Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Implantation and Recovery of Archival Tags

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before June 4, 2004.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Diana Hynek, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6625, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via Internet at dHynek@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Christopher Rogers, F/SF1, Room 13563, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282; (phone 301-713-2347, ext. 109).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates a program to implant archival tags in, or affix archival tags to, selected Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (tunas, sharks, swordfish, and billfish). Archival tags are miniature data loggers that acquire information about the movements and behavior of the fish. Persons catching tagged fish are exempted from other normally applicable regulations, such as immediate release of the fish, but must notify NOAA, return the archival tag or make it available to NOAA personnel, and provide information about the location and method of capture. The information obtained is used by NOAA in the formation of international and domestic fisheries policy and regulations.

Persons outside of NOAA who affix or implant archival tags must obtain prior authorization from NOAA and submit subsequent reports about the tagging of fish. NOAA needs the information to evaluate the effectiveness of archival tag programs, to assess the likely impact of regulatory allowances for tag recovery, and to ensure that the research does not produce undue mortality.

II. Method of Collection

Catch notifications are provided a toll-free telephone number. Tags and associated information are mailed in (a reward is given for tag recoveries). Notifications and reports of archival tagging efforts are provided in written form, meeting requirements set forth in regulations.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0648-0338.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Individuals or households, business or other for-profit organizations, and not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 20.

Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes for reporting on an archival tag recovery; 30 minutes for notification of planned archival tagging activity; and one hour for reports of archival tagging activity.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 15.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.

IV. Request for Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information collection; they also will become a matter of public record.