FR 2021-00296

The document from the Federal Register is a notice from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. It invites the public and federal agencies to comment on a collection of information regarding the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) requirements for the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery. Under this system, commercial fishing vessels must have monitoring equipment to relay their positions, aiding in the enforcement of fishing laws and conservation efforts. The planned revision involves soliciting public input over 60 days, after which the comments will be reviewed before submission for approval.

General Summary

The document outlines NOAA's commitment to reducing the public reporting burden by assessing and revising the information it collects. The VMS program, active since 2004, helps monitor commercial fishing activities off the West Coast. It mandates certain actions from vessel owners, including the installation of monitoring systems and submission of various reports. The notice also advises that some details, like position reports, are automatic and don’t require crew action. The goal is to enforce fishing regulations in a more efficient manner while ensuring the sustainability of fish resources.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several significant issues are apparent within the document. First, the estimated annual cost to the public is stated as $97,035.30; however, the notice lacks a detailed breakdown of this figure, making it difficult for stakeholders to understand where resources might be allocated or wasted.

The precision in the estimated annual burden of 6,999.99 hours seems excessively exact and might raise questions regarding the estimation's reliability or the methods used. Moreover, the technical aspects of automatic data transmission could have hidden issues or costs that are not clearly addressed, potentially posing concerns about effectiveness or any unexpected burdens on the vessel operators.

The legal language cited, referencing specific federal regulations, may be challenging for those unfamiliar with legal terminology, potentially limiting the document's accessibility to the general public.

Finally, the notice warns that any personal identifying information included in public comments could become publicly accessible, which may discourage some individuals from participating. This caution may impede the objective of gathering comprehensive public feedback.

Impact on the Public

In general, the requirement for public commentary and the nature of this information collection can have broad impacts. On the positive side, it promotes transparency and gives stakeholders a platform to voice concerns or highlight inefficiencies. By allowing public inspection of government processes, there is greater accountability.

However, without transparency in cost breakdowns or clarity on the impact on daily operations for vessel operators, there could be an unintentional increase in operational expenses or administrative tasks. The concerns regarding privacy in submitting feedback may also deter participation, which might skew the feedback toward those less concerned or aware of privacy implications.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For commercial fishing businesses, the described monitoring system directly affects operations by adding regulatory steps and potential costs related to system installation and maintenance. The notice's call for reducing the reporting burden could be beneficial if it results in streamlined processes and reduced overhead expenses. Nonetheless, any lack of detail or clarity within the notice could contribute to confusion or increases in unanticipated costs.

Stakeholders such as environmental groups and regulatory bodies may view the VMS as a beneficial enforcement tool that ensures compliance with conservation laws, thereby helping to preserve marine resources. However, for full utility, any feedback system needs to robustly capture the concerns of all parties involved, which may be hindered by privacy issues associated with submitting comments.

In conclusion, while the notice outlines a well-intentioned initiative aimed at conservation and monitoring, the expressed issues and concerns must be addressed to ensure equitable and efficient implementation. This includes clarifying financial implications, ensuring comment privacy, and communicating in accessible language for broader understanding.

The document in question outlines a financial reference related to the monitoring systems required for vessels in the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery. This reference is integral to understanding how funds are allocated and the financial implications for those involved in the fishery.

The document mentions an estimated total annual cost to the public of $97,035.30. This figure is crucial as it represents the financial burden imposed on the stakeholders, particularly vessel owners in this instance. However, the document does not provide a detailed breakdown of how this cost is calculated or allocated across different aspects of the program. This lack of specificity can be problematic for stakeholders who need to understand the financial obligations they might face. A detailed cost analysis would provide more clarity and transparency, allowing stakeholders to better prepare for these expenses and potentially identify areas where spending could be reduced or optimized.

Additionally, the text refers to certain information-collection activities and processes such as automatic position reporting from the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). While it states that these position reports are automatically transmitted without requiring any direct action from the captain or crew, it does not discuss whether there are any indirect costs or potential technical issues associated with this automation. Understanding these costs is important for evaluating the financial efficiency and practicality of the system.

The document also estimates the total annual burden hours to be 6,999.99. This figure, while commendably precise, appears unusually specific. It would be beneficial to understand the methodology and assumptions used in arriving at this figure to ensure the accuracy of the resource allocation and to prevent any potential under- or over-estimation of associated labor costs.

The highlighted financial references call for a deeper exploration into the cost structure and allocation methodologies. Such analysis can provide better insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of the Vessel Monitoring Program, ultimately allowing for more informed decision-making by both governmental bodies and impacted individuals or businesses. This understanding is crucial in fostering transparency and fostering trust among the affected public, especially when public funds and regulatory requirements are involved.