia mydas), Kemp’s ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), and Northwest Atlantic Ocean DPS of loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtles, Gulf of Maine, New York Bight, Chesapeake, Carolina, and South Atlantic DPSs of Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus), and shortnose sturgeon (Acipenser brevirostrum). Background NMFS received a draft permit application and conservation plan from NCDMF on June 22, 2022. Based on our review of the draft application, we requested further information and clarification on their mitigation measures and take requests. After several draft submissions and reviews, on December 2, 2022, NCDMF submitted a complete revised application for the incidental take of ESA-listed sea turtles and sturgeon. On December 22, 2022, we published a notice of receipt (87 FR 78659) of application and conservation plan from NCDMF for an incidental take permit. In that notice, we made the ITP application and associated conservation plan available for public comment. Subsequently, we received a request to extend the public comment period. NMFS provided a 30-day extension (88 FR 3971) to the comment period which closed on February 22, 2023. We received 231 comments on the application and conservation plan and VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:28 Aug 09, 2023 Jkt 259001 responses to these comments are available in the draft EA. National Environmental Policy Act This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the ESA and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). The draft EA was prepared in accordance with NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), 40 CFR 1500–1508 and NOAA policy and procedures (NOAA Administrative Order [NAO] 216–6A and the Companion Manual for the NAO 216–6A). Alternatives Considered NMFS’ proposed action is issuance of an ITP to NCDMF, which would authorize take of threatened and endangered sea turtle and sturgeon species associated with the otherwise lawful operation of NC commercial inshore large and small-mesh anchored gill net fisheries and require implementation of a conservation plan, in accordance with the requirements of the ESA. In preparing the draft EA, NMFS considered the following two alternatives for the proposed action. Alternative 1: No Action. In accordance with the NOAA Companion Manual (CM) for NAO 216–6A, Section 6.B.i, NMFS is defining the no action alternative as not authorizing the requested incidental take of ESA-listed sea turtles and sturgeon. This is consistent with our statutory obligation under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA to either: (1) deny the requested ITP or (2) grant the requested ITP and prescribe mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements. Under the no action alternative, NMFS would not issue the ITP, in which case, we assume NCDMF would continue to operate the fishery as described in the application without implementing the full suite of specific mitigation measures, monitoring, reporting explained in the Conservation Plan. The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Regulations and the Companion Manual for NAO 216–6A require consideration and analysis of a no action alternative for the purposes of presenting a comparative analysis to the action alternatives. The no action alternative, serves as a baseline against which the impacts of the action alternatives will be compared and contrasted. Alternative 2: Issue Permit as Requested in Application (Preferred alternative): Under Alternative 2, an ITP would be issued to exempt NCDMF from the ESA prohibition on taking sturgeon and sea turtles during operation of the otherwise lawful NC commercial inshore anchored gill net PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 fisheries. As required under Section 10(a)(1)(B), the ITP would require NCDMF to operate as described in the application and conservation plan to avoid, minimize, and mitigate take of ESA-listed sea turtles and sturgeon. Final permit determinations will not be completed until after the end of the 30-day comment period and will fully consider all public comments received during the comment period. NMFS will publish a record of its final action in the Federal Register. Dated: August 7, 2023. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2023–17170 Filed 8–9–23; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P 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; Application for Appointment in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps 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 October 10, 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– 0047 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM 10AUN1 Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 153 / Thursday, August 10, 2023 / Notices specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to LT Dustin Picard, Chief, NOAA Corps Recruiting Branch, (301) 713–7717, or chief.noaacorps.recruiting@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract This is a request for revision and extension of an existing information collection. The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps is the uniformed service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a bureau of the United States Department of Commerce. Officers serve under Senate-confirmed appointments and Presidential commissions (33 U.S.C. chapter 17, subchapter 1, sections 853 and 854). The NOAA Corps provides a cadre of professionals trained in engineering, earth sciences, oceanography, meteorology, fisheries science, and other related disciplines who serve their country by supporting NOAA’s mission of surveying the Earth’s oceans, coasts, and atmosphere to ensure the economic and physical well-being of the Nation. NOAA Corps officers operate vessels and aircraft engaged in scientific missions and serve in leadership positions throughout NOAA. Persons wishing to apply for an appointment in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps must complete an application package, including NOAA Form 56–42, at least three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. A personal interview must also be conducted. Eligibility requirements include a bachelor’s degree with at least 48 credit hours of science, engineering, or other disciplines related to NOAA’s mission, excellent health, and normal color vision with uncorrected visual acuity no worse than 20/400 in each eye (correctable to 20/20). The revision includes updates which reflect the current status of the NOAA Corps. This includes amending the essay questions and updating the instructions to reflect a new direct-toaviation recruitment model. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 II. Method of Collection Applicants must utilize the online Erecruit electronic application to complete and digitally submit the form. An in-person interview is also required. III. Data 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 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. 2023–17169 Filed 8–9–23; 8:45 am] OMB Control Number: 0648–0047. Form Number(s): NOAA 56–42 and NOAA 56–42A. Type of Review: Regular submission [revision and extension of an existing information collection.] VerDate Sep<11>2014 Affected Public: Individuals or households. Estimated Number of Respondents: 300. Estimated Time per Response: Written applications, 2 hours; interviews, 5 hours; references, 15 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,475. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $21,750. Respondent’s Obligation: Required to Obtain or Retain Benefits. Legal Authority: 33 U.S.C. chapter 17, subchapter 1, sections 853 and 854. 17:28 Aug 09, 2023 Jkt 259001 BILLING CODE 3510–22–P PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 54305 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Patent and Trademark Office [Docket No. PTO–T–2023–0028] Changes to Duration of Attorney Recognition; Notice of Public Listening Session and Request for Comments United States Patent and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of public listening session; request for comments. AGENCY: The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO or Office) seeks public comments on changes to the trademark rule regarding the duration of attorney recognition. In addition, the USPTO is announcing a public listening session on September 26, 2023, titled ‘‘Changes to Duration of Attorney Recognition,’’ to offer further opportunity for the public to provide input on this topic. DATES: The public listening session will take place on September 26, 2023, from 2–3:30 p.m. ET. Anyone wishing to present oral testimony at the hearing, either in person or virtually, must submit a written request for an opportunity to do so no later than September 15, 2023. Persons seeking to attend, either in person or virtually, but not to speak at the event must register by September 18, 2023. Seating is limited for in-person attendance. The USPTO will accept written comments until October 6, 2023. ADDRESSES: SUMMARY: Public Listening Session The public listening session will take place in person in the Clara Barton Auditorium at the USPTO, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. The session will also be available via live feed for those wishing to attend remotely. Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. Information on registration is available on the USPTO’s website at www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/ trademark-public-listening-sessionchanges-duration-attorney-recognition. Request for Comments For reasons of Government efficiency, commenters must submit their comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. To submit comments via the portal, enter docket number PTO–T–2023–0028 on the homepage and click ‘‘search.’’ The site will provide a search results page listing all documents associated with this docket. Find a reference to this request E:\FR\FM\10AUN1.SGM 10AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 153 (Thursday, August 10, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54304-54305]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-17169]


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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; Application for Appointment in the NOAA Commissioned Officer 
Corps

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 October 10, 2023.

ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to 
Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at [email protected]. Please 
reference OMB Control Number 0648-0047 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

[[Page 54305]]

specific questions related to collection activities should be directed 
to LT Dustin Picard, Chief, NOAA Corps Recruiting Branch, (301) 713-
7717, or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This is a request for revision and extension of an existing 
information collection.
    The NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps is the uniformed service of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a bureau of the 
United States Department of Commerce. Officers serve under Senate-
confirmed appointments and Presidential commissions (33 U.S.C. chapter 
17, subchapter 1, sections 853 and 854). The NOAA Corps provides a 
cadre of professionals trained in engineering, earth sciences, 
oceanography, meteorology, fisheries science, and other related 
disciplines who serve their country by supporting NOAA's mission of 
surveying the Earth's oceans, coasts, and atmosphere to ensure the 
economic and physical well-being of the Nation.
    NOAA Corps officers operate vessels and aircraft engaged in 
scientific missions and serve in leadership positions throughout NOAA. 
Persons wishing to apply for an appointment in the NOAA Commissioned 
Officer Corps must complete an application package, including NOAA Form 
56-42, at least three letters of recommendation, and official 
transcripts. A personal interview must also be conducted. Eligibility 
requirements include a bachelor's degree with at least 48 credit hours 
of science, engineering, or other disciplines related to NOAA's 
mission, excellent health, and normal color vision with uncorrected 
visual acuity no worse than 20/400 in each eye (correctable to 20/20).
    The revision includes updates which reflect the current status of 
the NOAA Corps. This includes amending the essay questions and updating 
the instructions to reflect a new direct-to-aviation recruitment model.

II. Method of Collection

    Applicants must utilize the online E-recruit electronic application 
to complete and digitally submit the form. An in-person interview is 
also required.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: 0648-0047.
    Form Number(s): NOAA 56-42 and NOAA 56-42A.
    Type of Review: Regular submission [revision and extension of an 
existing information collection.]
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 300.
    Estimated Time per Response: Written applications, 2 hours; 
interviews, 5 hours; references, 15 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,475.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $21,750.
    Respondent's Obligation: Required to Obtain or Retain Benefits.
    Legal Authority: 33 U.S.C. chapter 17, subchapter 1, sections 853 
and 854.

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 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. 2023-17169 Filed 8-9-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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