Federal Register #0648-0012

NOAA Seeks Public Comment on Fisheries Finance Program, Marine Mammal Research Permit, and IP Surveys

This notice from the Department of Commerce, primarily through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), seeks public comment on information collection requirements for several federal programs: - Fisheries Finance Program (NOAA): - Provides long-term government loans for construction or reconstruction of fishing vessels, shoreside fishery facilities, aquaculture facilities, and individual fishing quotas in the Northwest Halibut/Sablefish and Alaskan Crab Fisheries - Requires applicants to submit NOAA FORM 881 and supporting financial documents - Eligibility criteria include U.S. citizenship, good credit, secured assets, and a three-year history of owning or operating fisheries projects - Annual financial reporting and ongoing application requirements - Marine Mammal Research Permit (NOAA): - 10-year permit application by the University of Alaska Southeast for research on 18 cetacean species and several pinnipeds in Alaska - Activities include photo-identification, tagging, biological sampling, and acoustic monitoring, including work with endangered species - Global Intellectual Property Academy (GIPA) Surveys (USPTO): - Seeks comment on surveys supporting international technical assistance for intellectual property rights protection - OEMs and Vendors: - NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is the primary federal entity mentioned - Notable Requirements: - Use of electronic applications for the Fisheries Finance Program - Strict eligibility and financial monitoring for loan applicants - Research permit covers a broad range of marine mammal species and advanced research techniques - **No specific commercial products or third-party OEMs are being procured; the notice is focused on information collection and program eligibility.

Description

The Department of Commerce, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is requesting public comment on the information collection requirements related to the Fisheries Finance Program. This program provides long-term financing for construction or reconstruction of fishing vessels, shoreside fishery facilities, aquaculture facilities, and individual fishing quotas. The notice invites comments to assess the impact of these information collection requirements and to minimize the public's reporting burden before submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

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