[Federal Register: January 9, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 6)]
[Notices]               
[Page 1601]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr09ja08-29]                         


[[Page 1601]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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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.

    Dated: January 4, 2008.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
 [FR Doc. E8-169 Filed 1-8-08; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-22-P