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###### Department of Commerce

###### National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

# AGENCY:

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

# ACTION:

Notice of information collection, request for comment.

# SUMMARY:

The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public's reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

# DATES:

To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before May 20, 2022.

# ADDRESSES:

                        Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at                         *Adrienne.thomas@noaa.gov.*                         Please reference OMB Control Number 0648-0783 in the subject line of your comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information.                    

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

                        Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to Scott Steinback, Economist, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, 166 Water St., Woods Hole, MA 02543. Tel: (508) 645-6443 or                         *scott.steinback@noaa.gov.*

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

## I. Abstract

This request is for revision and extension of a currently approved information collection and is sponsored by NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC).

The original data collection effort in 2019 under OMB Control Number 0648-0783 was to assess how changes in saltwater recreational fishing regulations affect angler effort, angler welfare, fishing mortality, and future stock levels. That data collection effort focused on anglers who fished for Atlantic cod and haddock off the Atlantic coast from Maine to Massachusetts. In 2020, the collection was revised to remove the cod and haddock survey and add a survey focused on anglers who fish for summer flounder and black sea bass along the Atlantic coast from Massachusetts to North Carolina. This current revision will re-add the original cod and haddock survey to this control number.

                    The objective of the surveys will be to understand how anglers respond to changes in management options and fishing regulations (                    *e.g.,*                     bag limits, size limits, dates of open seasons, etc.) along the Atlantic coast. We are conducting this survey to improve our ability to understand and predict how changes in management options and regulations may change the number of trips anglers take for highly sought after recreational fish species. This data will allow fisheries managers to conduct updated and improved analysis of the socio-economic effects to recreational anglers and to coastal communities of proposed changes in fishing regulations. The recreational fishing community and regional fisheries management councils have requested more species-specific socio-economic studies of recreational fishing that can be used in the analysis of fisheries policies. These surveys will address that stated need for more species-specific studies. The population consists of those anglers who fish in saltwater along the Atlantic coast and who possess a license to fish. A sample of anglers will be drawn from state fishing license frames. The survey will be conducted using both mail and email to contact anglers and invite them to take the survey online. Anglers not responding to the online survey may receive a paper survey in the mail.                

## II. Method of Collection

The survey will be conducted using two modes: Mail and internet.

## III. Data

*OMB Control Number:*                     0648-0783.                

*Form Number(s):*                     None.                

*Type of Review:*                     Regular submission (revision and extension of a currently approved information collection).                

*Affected Public:*                     Individuals or households.                

*Estimated Number of Respondents:*                     4,000.                

*Estimated Time per Response:*                     15 minutes.                

*Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours:*                     1,000 hours.                

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

*Respondent's Obligation:*                     Voluntary.                

*Legal Authority:*

## 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 ICR. 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.

Sheleen Dumas,

Department PRA Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Commerce Department.

[FR Doc. 2022-05948 Filed 3-18-22; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-22-P