SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This request is for extension of a currently approved information collection. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) authorizes the establishment of eight Regional Fishery Management Councils to manage fisheries within regional jurisdictions. This collection pertains to several sections of the Magnuson-Stevens Act related to the Councils. Section 302(b) provides for appointment of Council members nominated by State Governors, Territorial Governors, or Tribal Governments and for designation of a principal state fishery official for the purposes of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Section 306(b)(2) provides for a request by a state for reinstatement of state authority over a managed fishery. Nominees for Council membership must provide their State Governor, Territorial Governor, or Tribal Government leadership with background documentation, which is then submitted to NOAA, on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce to review qualifications for Council membership. The information collected with these actions is used to ensure that the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Act are being met in regard to Council membership and state authority.

II. Method of Collection

State Governors, Territorial Governors, and Tribal Governments submit written or electronic nominations to the Secretary of Commerce, together with recommendations and statements of candidates' qualifications. Designations of state officials and requests for reinstatement of state authority are made in writing in response to regulations. NMFS provides guidance on what information to include in order to comply with current regulations. See 50 CFR 600.215. No forms are used.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0314.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission (extension of a currently approved collection).

Affected Public: State, Local, or Tribal Government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 275 respondents.

Estimated Time per Response: 80 hours for a nomination for Council appointment; 16 hours for background documentation for nominees; 1 hour to designate a principal state fishery official(s) or for a request to reinstate authority.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,607 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.00.

Respondent's Obligation: Mandatory.

Legal Authority: MSA Section 302 and 50 CFR 600.215.

IV. Request for Comments

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department 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 25346