[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 54 (Monday, March 22, 2010)] [Notices] [Pages 13485-13486] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2010-6070] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request; Socioeconomic Research and Monitoring for the Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary 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 May 21, 2010. 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 [email protected]). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be sent to Dr. Vernon Leeworthy, 301-713-7261 or [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The purpose of this information collection is to obtain socioeconomic information in the Grays Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS). The GRNMS has recently revised its management plan. Two issues emerged as top priorities leading to efforts to change management strategies and regulations: (1) Prohibition of spear fishing and (2) research only area. Information was obtained to assess the potential socioeconomic impacts of the prohibition of spear fishing and research only area alternatives. Preferred alternatives have been chosen and the regulatory process to implement the regulations is underway. The study involves surveys of recreational user groups, which are potentially impacted by the regulations, to assess their knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the management strategies and regulations and how they were actually impacted post implementation, and to guide education and outreach efforts. Information will be collected on spatial use for all user groups to assess the extent of potential displacement of activity from the research only area alternative. For business operations, costs and earnings will be obtained to assess the impact of regulatory alternatives on business profits. Socioeconomic/demographic information on owners/operators and number of employees and family members of owners/operators will also be obtained. For members of households that participate in recreational fishing or recreational SCUBA diving, information will be collected on socioeconomic/demographic profiles, spending associated with their activity, economic user value associated with their activity, and knowledge, attitudes and perceptions about GRNMS management strategies and regulations. II. Method of Collection Interviews will generally be used. For business operations, a team will go to the business establishment and work with the business owner/ staff to compile the information requested. Questionnaire forms and maps will be used to guide the information collection. For members of private households engaging in recreational activities, combinations of face-to-face, mail and Internet surveys will be conducted. III. Data OMB Control Number: None. Form Number: None. Type of Review: Regular submission. Affected Public: Individuals or households; business or other for- profit organizations. Estimated Number of Respondents: 360. Estimated Time Per Response: Recreational fishing charter/party boat [[Page 13486]] operations, 2 hours; members of private households participating in recreational activities, 30 minutes; and dive charter/guide operations, 2 hours. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 195. Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0. 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: March 16, 2010. Gwellnar Banks, Management Analyst, Office of the Chief Information Officer. [FR Doc. 2010-6070 Filed 3-19-10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510-NK-P