78 FR 184 pgs. 58286-58287 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Western Region Vessel Monitoring System and Pre-Trip Reporting Requirements

Type: NOTICEVolume: 78Number: 184Pages: 58286 - 58287
FR document: [FR Doc. 2013-23018 Filed 9-20-13; 8:45 am]
Agency: Commerce Department
Sub Agency: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Official PDF Version:  PDF Version
Pages: 58286, 58287

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Western Region Vessel Monitoring System and Pre-Trip Reporting Requirements

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 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 November 22, 2013.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at JJessup@doc.gov).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Craig Heberer, (760) 805-5984 or Craig.Heberer@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This request is for extension of a current information collection.


[top] Owners of vessels that fish out of West Coast ports for highly migratory species such as tuna, billfish, and sharks are required to submit information about their intended and actual fishing activities. These submissions would allow the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Pacific Fishery page 58287 Management Council to monitor the fisheries and determine the effects and effectiveness of the Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (HMS). Pre-trip reporting requirements are essential for effectively and efficiently assigning available observer coverage to selected HMS vessels. Data collected by observers are critical to evaluating if the objectives of the FMP are being achieved and for evaluating the impacts of potential changes in management to respond to new information or new problems in the fisheries. Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) units will facilitate enforcement of closures associated with HMS fisheries and provide timely information on associated fleet activities.

II. Method of Collection

VMS activation information is submitted electronically and pre-trip notifications are made by telephone.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0498.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a current information collection).

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit organizations.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 80.

Estimated Time per Response: Vessel monitoring system (VMS) activation reports, 15 minutes; pre-trip reports, 5 minutes.

Estimated Burden Hours: 60.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $480 (VMS units and reporting are paid for by NMFS).

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.

Dated: September 18, 2013.

Gwellnar Banks,

Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.

[FR Doc. 2013-23018 Filed 9-20-13; 8:45 am]

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