FR 2021-00286

The document in question is a notice from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) inviting comments on its ongoing information collection activities related to the Cooperative Game Fish Tagging Program. The structure and procedures of this program form the basis of the notice, offering a glimpse into NOAA's efforts to gather data that aids in understanding the migration and biological patterns of particular fish species, including billfish, tunas, and swordfish.

Summary

This federal program essentially facilitates a scientific tagging initiative where fishermen voluntarily attach tags to caught and released fish. These tags, provided by NOAA, help scientists track fish migratory paths and gather essential biological data. A crucial component of the program is the Fish Tag Issue Report card, which volunteers fill out and submit to NOAA. This collected information is fundamental for forming fisheries management strategies and policies. The program seeks public and federal feedback to enhance its effectiveness and minimize potential burdens on participants.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise from the examination of this notice. Firstly, there is a lack of detailed information on how the data collected directly benefits the public or the environment. The notice vaguely mentions "other biological information," which may not clearly communicate the precise objectives of the study. This could raise questions about the necessity and justification of resources spent on the program.

Furthermore, there is no detailed explanation of the analytical methods employed to process the data gathered, which could bring about concerns regarding the utility and credibility of the information. Additionally, there is no indication of the budgetary implications for the program, making it difficult to assess financial efficiency or potential overspending.

Another potential issue is the approach to protecting personal identifying information that participants provide. While there is a warning about the possible publication of such information, there is no reassurance or detail about protective measures, which might deter public participation.

Impact on the Public

Generally, the document reflects NOAA's responsibility as a federal agency to collect and use data for better understanding and management of marine resources. The public stands to gain from well-informed fishery management practices, which could help maintain fish stocks and ecological balance, benefiting both current and future generations.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders such as the fishing community and environmental conservationists, the program presents a dual impact. On one hand, it supports sustainable fishing practices by potentially yielding accurate data to guide regulatory measures that can prevent overfishing. On the other hand, the voluntary nature of participation may place an unpaid burden on fishermen, without explicit compensation, which can be seen as a detriment unless they have a strong personal or professional commitment to conservation efforts.

Overall, while the document attempts to solicit feedback and improve the game fish tagging initiative, there are areas worth addressing for better transparency, utility, and engagement with the diverse group of stakeholders involved.

The document under review is a notice from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requesting public comment on the Cooperative Game Fish Tagging Report, pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This involves an information collection activity related to tagging migratory game fish for research purposes.

Financial References and Spending

The notice specifically mentions that the "Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0." This suggests that participating in this information collection effort does not impose any direct financial burden on the respondents or the general public. However, the lack of any cost to the public raises questions about where the funding for the program's execution and supporting resources comes from.

Relation to Issues Identified

A significant concern drawn from the document is the absence of a detailed explanation regarding the budget or financial implications of the Cooperative Game Fish Tagging Program. Since the document states the public bears no cost, one might infer that the financial burden might be on NOAA or another unspecified federal funding source. This lack of specificity makes it challenging for the public to assess whether the use of taxpayer dollars in this program is justified or potentially wasteful.

The notice also mentions several forms of media to promote the tagging program, but it does not discuss the associated costs or the budget allocated for these outreach efforts. This gap could raise transparency concerns in terms of how effectively the program's financial resources are being utilized.

Lastly, the document broadly outlines the objectives and goals of the tagging program without delving into how the data analysis is conducted. Without clarifying how the program's financial input translates into tangible benefits or effective outcomes, the public might doubt the financial transparency and the necessity of any underlying expenditures.

Overall, while the cost to the public is minimal, the lack of detailed financial planning or transparency within the document could limit public understanding and confidence in the financial management of the program.