```

[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 96 (Tuesday, May 19, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 27566]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13175]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Surf Clam/Ocean Quahog ITQ Transfer Form; 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 July 20, 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 and instructions should 
be directed to Myles Raizin, NMFS, 1 Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA, 
01930, (978) 281-9104.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    Amendment 8 to the Fishery Management Plan for Surf Clams and Ocean 
Quahogs (FMP) implemented an individual transferable quota (ITQ) system 
for both fisheries. The FMP, under 50 CFR Sec. 648.70 (b), requires the 
Regional Administrator, NMFS, Northeast Region, to approve both 
permanent and temporary transfers of allocations. The Surf Clam/Ocean 
Quahog ITQ Transfer Form (Form) serves as the official application to 
the Regional Administrator to effect these transfers. The Form requires 
names of the transferor and transferee and their respective allocation 
numbers, and number of 32-bushel cages transferred and corresponding 
cage tag numbers. New applicants must furnish vessel name, owner name, 
address, and telephone number, and NMFS will assign them an allocation 
number. Both the transferor and transferee must sign the form.

II. Method of Collection

    Written application.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0648-0238.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission.
    Affected Public: Business and other for-profit organizations.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 206.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 5 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 52 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (no capital 
expenditures).

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: May 13, 1998.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of Management and 
Organization.
[FR Doc. 98-13175 Filed 5-18-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
```