Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,

[Federal Register: May 19, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 96)]

[Notices]

[Page 27565-27566]

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

[DOCID:fr19my98-58]

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Northeast Region Survey of Intent and Capacity To Process Fish and Shellfish

ACTION: 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, Pub. L. 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before July 17, 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 Clay Heaton, Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), 300 South New Street, Dover, Delaware 19901-6790, (302) 674-2331.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. Abstract

   The Fishery Management Plans for Atlantic Surf Clams and Ocean Quahogs, and Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and Butterfish include requirements that the National Marine Fisheries Service and/or the MAFMC survey domestic processors and joint venture operators annually to establish industry capacity to utilize the managed species.

   A survey, required under the squid, mackerel and butterfish regulations at 50 CFR 648.21(b), is used to establish the intent and capacity of the US industry to utilize allowable harvest in a given year. If the US industry is unable to fully utilize the allowed harvest of Atlantic mackerel, the excess may be used in establishing levels of catch for joint ventures and/or direct foreign harvest .

   A survey, required under the surf clam and ocean quahog regulations at 50 CFR 648.7(a)(2)(ii), is used to obtain data for use in monitoring present processing activities and estimating future production at the processing plant level. As in previous years, this information is obtained annually through a telephone survey.

   Both surveys seek information concerning annual capacity to process theses species; historical amount of product processed; and quantity of product to be processed in the future.

2. Method of Collection

   Written and telephone surveys.

3. Data

   OMB Number: 0648-0235.

   Form Number: None.

   Type of Review: Regular submission.

   Affected Public: Business and other for-profit organizations.

   Estimated Number of Respondents: 54.

   Estimated Time Per Response: 15 minutes for the Atlantic mackerel, squid, and butterfish survey; 5 minutes for the Atlantic Surf Clam and ocean quahog survey.

   Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 10 hours.

   Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 (no capital expenditures required).

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

   [[Page 27566]]

   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. 98-13174Filed5-18-98; 8:45 am]

   BILLING CODE 3510-22-P