[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 237 (Monday, December 10, 2012)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73432-73433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-29703]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration


Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Survey of 
Shore-Based and Boat-Based Non-Commercial Fishing on St. Croix, U.S. 
Virgin Islands

AGENCY: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 
Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

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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 February 8, 
2013.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Jennifer Jessup, Departmental 
Paperwork Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 6616, 14th 
and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet 
at [email protected]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should 
be directed to Theresa L. Goedeke, (301) 713-3028 x 237 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    This request is for a new information collection to benefit local 
fishery managers in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Non-commercial 
fishing is an important activity on St. Croix, USVI yet robust data 
characterizing the catch, effort and cultural attributes of such 
fishing are limited. Without these basic data on the non-commercial 
fishery on St. Croix, it is not possible to develop required fishery 
management plans. Consequently, local fishery managers have asked for 
collection of information required to make management decisions, 
information that will help them to balance the need for more effective 
fishery management with social, economic and cultural imperatives of 
the region.
    Researchers propose to conduct two distinct data collection 
efforts, Collection A and Collection B. Collection A will consist of a 
survey of non-commercial, shore-based fishers. This survey will 
ascertain the catch,

[[Page 73433]]

effort, and socioeconomic characteristics of fishers using this mode of 
fishing on St. Croix. Collection B will be a survey of boat-based, non-
commercial fishers on St. Croix to document levels of catch and effort 
for this mode of fishing.
    The data gathered will be used to describe recreational and 
subsistence sectors in St. Croix, and evaluate the socio-economic 
impacts of federal regulatory actions.
    In addition, the information will be used to strengthen and improve 
fishery management decision-making, satisfy legal mandates under 
Executive Order 12866, the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 
the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act, 
and other pertinent statues.

II. Method of Collection

    Collection A, which will take place over a 12-month period, will be 
comprised of two data collection activities: (1) A survey of shore-
based fishers, and (2) counts of shore-based fishers. Collection B, 
which will take place over a 24-month period, will include two data 
collection activities: (1) A survey of fishers at boat ramps and, (2) a 
count of boat trailers or vehicles at launch sites where surveys are 
administered.

III. Data

    OMB Control Number: None.
    Form Number: None.
    Type of Review: Regular submission (request for a new information 
collection).
    Affected Public: Individuals or households.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 5,400.
    Estimated Time per Response: Collection A survey, 10 minutes; 
Collection B survey, 5 minutes.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 484 (Collection A, 67; 
Collection B, 417).
    Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/
reporting costs.

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: December 4, 2012.
Gwellnar Banks,
Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer.
[FR Doc. 2012-29703 Filed 12-7-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P