[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 20, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2967-2968]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-1263]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Archival Tag Recovery; Proposed Collection; Comment Request

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 March 23, 1998.

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 Christopher Rogers, F/SF1, Station 14709, 1315 
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3282 (301-713-2347).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    To investigate the migratory patterns of Atlantic bluefin tuna, a 
program has been undertaken to implant archival tags in selected tuna. 
In the event a fish with an archival tag is captured, applicable 
regulations could require its immediate release under certain 
conditions. In order to provide for maximum likelihood of data 
recovery, a regulation is being issued to exempt the harvest of fish 
with archival tags from other applicable requirements. Persons that 
harvest a tuna containing a tag must provide certain information about 
the tuna (size, weight, location, etc.). This collection was initially 
approved under emergency clearance procedures; this notice invites 
comments on plans to submit a regular clearance request to extend that 
approval for three years.
    In addition to those approved requirements, NOAA also proposes a 
requirement that persons conducting research with archival tags 
register and report on their activities.

II. Method of Collection

    Fishermen catching tagged bluefin tuna call a toll-free telephone 
number. They are then directed to remove the tag and to mail it to a 
specified address. A

[[Page 2968]]

reward is given for tag recoveries. Archival tag researchers would 
submit registration and reporting information in accordance with 
regulatory requirements.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0648-0338.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular Submission.
    Affected Public: Individuals, businesses or other for-profit 
organizations, not-for-profit institutions.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 23.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 13.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: None.

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: January 2, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 98-1263 Filed 1-16-98; 8:45 a.m.]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P