Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Report of Whaling Operations

Federal Register: September 9, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 175)

Notices

Page 52327-52328

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

DOCID:fr09se08-46

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Report of

Whaling Operations

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),

Commerce.

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.

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before November 10, 2008.

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 Ryan Wulff, (301) 713-2276 or Ryan.Wulff@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Abstract

   Native Americans may conduct certain aboriginal subsistence whaling in accordance with the provisions of the International Whaling

   Commission (IWC). In order to respond to obligations under the

   International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, and the IWC, captains participating in these operations must submit certain information to the relevant Native American whaling organization about strikes on, and catch of, whales. Anyone retrieving a dead whale is also required to report. Captains must place a distinctive, permanent identification mark on any harpoon, lance, or explosive dart used, and must also provide information on the mark and self-identification information. The relevant Native American whaling organization receives the reports, compiles them, and submits the information to NOAA.

   The information is used to monitor the hunt and to ensure that quotas are not exceeded. The information is also provided to the IWC, which uses it to

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   monitor compliance with its requirements.

2. Method of Collection

   Reports may be made by phone or fax. Information on equipment marks must be made in writing. No form is used.

3. Data

   OMB Control Number: 0648-0311.

   Form Number: None.

   Type of Review: Regular submission.

   Affected Public: Individuals or households; State, Local, or Tribal

   Governments.

   Estimated Number of Respondents: 52.

   Estimated Time per Response: 30 minutes for reports on whales struck or on recovery of dead whales; 5 minutes for providing the relevant Native American whaling organization with information on the mark and self-identification information; 5 minutes for marking gear; and 5 hours for the relevant Native American whaling organization to consolidate and submit reports.

   Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 48.

   Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $100.

4. 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: September 3, 2008.

   Gwellnar Banks,

   Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.

   FR Doc. E8-20791 Filed 9-8-08; 8:45 am

   BILLING CODE 3510-22-P