SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This is a request for renewal of an approved information collection. NMFS manages non-commercial fishing activities in the Rose Atoll, Marianas Trench, and Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monuments under the authority of the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (6 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.). Regulations at 50 CFR part 665 require the owner and operator of a vessel used to non-commercially fish for, take, retain, or possess any management unit species in these monuments to hold a valid permit issued by NMFS.

Regulations also require the owner and operator of a vessel that is chartered to fish recreationally for, take, retain, or possess, any management unit species in these monuments to hold a valid permit issued by NMFS. The fishing vessel must be registered to the permit. The charter business must be established legally in the permit area where it will operate. Charter vessel clients are not required to have a permit.

The permit application collects basic information about the permit applicant, type of operation, vessel, and permit area. NMFS uses this information to confirm the identity of the applicant and determine permit eligibility. The information is important for understanding the nature of the fishery and its participants. It also aids in the enforcement of fishing regulations within the monuments.

Regulations also require the vessel operator to report a complete record of catch, effort, and other data on a NMFS log sheet. The vessel operator must record all requested information on the log sheet within 24 hours of the completion of each fishing day. The vessel operator also must sign, date, and submit the form to NMFS within 30 days of the end of each fishing trip. NMFS uses the information provided in the log sheets to monitor fishing activities, evaluate and assess the status of fish stocks, and determine whether changes in management are needed to sustain the productivity of the fishery and conserve marine resources.

II. Method of Collection

Information is collected on paper forms.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0664.

Form Number(s): None. ( printed page 23977)

Type of Review: Regular submission [extension of a currently approved information collection].

Affected Public: Individuals or households, businesses or other for-profit organizations.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 25.

Estimated Time per Response: 15 minutes per permit application, 20 minutes per log sheet.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 31 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $1,033.

Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.

Legal Authority:50 CFR 665.

IV. Request for Comments

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department/Bureau to: (a) Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department, including whether the information will have practical utility; (b) Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (c) Evaluate ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

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 information collection request. 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 may 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.

91 FR 23976