Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Pacific Albacore Logbook

AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

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, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before December 27, 2004.

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 Al Coan, Southwest Fishery Science Center, 8604 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92038-0271 (phone 858-546-7079).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Southwest Fishery Science Center operates a pacific albacore data collection program. Fishermen participating in the program submit logbooks documenting their catch and effort on fishing trips. The agency uses the information to assess the status of albacore stocks and to monitor the fishery.

II. Method of Collection

A logbook paper form is used.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0648-0223.

Form Number: NOAA Form 88-197.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Business and other non-profit organizations.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,000.

Estimated Time Per Response: 1 hour.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 4,000.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $2,560.

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.