Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Foreign Fishing Vessel and Gear Identification Requirements

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

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.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before March 10, 2008.

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 the Internet at dHynek@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Robert Dickinson, (301) 713-9090 or Bob.Dickinson@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

Regulations at 50 CFR 600.503 require that a foreign fishing vessel display the vessel's international radio call sign on the port and starboard sides of the deckhouse or hull, and on a weatherdeck. The numbers must be of a specific size. The display of the identifying number aids in fishery law enforcement and allows other fishermen to report suspicious activity.

The regulations also require that foreign fishing vessels that deploy gear that is not physically and continuously attached to the vessel mark that gear with a buoy displaying the vessel identification number and attach a light visible for two miles on a night with good visibility. The marking of gear aids law enforcement and enables other fishermen to report on gear placed in unauthorized areas.

There currently are no foreign vessels authorized to do fishing that would be subject to the gear identification requirement.

II. Method of Collection

Information is displayed on vessels and gear.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0356.

Form Number: None.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 6.

Estimated Time Per Response: 45 minutes per vessel.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 5.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $120.

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.