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AGENCY:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

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, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before January 27, 2004.

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 dHynek@doc.gov).

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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument and instructions should be directed to Janet Whaley, 301-713-2322 (or via the Internet at Janet.Whaley@noaa.gov).

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SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The marine mammal stranding report provides information on strandings so that the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) can compile and analyze by region the species, numbers, conditions, and causes of illnesses and deaths in stranded marine mammals. The Agency requires this information to fulfill its management responsibilities under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (16 U.S.C. 1421a). The Agency is also responsible for the welfare of marine mammals while in rehabilitation status. The data from the marine mammal rehabilitation disposition report are required for monitoring and tracking of marine mammals held at various NMFS-authorized facilities. This information is submitted primarily by volunteer members of the marine mammal stranding networks who are authorized by the Agency.

II. Method of Collection

Paper forms are used. Online entry of data into the national database is also used.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0648-0178.

Form Number: NOAA Form 89-864.

Type of Review: Regular submission.

Affected Public: Not-for-profit institutions; business or other for-profit organizations; Federal government; and State, Local, or Tribal Government.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 400.

Estimated Time Per Response: 30 minutes.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 2,400.

Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $2,500.

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.

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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.

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