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[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 7, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Page 52323]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-26562]

[[Page 52323]]

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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Marine Mammals: General Incidental Take Permits, Small Take 
Exemptions, and Certificates of Inclusion

ACTION: Proposed collection; comment request.

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

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before December 8, 
1997.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5327, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to Wanda L. Cain, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver 
Spring, MD 20910 (301-713-2055).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This information is used to issue Certificates of Inclusion under 
the General Permit issued to the American Tunaboat Association (ATA) 
and to process requests for dolphin mortality limits from those vessels 
intending to fish for tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean (ETP) 
with purse seine nets. This is the only General Permit authorized under 
the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and it governs the taking of marine 
mammals in the course of commercial purse seine fishing for yellowfin 
tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Individual vessels must 
obtain certificates of inclusion under this permit.

II. Method of Collection

    Currently, no take of marine mammals is authorized under the 
General Permit issued to the ATA under the Marine Mammal Protection Act 
since the established quota is zero. However, NMFS requires vessels 
fishing for tuna in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to maintain 
valid Vessel and Operator Certificates of Inclusion to maintain 
adequate observer coverage.
    Each year, NMFS notifies current certificated vessels and operators 
of their obligation to renew their certificates if they intend to fish 
in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Vessel Certificates of Inclusion 
are valid for one year, non-transferable, and cost $200. Operator 
Certificates of Inclusion are valid for one year, non-transferable, and 
no fee is required. However, to qualify for an Operator Certificate of 
Inclusion, the operator must have a current or previous calendar year 
Certificate of Inclusion or attend a new operator's workshop session.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0648-0083.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular Submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals & Businesses.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 27.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 0.25 hr.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 6.75 hrs.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0.00 (no capital 
expenditures are required of respondents).

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: October 1, 1997.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 97-26562 Filed 10-6-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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