OMB reminds the
agency that information collection requests must be submitted to
OMB on or before the date of publication of the proposed rule.
Early communication with OMB is especially important when the rule
is primarily a collection of information.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/1999
12/31/1999
06/30/1998
10,000
0
7,397
1,500
0
1,257
0
0
0
The MMPA prohibits the taking of
marine mammals, except under permit or exemption. Section 118
authorizes an exemption for commercial fisheries provided they
register and report all mortalitites and serious injuries of marine
mammals. This information is required by statute and needed by NMFS
to determine the impacts of commercial fishing activities on marine
mammal populations. The Proposed List of Fisheries for 1997 would
require an additional 14,000 fishers to register. In addition, the
actual number of applicants for 1996 was considerably less than the
expected 13,000.
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.