OMB files this comment in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.11(c). This OMB action is not an approval to conduct or sponsor an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This action has no effect on any current approvals. If OMB has assigned this ICR a new OMB Control Number, the OMB Control Number will not appear in the active inventory. For future submissions of this information collection, reference the OMB Control Number provided. In accordance with 5 CFR 1320, OMB is withholding approval at this time. Prior to publication of the final rule, the agency must submit to OMB a summary of all comments related to the information collection contained in the proposed rule and the agency response. The agency should clearly indicate any changes made to the information collection as a result of these comments. OMB notes that the proposed rule in question, RIN 0648-BI77, published on 9/17/19 and requests that the agency submit proposed rule information collection requests by the date of publication, in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.11(b).
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2022
10/31/2022
10/31/2022
14,479,296
0
14,479,296
20,018
0
20,018
2,306,166
0
2,306,166
This request is for a revision of a currently approved information collection pursuant to RIN 0648-BI77. NMFS proposes to implement the New England Fishery Management Councilâs Habitat Clam Dredge Exemption Framework Adjustment to its Fishery Management Plans. The proposed action is intended to establish areas within the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area where vessels could fish for Atlantic surfclams or mussels with dredge gear, consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Omnibus Habitat Amendment 2. This action is necessary in order for the fishing industry to access part of the surfclam and mussel resource within the Habitat Management Area.
This action would require an annual letter of authorization for fishermen accessing the Great South Channel HMA exemption areas and each trip into the exemption areas would require vessels use a new Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) trip declaration code and be subject to additional position polling when inside the HMA.
PL:
Pub.L. 94 - 265 303
Name of Law: Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management and Conservation Act
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Exemption: Monkfish Southern Fishery Management Area Landing Limit and Minimum Fish Size