SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

This request is for a revision and extension to an approved information collection.

NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (NOAA Ocean Exploration) is the only federal organization dedicated to ocean exploration. By using unique capabilities in terms of personnel, technology, infrastructure, and exploration missions, NOAA Ocean Exploration is reducing unknowns in deep-ocean areas and providing high-value environmental intelligence needed by NOAA and the nation to address both current and emerging science and management needs. Our expertise, work products, and services generally fall into the areas outlined at oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/​about/​; however, none of these areas operate independently and it is only through leveraging resources internally and externally that we can truly achieve our mission. Since the inception of NOAA's exploration program in 2001, data management has been guided by the 2000 President's Panel Report recommendations which prioritized rapid and unrestricted data sharing as one of five critical exploration program components. More recently, Public Law 111-11 [Section XII Ocean Exploration] reinforced and expanded ocean exploration data management objectives, continuing to stress the importance of sharing unique exploration data and information to improve public understanding of the oceans, and for research and management purposes.

Telepresence satellite communication from the ship to shore brings the unknown ocean to the screens of both scientists and the general public in their homes, schools or offices in near real time. With technology constantly evolving it is important to address the needs of the shore-based scientists and public to maintain a high level of participation. We use voluntary surveys to identify the needs of users of data, best approaches to leverage expertise of shore-based participants for meaningful public engagement focused on ocean exploration. The four forms used to collect information are as follows: (1) Sailing Contact Information. This form is sent to the few scientists that directly sail on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. The ship's operations and medical officers needs certain information such as: if a sailing individual has securely submitted their proper medical documents to NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; if the person is up to date with required security ( printed page 58852) documents, such as a passport, if the ship is traveling to a foreign port; any dietary restrictions so that the person will be served food that is safe. Modifications to this form are largely to bring it into compliance with new NOAA policies (remove COVID-19 language, updated medical policies, image and likeness releases, etc.) and small content edits to reflect office changes in partnership status and ship sailing logistics. (2) Okeanos Explorer Participation Assessment. This voluntary form is sent to the scientists that sailed on any Okeanos Explorer cruise funded by NOAA's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research to record any feedback they wish to provide to the office about their experience. The office uses their feedback in assessments for improving the utility and experience of these scientific guests sailing on the Okeanos Explorer. Minimal edits to this form are made to bring the form into compliance with current policy. (3) EX Collaboration Tools Account Request Form. This voluntary form is sent to members of the marine scientific community at the beginning of a fiscal year to ask if members would like to participate in any of the upcoming cruises and to what degree, such as simply asking to be included in emailed updates or if they want to be on a direct line to the ship for remotely operated vehicle dive operations. Modifications to this form are adding clarifying information based on user feedback, making office updates (new engineering partner) and updating information for the current field season. (4) Science Lead Interest Solicitation. This voluntary form will be used to solicit interest from the scientific community to serve as a Science Lead on one of NOAA Ocean Exploration's expeditions. No edits have been made to this form since the last submission. The Citizen Scientist Form was previously part of this information collection. It is no longer utilized by the office and can be removed for the renewal of this information collection.

II. Method of Collection

Information is collected via online form.

III. Data

OMB Control Number: 0648-0748.

Form Number(s): None.

Type of Review: Regular submission [revision and extension of a current information collection].

Affected Public: Individuals or households; business or other for-profit organizations; not-for-profit institutions; Federal government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,000.

Estimated Time per Response: 10 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 668 hours.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $ 0 in recordkeeping or reporting costs.

Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary or required to obtain services or benefits.

Legal Authority:Public law 111-11, Section XII Ocean Exploration.

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 58851