Feds Ask: Is Our Paperwork About Paperwork Too Papery?
Published Date: 1/8/2025
Notice
Summary
NOAA is asking for public feedback on their paperwork rules for scientific research, special fishing permits, and educational fishing activities. This helps keep the process smooth and fair for researchers and fishers who need exemptions from fishing rules. Comments are open until March 10, 2025, and there’s no new cost—just a chance to make sure the forms aren’t too much work.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork for Research and Exempted Fishing
You (researchers, fishers on federally permitted vessels, nonprofits, or government agencies) must submit scientific research plans and reports, exempted fishing permit requests and reports, and exempted educational requests and reports under this information collection. The notice lists specific estimated hours per response: research plans 13 hours, research reports 6 hours, exempted fishing permit requests 10 hours, exempted fishing permit reports 4.5 hours, educational requests 5 hours, and educational reports 2.5 hours, with an estimated total annual burden of 2,141 hours.
Estimated Annual Public Cost Low
The agency estimates the total annual cost to the public for this information collection is $382.36. This is presented as the estimated financial cost tied to the paperwork burden for the covered activities.
Multiple Submission Methods Allowed
You may submit required information on paper, electronically, and in some cases by telephone. This gives affected respondents multiple ways to provide applications and reports for scientific research, exempted fishing, and educational activities.
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