Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Horseshoe Crab and Cooperative Fish Tagging Programs
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Fish and Wildlife Service is asking people to share their thoughts on a project that keeps track of special fish like horseshoe crabs to help protect them better. They're saying they might give a small thank-you gift to people who help, but they haven't said what that gift will be yet.
Summary AI
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on renewing a collection of information related to the Horseshoe Crab and Cooperative Fish Tagging Programs. This initiative collects data from organizations and the public to track and assess the population, migration, and health of tagged species like horseshoe crabs, striped bass, and sturgeon. The data helps improve management practices and conservation efforts. Public feedback will contribute to minimizing the reporting burden and improving the quality and utility of the information collected.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are proposing to renew an information collection.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document, issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invites public comments on the renewal of an information collection initiative related to the Horseshoe Crab and Cooperative Fish Tagging Programs. This collection aims to gather data from organizations and the public on various species, including horseshoe crabs, which play a crucial ecological and economic role along the Atlantic coast. The data collected is intended to help improve conservation and management practices of these species.
General Summary
This initiative seeks to renew efforts to collect and analyze data on horseshoe crabs and several fish species, evaluating their population, migratory patterns, and overall health. Information will be gathered from participants who tag and release the animals and those who report encounters with tagged species. The goal is to use this information to refine management and conservation strategies, benefiting both ecological health and industry practices.
Significant Issues and Concerns
A few issues arise from reviewing the document:
Use and Security of Data: The document lacks detail about how the collected data will be analyzed, shared, or secured, which could be a cause for concern regarding data privacy and participant information protection.
Variability in Response Time: There is a significant variation in the estimated completion time for responses, ranging from 5 minutes to 95 hours. This discrepancy suggests that the process might lack clarity or standardization, potentially discouraging participation due to the uncertainty in time commitment.
Participant Rewards: The notion of a "modest reward" for reporting tags is mentioned but not detailed, possibly leading to confusion or unmet expectations among participants.
Technical Language: Terms such as "prosomal width" and "fate" might be too technical for the general public, possibly hindering comprehension and engagement.
Impact on the Public
The document could have several implications for the public at large. By renewing this data collection initiative, the public might benefit from improved conservation efforts and a better understanding of these crucial species’ ecological roles. However, lack of clarity in the initiative and the potential burden of lengthy data collection efforts may discourage public participation.
Impact on Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders may experience varied effects:
Research and Conservation Organizations: These groups may find the improved data collection beneficial for ongoing conservation efforts, potentially leading to more effective management strategies for targeted species.
Commercial Fishers and Biomedical Companies: Such entities might benefit economically through improved stock management and the biomedical use of horseshoe crabs, yet they may also face increased regulatory scrutiny based on new data.
General Public Participants: Those who encounter and report tagged species might face challenges in understanding their role and the expected outcomes, especially given the technical language and unspecified rewards. Clear communication and transparency on these fronts will be essential to encourage participation.
In conclusion, while the information collection serves an important purpose, attention is needed to address these concerns to ensure the initiative's success and increase public engagement and stakeholder support.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed information on how the data collected from the tagging programs will be used, analyzed, or shared, leading to potential concerns about data privacy and security.
• The estimated completion time per response varies significantly from 5 minutes to 95 hours, which might indicate a lack of clarity or standardization in the data collection process.
• The document mentions a 'modest reward' for reporting a tag but does not specify what the reward entails, which could lead to confusion or unmet expectations for participants.
• There is no mention of the funding or budget allocated for this information collection effort, which could raise questions about financial transparency and accountability.
• The document uses specific scientific names for fish species without providing common names or context that might aid understanding for a general audience.
• The language used in the document, such as 'prosomal width' and 'fate,' may be too technical for a layperson audience, which could hinder public understanding and participation.
• The document references several forms (e.g., Form 3-2310, Form 3-2311) without explaining what information is collected or how these forms differ from one another.