Agency Information Collection Activities; Perspectives on Manatee Ecotourism, 75304-75307 [2023-24192]
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 211 / Thursday, November 2, 2023 / Notices
In addition, for those eligible bidders
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must provide documentation and certify
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Scope of Notice
This notice applies to HVLS 2024–1
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Julia R. Gordon,
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[FR Doc. 2023–24163 Filed 11–1–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210–67–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[Docket No. FWS–R4–NWRS–2023–0169;
FF09M21200–234–FXMB1231099BPP0;
OMB Control Number 1018–New]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Perspectives on Manatee
Ecotourism
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(Service), are proposing a new
information collection.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before January
2, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on the
information collection request (ICR) by
one of the following methods (please
reference ‘‘OMB Control No. 1018—
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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Manatees’’ in the subject line of your
comment):
• Internet (preferred): https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments
on Docket No. FWS–R4–NWRS–2023–
0169.
• U.S. mail: Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg
Pike, MS: PRB (JAO/3W); Falls Church,
VA 22041–3803.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Madonna L. Baucum, Service
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, by email at Info_Coll@fws.gov,
or by telephone at (703) 358–2503.
Individuals in the United States who are
deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have
a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY,
TDD, or TeleBraille) to access
telecommunications relay services.
Individuals outside the United States
should use the relay services offered
within their country to make
international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act (PRA; 44 U.S.C. 3501 et
seq.) and its implementing regulations
in the Code of Federal Regulations
(CFR) at 5 CFR 1320, all information
collections require approval under the
PRA. We may not conduct or sponsor
and you are not required to respond to
a collection of information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control
number.
As part of our continuing effort to
reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we invite the public and other
Federal agencies to comment on new,
proposed, revised, and continuing
collections of information. This helps us
assess the impact of our information
collection requirements and minimize
the public’s reporting burden. It also
helps the public understand our
information collection requirements and
provide the requested data in the
desired format.
We are especially interested in public
comment addressing the following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
agency, including whether or not the
information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the
burden for this collection of
information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and
(4) How might the agency minimize
the burden of the collection of
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information on those who are to
respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic,
mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of
information technology, e.g., permitting
electronic submission of response.
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 can 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.
Abstract: The Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
and the Marine Mammal Protection Act
of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.) place
importance on public education and
outreach regarding manatee
conservation. Researchers conducting
noninvasive surveys can raise
awareness about manatees and the
importance of responsible ecotourism.
Furthermore, the data collected from
noninvasive surveys can inform
management decisions and policies
related to manatee conservation and
ecotourism. Authorities and
policymakers can also use this data to
develop evidence-based strategies that
balance the interests of stakeholders
while safeguarding the well-being of
manatees and their habitats.
Ecotourism is broadly defined as
traveling to an undisturbed area with
the objective of admiring and studying
the wildlife (Wallace and Pierce 1996).
Tourism-based activities can provide
economic benefits for the community,
improve conservation, and be used as a
tool for education (Ambe, Tsi, Chi, Siri,
and Tita 2010; Hill and Gale 2009;
Honey 2008; Masud, Aldakhil, Nassani,
and Azam 2017; Snyman 2014; Stronza
and Gordillo 2008; Cardenas et al.
2021). For ecotourism to be sustainable,
it should encompass the dynamics
between recreation and conservation of
wildlife (Catlin et al. 2011). A
conceptual framework provides
managers and researchers a tool to assist
them in achieving the best outcomes for
both environmental conservation and
the provision of wildlife tourism
experiences (Catlin et al. 2011). The
conceptual framework developed by
Duffus and Dearden (1990) is referenced
as nonconsumptive wildlife tourism in
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 211 / Thursday, November 2, 2023 / Notices
which ‘‘a human recreational
engagement with wildlife wherein the
focal organism is not purposefully
removed or permanently affected by the
engagement’’ (Duffus and Dearden 1990,
p. 215). Their framework identifies three
major dimensions of wildlife tourism
interaction: the wildlife user, the focal
species and its habitat, and the
historical relationships between them
(Duffus and Dearden 1990; Catlin et al.
2011). This study will focus on the
wildlife user, which encompasses the
visitor, the tourism operators, and the
surrounding community that engage in
ecotourism with manatees in Crystal
River, Florida.
Crystal River is a coastal city located
in Citrus County, Florida. The City of
Crystal River is adjacent to Kings Bay
and the Kings Bay Springs Group, also
referred to as the Crystal River/Kings
Bay spring complex (Florida
Department of Environmental Protection
2018). The Crystal River/Kings Bay
spring complex (Springs Complex) is a
first magnitude spring system composed
of more than 70 springs; these 70
springs account for 99 percent of the
freshwater entering Kings Bay (Hammett
et al. 1996). The most notable spring in
the complex is Three Sisters Springs,
which is located within the Crystal
River National Wildlife Refuge, referred
to hereon as the Refuge (Howard T.
Odum Florida Springs Institute 2016).
The Refuge was established in 1983 for
the protection of the then endangered
Florida Manatee, which gather in larger
numbers at several of the spring vents
during the wintertime to thermoregulate
(Hartman 1979). Manatees also rely on
the warm, calm, clear waters of Kings
Bay to forage, rest, mate, and nurse. Due
to the importance of this area for
manatee survival, the Service
designated this area as critical habitat
for manatees under the ESA. During the
colder months of the year, from
November to March, several areas
within the Refuge are roped off, and
access to the public is restricted
(manatee refuges) or completely
prohibited (manatee sanctuaries).
Manatee ecotourism has been a
significant part of the Crystal River
community for over 50 years. This
ecotourism takes many forms, including
but not limited to swim-with programs,
guided kayak tours, boat tours, and
guests who visit the Refuge on foot to
view manatees gathered at the springs.
Swim-with-manatee tours are by far the
most popular ecotourism activity in
Crystal River, with tours running from
the early morning until sunset each day.
To operate a tour within the Refuge,
commercial operators must apply for a
Special Use Permit (SUP; OMB Control
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75305
No. 1018–0102). As of 2022, there were
27 permitted operators in Crystal River,
and the Refuge estimates that they
manage over 400,000 guests recreating
within Refuge waters each year (FWS
2022). Despite the popularity of manatee
ecotourism in the area growing over the
last few decades, only one study has
investigated the perceptions
surrounding ecotourism in Crystal
River. Sorice et al. (2006) interviewed
State and wildlife employees, the
business community, resource
managers, and advocacy groups. The
study revealed overriding concerns from
all stakeholders regarding water quality,
overcrowding, education, harassment,
and enforcement (Sorice et al. 2006).
However, the study also reported the
lack of agreement between stakeholders
on each issue. One of the suggestions to
resolve conflict was to create a
participatory management approach, to
organize tour operators into an
association that would work with
governing officials to establish best
practices for ecotourism (Sorice et al.
2006). As such, the Manatee Ecotourism
Association was created in Crystal River
in 2011 to create standardization for
swim-with tours, mainly by practicing
passive observation with the goal of
following Refuge regulations and
reducing manatee harassment.
The purpose of the surveys is to
interview manatee tour operators, kayak
and paddlecraft outfitters, boat rental
companies, their employees, visitors,
and the Crystal River community, to
obtain their perspectives on manatee
ecotourism in Crystal River. We propose
to collect the following information to
determine the effect of tour operations
on the manatee population:
non-sensitive personally identifiable
information is requested from
respondents.
A. Swim-With Tour Operator Survey
(Owners/Employees)—
This online survey gathers general
information from business owners and
tour operators regarding the preparation,
size, frequency, nature, and content of
‘‘swim-with-manatee’’ tours, including
specific questions about interactions
with manatees. No sensitive or nonsensitive personally identifiable
information is requested from
respondents.
F. Visitors on Unguided/Self-Tours—
This survey gathers general
information from tour consumers
regarding their experiences on
unguided/self-guided ‘‘swim-withmanatee’’ tours. Questions include
respondents’ motivations, preparations,
and overall satisfaction with their tour
experiences. Apart from zip/postal code,
no other sensitive or non-sensitive
personally identifiable information is
requested from respondents.
B. Guided Kayak Tours (Owners/
Employees)—
This online survey gathers general
information from business owners and
tour operators regarding the preparation,
size, frequency, nature, and content of
guided kayak tours. Questions also work
to build an understanding of how these
tour firms view their business and the
regulations surrounding them in
relation to manatees. No sensitive or
G. Land-Based Visitors at Refuge—
This survey gathers general
information from Crystal River National
Wildlife Refuge visitors regarding their
experience and perceptions of
ecotourism and local tour operations.
Questions also directly address
respondents’ feelings towards manatee
conservation and education programs.
Apart from zip/postal code, no other
sensitive or non-sensitive personally
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C. Business Owners of Unguided Boat/
Kayak Rental or Lacking Special Use
Permit—
This online survey gathers general
information from tour firm owners
regarding their business practices,
preparation, frequency, nature, and
content of unguided boat or kayak tours.
Questions also work to build an
understanding of how these tour firms
view their business and the regulations
surrounding them in relation to
manatees. No personally identifiable
information is requested from
respondents.
D. For Visitors on Trip (Guided Swim
With Manatees Boat Tour)—
This online survey gathers general
information from tour consumers
regarding their experiences on guided
boat tours. Questions include
respondents’ motivations, preparations,
and overall satisfaction with their tour
experiences. Apart from zip/postal code,
no other sensitive or non-sensitive
personally identifiable information is
requested from respondents.
E. Visitors on Guided Trip (Kayak)—
This survey gathers general
information from tour consumers
regarding their experiences on guided
kayak tours. Questions include
respondents’ motivations, preparations,
and overall satisfaction with their tour
experiences. Apart from zip/postal code,
no other sensitive or non-sensitive
personally identifiable information is
requested from respondents.
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 211 / Thursday, November 2, 2023 / Notices
identifiable information is requested
from respondents.
H. Crystal River Community
Perceptions on Manatee Ecotourism—
This survey gathers general
information from the Crystal River
community regarding their perceptions
of ecotourism, manatee education, and
local tour operations’ impact on both
manatees in general as well as on
Crystal River residents and businesses
specifically. Apart from zip/postal code,
no other sensitive or non-sensitive
personally identifiable information is
requested from respondents.
The data collected from tour
operators, guests, and Crystal River
residents will be utilized for several
purposes. First, the information will be
analyzed to gain insight into the
perspectives of tour operators. This
understanding will enable the
identification of areas for improvement
and the development of sustainable
practices in ecotourism. Secondly, the
perceptions of guests participating in
ecotours will be evaluated to gather
valuable feedback. This feedback will
serve as a crucial resource for tour
operators to incorporate into their
operations. By considering guest
feedback, operators can establish best
practices for activities conducted during
ecotours.
Moreover, a comprehensive
framework for sustainable ecotourism
should not solely focus on the interests
and perceptions of guests and tour boat
operators. It is equally important to
involve the local community, including
businesses such as hotels, restaurants,
and gift shops, as well as Crystal River
residents. This inclusive approach aims
to ensure that the benefits of ecotourism
are balanced with the concerns and
Average
number of
annual
respondents
Requirement
Group A: Swim-With Tour Operator Survey (Private Sector):
Private Sector ...............................................................
Group B: Guided Kayak Tours (Private Sector):
Private Sector ...............................................................
Group C: Business Owners of Unguided Boat/Kayak Rental or Lacking SUP Permit (Private Sector):
Private Sector ...............................................................
Group D: Visitors on Trip (Individuals):
Individuals .....................................................................
Group E: Visitors on Guided Trip (Private Sector):
Individuals .....................................................................
Group F: Visitors on Unguided/Self-Tours (Private Sector):
Individuals .....................................................................
Group G: Land-Based Visitors at Refuge (Private Sector):
Individuals .....................................................................
Group H: Crystal River Community (Private Sector):
Individuals .....................................................................
Total .......................................................................
Average
number of
responses
each
needs of the local community. This
comprehensive approach will contribute
to the development of sustainable
ecotourism practices that benefit all
stakeholders involved.
The public may request copies of any
form or document contained in this
information collection by sending a
request to the Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer (see
ADDRESSES).
Title of Collection: Perspectives on
Manatee Ecotourism.
OMB Control Number: 1018–New.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: New.
Respondents/Affected Public:
Individuals/households and private
sector.
Respondent’s Obligation: Voluntary.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour
Burden Cost: None.
Average
completion
time per
response
(minutes)
Average
number of
annual
responses
Estimated
annual
burden hours *
10
1
10
20
3
5
1
5
20
2
1
1
1
8
0
3
1
3
8
0
3
1
3
10
1
13
1
13
10
2
30
1
30
5
3
42
1
42
8
6
107
........................
107
........................
17
* Rounded.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
The authority for this action is the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
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References
Ambe, T.A., E.A. Tsi, G.T. Chi, B.N. Siri, and
D.F. Tita. 2010. Ecological tourism and
Cameroon–opportunities and threats. In
Ecotourism: Development, Management
and Impact (Krause, A., and E. Weir
(eds.)). Nova Science Pub. Inc., UK, pp.
113–133.
Ca´rdenas, S., M.V. Gabela-Flores, A. Amrein,
K. Surrey, L.R. Gerber, and H.M.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
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Guzma´n. 2021. Visitor Knowledge, ProConservation Intentions, and Visitor
Concern for the Impacts of WhaleWatching in Las Perlas Archipelago,
Panama. Frontiers in Marine Science
8:627348.
Catlin, J., R. Jones, and T. Jones. 2011.
Revisiting Duffus and Dearden’s wildlife
tourism framework. Biological
Conservation 144(5):1537–1544.
Duffus, D.A., and P. Dearden. 1990. Nonconsumptive wildlife-oriented
recreation: A conceptual framework.
Biological Conservation 53(3):213–231.
Florida Department of Environmental
Protection. 2018. Crystal River/Kings Bay
Basin Management Action Plan, 86 pages
Hartman, D.S. Ecology and behavior of the
manatee (Trichechus manatus) in
Florida. 1979. American Society of
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Mammalogists Special Publication, 5, 1–
153.
Hammett, K.M., C.R. Goodwin, and G.L.
Sanders. 1996. Tidal-Flow, Circulation,
and Flushing Characteristics of Kings
Bay, Citrus County, Florida. United
States Geological Survey Open-File
Report 96–230. Tallahassee, Florida.
Hill, J.L., and T. Gale (Eds.). 2009.
Ecotourism and Environmental
Sustainability: Principles and Practice.
Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. 261 pages.
Honey, M. 2008. Ecotourism and Sustainable
Development: Who Owns Paradise? (2nd
ed.). Island Press, Washington, DC.
Odum, H.T. 2016. Florida Springs Institute.
Kings Bay/Crystal River Springs
Restoration Plan, 139 pages.
Masud, M.M., A.M. Aldakhil, A.A. Nassani,
and M.N. Azam. 2017. Community-based
E:\FR\FM\02NON1.SGM
02NON1
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ecotourism management for sustainable
development of marine protected areas
in Malaysia. Ocean and Coastal
Management 136:104–112.
Snyman, S. 2014. The impact of ecotourism
employment on rural household incomes
and social welfare in six southern
African countries. Tourism and
Hospitality Research 14(1–2):37–52.
Sorice, M.G., C.S. Shafer, and R.B. Ditton
2006. Managing endangered species
within the use-preservation paradox: The
Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus
latirostris) as a tourism attraction.
Environmental Management 37(1):69–83.
Stronza, A., and J. Gordillo. 2008.
Community views of ecotourism. Annals
of tourism research 35(2):448–468.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2023. Special
Use Permit; OMB Control No. 1018–
0102.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Crystal River
National Wildlife Refuge. www.fws.gov/
refuge/crystal-river#:∼:text=Visitor%20
Services%20%E2%80%93%20In%20
addition%20to,top%20
priorities%20for%20the%20refuge.
Accessed Aug. 21, 2023.
Wallace, G.N., and S.M. Pierce. 1996. An
evaluation of ecotourism in Amazonas,
Brazil. Annals of Tourism Research
23(4):843–873.
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2023–24192 Filed 11–1–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
[OMB Control Number 1010–NEW; Docket
ID: BOEM–2023–0004]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Piloting an Approach to
Community-Informed Characterization
of Communities With Environmental
Justice Concerns
Bureau of Ocean Energy
Management, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
(BOEM) proposes this new information
collection request (ICR) to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB).
DATES: Comments must be received by
BOEM no later than January 2, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on
this ICR by mail to the BOEM
Information Collection Clearance
Officer, Anna Atkinson, Bureau of
Ocean Energy Management, 45600
Woodland Road, Sterling, Virginia
20166; or by email to anna.atkinson@
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SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:32 Nov 01, 2023
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boem.gov. Please reference OMB Control
Number 1010–NEW in the subject line
of your comments. You may also view
and comment on the ICR and its related
documents by searching the docket
number BOEM–2023–0004 at https://
www.regulations.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Anna Atkinson by email at
anna.atkinson@boem.gov, or by
telephone at 703–787–1025. Individuals
in the United States who are deaf,
deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a
speech disability may dial 711 (TTY,
TDD, or TeleBraille) to access
telecommunications relay services.
Individuals outside of the United States
should use the relay services offered
within their country to make
international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, BOEM provides
the general public and other Federal
agencies with an opportunity to
comment on new, proposed, revised,
and continuing collections of
information. This helps BOEM assess
the impact of its information collection
requirements and minimize the public’s
reporting burden. It also helps the
public understand BOEM’s information
collection requirements and provide the
requested data in the desired format.
BOEM is soliciting comments on the
proposed ICR described below. BOEM is
especially interested in public
comments addressing the following
issues: (1) is the collection necessary to
the proper functions of BOEM; (2) what
can BOEM do to ensure that this
information is processed and used in a
timely manner; (3) is the burden
estimate accurate; (4) how might BOEM
enhance the quality, utility, and clarity
of the information to be collected; and
(5) how might BOEM minimize the
burden of this collection on the
respondents, including minimizing the
burden through the use of information
technology?
Comments submitted in response to
this notice are a matter of public record.
BOEM will include or summarize each
comment in its ICR to OMB for approval
of this information collection. You
should be aware that your entire
comment—including your address,
phone number, email address, or other
personally identifiable information
included in your comment—may be
made publicly available at any time.
Even if BOEM withholds your
information in the context of this ICR,
your comment is subject to the Freedom
of Information Act (FOIA). If your
comment is requested under the FOIA,
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75307
your information will only be withheld
if BOEM determines that one of the
FOIA exemptions to disclosure applies.
Such a determination will be made in
accordance with the Department’s FOIA
regulations and applicable law.
In order for BOEM to consider
withholding from disclosure your
personally identifiable information, you
must identify, in a cover letter, any
information contained in your comment
that, if released, would constitute a
clearly unwarranted invasion of your
privacy. You must also briefly describe
any possible harmful consequences of
the disclosure of information, such as
embarrassment, injury, or other harm.
Note that BOEM will make available for
public inspection, in their entirety, all
comments submitted by organizations
and businesses, or by individuals
identifying themselves as
representatives of organizations or
businesses.
BOEM protects proprietary
information in accordance with FOIA
and the Department’s implementing
regulations. Items of a sensitive nature
are not intended to be collected.
Title of Collection: ‘‘Piloting an
Approach to Community-Informed
Characterization of Communities with
Environmental Justice Concerns.’’
Abstract: Various Federal statutes,
including the National Environmental
Policy Act (NEPA), require BOEM to
examine the social and economic
impacts of BOEM-authorized activities
at the community level. Additionally,
Federal policy and guidance state that
agencies should meaningfully engage
communities with environmental justice
(EJ) concerns in their decision making.
(Executive Orders 12898, 13985, and
14008).
BOEM plans to pilot an approach to
community-informed characterization of
communities with EJ concerns
potentially impacted by BOEMauthorized activities by selecting nine
communities to participate in the study.
The goal of this initiative is to improve
BOEM’s decision making through more
detailed environmental analyses that
include information on the communities
with EJ concerns that may be affected by
BOEM-authorized activities. Sections
within NEPA documents currently
discuss potential EJ impacts in a general
sense. To improve its analyses, BOEM
proposes to obtain information about
specific potential impacts, unique
contextual considerations, and the
potential for detailed mitigation
measures designed based on the affected
community.
Baseline information to support
community characterization is available
but could be better applied in analyses
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 211 (Thursday, November 2, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75304-75307]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-24192]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[Docket No. FWS-R4-NWRS-2023-0169; FF09M21200-234-FXMB1231099BPP0; OMB
Control Number 1018-New]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Perspectives on Manatee
Ecotourism
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection; request for comment.
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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing a new
information collection.
DATES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments on or before
January 2, 2024.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on the information collection request
(ICR) by one of the following methods (please reference ``OMB Control
No. 1018--Manatees'' in the subject line of your comment):
Internet (preferred): https://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-R4-NWRS-
2023-0169.
U.S. mail: Service Information Collection Clearance
Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: PRB
(JAO/3W); Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Madonna L. Baucum, Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, by email at [email protected], or by
telephone at (703) 358-2503. Individuals in the United States who are
deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial
711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay
services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay
services offered within their country to make international calls to
the point-of-contact in the United States.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA; 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and its implementing regulations in
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 5 CFR 1320, all information
collections require approval under the PRA. We may not conduct or
sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.
As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent
burdens, we invite the public and other Federal agencies to comment on
new, proposed, revised, and continuing collections of information. This
helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements
and minimize the public's reporting burden. It also helps the public
understand our information collection requirements and provide the
requested data in the desired format.
We are especially interested in public comment addressing the
following:
(1) Whether or not the collection of information is necessary for
the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including
whether or not the information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of our estimate of the burden for this collection
of information, including the validity of the methodology and
assumptions used;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected; and
(4) How might the agency minimize the burden of the collection of
information on those who are to respond, including through the use of
appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological
collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g.,
permitting electronic submission of response.
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 can 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.
Abstract: The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531
et seq.) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361
et seq.) place importance on public education and outreach regarding
manatee conservation. Researchers conducting noninvasive surveys can
raise awareness about manatees and the importance of responsible
ecotourism. Furthermore, the data collected from noninvasive surveys
can inform management decisions and policies related to manatee
conservation and ecotourism. Authorities and policymakers can also use
this data to develop evidence-based strategies that balance the
interests of stakeholders while safeguarding the well-being of manatees
and their habitats.
Ecotourism is broadly defined as traveling to an undisturbed area
with the objective of admiring and studying the wildlife (Wallace and
Pierce 1996). Tourism-based activities can provide economic benefits
for the community, improve conservation, and be used as a tool for
education (Ambe, Tsi, Chi, Siri, and Tita 2010; Hill and Gale 2009;
Honey 2008; Masud, Aldakhil, Nassani, and Azam 2017; Snyman 2014;
Stronza and Gordillo 2008; Cardenas et al. 2021). For ecotourism to be
sustainable, it should encompass the dynamics between recreation and
conservation of wildlife (Catlin et al. 2011). A conceptual framework
provides managers and researchers a tool to assist them in achieving
the best outcomes for both environmental conservation and the provision
of wildlife tourism experiences (Catlin et al. 2011). The conceptual
framework developed by Duffus and Dearden (1990) is referenced as
nonconsumptive wildlife tourism in
[[Page 75305]]
which ``a human recreational engagement with wildlife wherein the focal
organism is not purposefully removed or permanently affected by the
engagement'' (Duffus and Dearden 1990, p. 215). Their framework
identifies three major dimensions of wildlife tourism interaction: the
wildlife user, the focal species and its habitat, and the historical
relationships between them (Duffus and Dearden 1990; Catlin et al.
2011). This study will focus on the wildlife user, which encompasses
the visitor, the tourism operators, and the surrounding community that
engage in ecotourism with manatees in Crystal River, Florida.
Crystal River is a coastal city located in Citrus County, Florida.
The City of Crystal River is adjacent to Kings Bay and the Kings Bay
Springs Group, also referred to as the Crystal River/Kings Bay spring
complex (Florida Department of Environmental Protection 2018). The
Crystal River/Kings Bay spring complex (Springs Complex) is a first
magnitude spring system composed of more than 70 springs; these 70
springs account for 99 percent of the freshwater entering Kings Bay
(Hammett et al. 1996). The most notable spring in the complex is Three
Sisters Springs, which is located within the Crystal River National
Wildlife Refuge, referred to hereon as the Refuge (Howard T. Odum
Florida Springs Institute 2016). The Refuge was established in 1983 for
the protection of the then endangered Florida Manatee, which gather in
larger numbers at several of the spring vents during the wintertime to
thermoregulate (Hartman 1979). Manatees also rely on the warm, calm,
clear waters of Kings Bay to forage, rest, mate, and nurse. Due to the
importance of this area for manatee survival, the Service designated
this area as critical habitat for manatees under the ESA. During the
colder months of the year, from November to March, several areas within
the Refuge are roped off, and access to the public is restricted
(manatee refuges) or completely prohibited (manatee sanctuaries).
Manatee ecotourism has been a significant part of the Crystal River
community for over 50 years. This ecotourism takes many forms,
including but not limited to swim-with programs, guided kayak tours,
boat tours, and guests who visit the Refuge on foot to view manatees
gathered at the springs. Swim-with-manatee tours are by far the most
popular ecotourism activity in Crystal River, with tours running from
the early morning until sunset each day. To operate a tour within the
Refuge, commercial operators must apply for a Special Use Permit (SUP;
OMB Control No. 1018-0102). As of 2022, there were 27 permitted
operators in Crystal River, and the Refuge estimates that they manage
over 400,000 guests recreating within Refuge waters each year (FWS
2022). Despite the popularity of manatee ecotourism in the area growing
over the last few decades, only one study has investigated the
perceptions surrounding ecotourism in Crystal River. Sorice et al.
(2006) interviewed State and wildlife employees, the business
community, resource managers, and advocacy groups. The study revealed
overriding concerns from all stakeholders regarding water quality,
overcrowding, education, harassment, and enforcement (Sorice et al.
2006). However, the study also reported the lack of agreement between
stakeholders on each issue. One of the suggestions to resolve conflict
was to create a participatory management approach, to organize tour
operators into an association that would work with governing officials
to establish best practices for ecotourism (Sorice et al. 2006). As
such, the Manatee Ecotourism Association was created in Crystal River
in 2011 to create standardization for swim-with tours, mainly by
practicing passive observation with the goal of following Refuge
regulations and reducing manatee harassment.
The purpose of the surveys is to interview manatee tour operators,
kayak and paddlecraft outfitters, boat rental companies, their
employees, visitors, and the Crystal River community, to obtain their
perspectives on manatee ecotourism in Crystal River. We propose to
collect the following information to determine the effect of tour
operations on the manatee population:
A. Swim-With Tour Operator Survey (Owners/Employees)--
This online survey gathers general information from business owners
and tour operators regarding the preparation, size, frequency, nature,
and content of ``swim-with-manatee'' tours, including specific
questions about interactions with manatees. No sensitive or non-
sensitive personally identifiable information is requested from
respondents.
B. Guided Kayak Tours (Owners/Employees)--
This online survey gathers general information from business owners
and tour operators regarding the preparation, size, frequency, nature,
and content of guided kayak tours. Questions also work to build an
understanding of how these tour firms view their business and the
regulations surrounding them in relation to manatees. No sensitive or
non-sensitive personally identifiable information is requested from
respondents.
C. Business Owners of Unguided Boat/Kayak Rental or Lacking Special Use
Permit--
This online survey gathers general information from tour firm
owners regarding their business practices, preparation, frequency,
nature, and content of unguided boat or kayak tours. Questions also
work to build an understanding of how these tour firms view their
business and the regulations surrounding them in relation to manatees.
No personally identifiable information is requested from respondents.
D. For Visitors on Trip (Guided Swim With Manatees Boat Tour)--
This online survey gathers general information from tour consumers
regarding their experiences on guided boat tours. Questions include
respondents' motivations, preparations, and overall satisfaction with
their tour experiences. Apart from zip/postal code, no other sensitive
or non-sensitive personally identifiable information is requested from
respondents.
E. Visitors on Guided Trip (Kayak)--
This survey gathers general information from tour consumers
regarding their experiences on guided kayak tours. Questions include
respondents' motivations, preparations, and overall satisfaction with
their tour experiences. Apart from zip/postal code, no other sensitive
or non-sensitive personally identifiable information is requested from
respondents.
F. Visitors on Unguided/Self-Tours--
This survey gathers general information from tour consumers
regarding their experiences on unguided/self-guided ``swim-with-
manatee'' tours. Questions include respondents' motivations,
preparations, and overall satisfaction with their tour experiences.
Apart from zip/postal code, no other sensitive or non-sensitive
personally identifiable information is requested from respondents.
G. Land-Based Visitors at Refuge--
This survey gathers general information from Crystal River National
Wildlife Refuge visitors regarding their experience and perceptions of
ecotourism and local tour operations. Questions also directly address
respondents' feelings towards manatee conservation and education
programs. Apart from zip/postal code, no other sensitive or non-
sensitive personally
[[Page 75306]]
identifiable information is requested from respondents.
H. Crystal River Community Perceptions on Manatee Ecotourism--
This survey gathers general information from the Crystal River
community regarding their perceptions of ecotourism, manatee education,
and local tour operations' impact on both manatees in general as well
as on Crystal River residents and businesses specifically. Apart from
zip/postal code, no other sensitive or non-sensitive personally
identifiable information is requested from respondents.
The data collected from tour operators, guests, and Crystal River
residents will be utilized for several purposes. First, the information
will be analyzed to gain insight into the perspectives of tour
operators. This understanding will enable the identification of areas
for improvement and the development of sustainable practices in
ecotourism. Secondly, the perceptions of guests participating in
ecotours will be evaluated to gather valuable feedback. This feedback
will serve as a crucial resource for tour operators to incorporate into
their operations. By considering guest feedback, operators can
establish best practices for activities conducted during ecotours.
Moreover, a comprehensive framework for sustainable ecotourism
should not solely focus on the interests and perceptions of guests and
tour boat operators. It is equally important to involve the local
community, including businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and gift
shops, as well as Crystal River residents. This inclusive approach aims
to ensure that the benefits of ecotourism are balanced with the
concerns and needs of the local community. This comprehensive approach
will contribute to the development of sustainable ecotourism practices
that benefit all stakeholders involved.
The public may request copies of any form or document contained in
this information collection by sending a request to the Service
Information Collection Clearance Officer (see ADDRESSES).
Title of Collection: Perspectives on Manatee Ecotourism.
OMB Control Number: 1018-New.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: New.
Respondents/Affected Public: Individuals/households and private
sector.
Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
Frequency of Collection: On occasion.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour Burden Cost: None.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average
Average number Average number Average number completion Estimated
Requirement of annual of responses of annual time per annual burden
respondents each responses response hours *
(minutes)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Group A: Swim-With Tour Operator
Survey (Private Sector):
Private Sector.............. 10 1 10 20 3
Group B: Guided Kayak Tours
(Private Sector):
Private Sector.............. 5 1 5 20 2
Group C: Business Owners of
Unguided Boat/Kayak Rental or
Lacking SUP Permit (Private
Sector):
Private Sector.............. 1 1 1 8 0
Group D: Visitors on Trip
(Individuals):
Individuals................. 3 1 3 8 0
Group E: Visitors on Guided Trip
(Private Sector):
Individuals................. 3 1 3 10 1
Group F: Visitors on Unguided/
Self-Tours (Private Sector):
Individuals................. 13 1 13 10 2
Group G: Land-Based Visitors at
Refuge (Private Sector):
Individuals................. 30 1 30 5 3
Group H: Crystal River Community
(Private Sector):
Individuals................. 42 1 42 8 6
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Total................... 107 .............. 107 .............. 17
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Rounded.
An agency may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required
to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a
currently valid OMB control number.
The authority for this action is the Paperwork Reduction Act of
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
References
Ambe, T.A., E.A. Tsi, G.T. Chi, B.N. Siri, and D.F. Tita. 2010.
Ecological tourism and Cameroon-opportunities and threats. In
Ecotourism: Development, Management and Impact (Krause, A., and E.
Weir (eds.)). Nova Science Pub. Inc., UK, pp. 113-133.
C[aacute]rdenas, S., M.V. Gabela-Flores, A. Amrein, K. Surrey, L.R.
Gerber, and H.M. Guzm[aacute]n. 2021. Visitor Knowledge, Pro-
Conservation Intentions, and Visitor Concern for the Impacts of
Whale-Watching in Las Perlas Archipelago, Panama. Frontiers in
Marine Science 8:627348.
Catlin, J., R. Jones, and T. Jones. 2011. Revisiting Duffus and
Dearden's wildlife tourism framework. Biological Conservation
144(5):1537-1544.
Duffus, D.A., and P. Dearden. 1990. Non-consumptive wildlife-
oriented recreation: A conceptual framework. Biological Conservation
53(3):213-231.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection. 2018. Crystal River/
Kings Bay Basin Management Action Plan, 86 pages
Hartman, D.S. Ecology and behavior of the manatee (Trichechus
manatus) in Florida. 1979. American Society of Mammalogists Special
Publication, 5, 1-153.
Hammett, K.M., C.R. Goodwin, and G.L. Sanders. 1996. Tidal-Flow,
Circulation, and Flushing Characteristics of Kings Bay, Citrus
County, Florida. United States Geological Survey Open-File Report
96-230. Tallahassee, Florida.
Hill, J.L., and T. Gale (Eds.). 2009. Ecotourism and Environmental
Sustainability: Principles and Practice. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.
261 pages.
Honey, M. 2008. Ecotourism and Sustainable Development: Who Owns
Paradise? (2nd ed.). Island Press, Washington, DC.
Odum, H.T. 2016. Florida Springs Institute. Kings Bay/Crystal River
Springs Restoration Plan, 139 pages.
Masud, M.M., A.M. Aldakhil, A.A. Nassani, and M.N. Azam. 2017.
Community-based
[[Page 75307]]
ecotourism management for sustainable development of marine
protected areas in Malaysia. Ocean and Coastal Management 136:104-
112.
Snyman, S. 2014. The impact of ecotourism employment on rural
household incomes and social welfare in six southern African
countries. Tourism and Hospitality Research 14(1-2):37-52.
Sorice, M.G., C.S. Shafer, and R.B. Ditton 2006. Managing endangered
species within the use-preservation paradox: The Florida manatee
(Trichechus manatus latirostris) as a tourism attraction.
Environmental Management 37(1):69-83.
Stronza, A., and J. Gordillo. 2008. Community views of ecotourism.
Annals of tourism research 35(2):448-468.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 2023. Special Use Permit; OMB
Control No. 1018-0102.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Crystal River National Wildlife
Refuge. www.fws.gov/refuge/crystal-
river#:~:text=Visitor%20Services%20%E2%80%93%20In%20addition%20to,top
%20priorities%20for%20the%20refuge. Accessed Aug. 21, 2023.
Wallace, G.N., and S.M. Pierce. 1996. An evaluation of ecotourism in
Amazonas, Brazil. Annals of Tourism Research 23(4):843-873.
Madonna Baucum,
Information Collection Clearance Officer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-24192 Filed 11-1-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
