FR 2021-00552

The document from the Federal Register invites commentary from the public and other federal agencies concerning the Chinook Salmon Economic Data Report (EDR) Program, managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Department of Commerce. Specifically, this program is designed to collect data on the bycatch of Chinook salmon in the Bering Sea pollock fishery. The information obtained is crucial for evaluating measures intended to reduce bycatch as part of broader environmental and fishery management efforts.

General Overview

The Chinook Salmon EDR Program is instrumental in supporting policies that aim to manage and sustain fish populations, particularly focusing on the unintended capture, known as bycatch, of Chinook salmon during pollock fishing in the Bering Sea. The data collected assists in understanding and enhancing bycatch management strategies. The current call for comments is part of a routine renewal process that involves collecting data through three forms: the Compensated Transfer Report, the Vessel Fuel Survey, and the Vessel Master Survey.

Significant Issues and Concerns

1. Cost Transparency:
A notable concern is the absence of detailed information regarding the costs associated with the administration and auditing of the Chinook Salmon EDR Program. Without transparency in financial reporting, stakeholders may question the efficiency of fund allocation which could potentially mask wasteful spending.

2. Data Security:
As the data collected includes sensitive business information, there is a lack of specific measures addressing how data security and privacy will be safeguarded during its collection and submission. This omission may raise concerns among participants about the confidentiality of their input.

3. Compliance Clarity:
The document lacks a clear definition of what constitutes 'gross noncompliance', which is necessary for fair and consistent enforcement. This ambiguity could lead to potential discrepancies in compliance checks and audits, leaving participants uncertain about the criteria they need to meet.

4. Complexity of Language:
Terms like 'prohibited species catch (PSC)' and 'In-season Compensated Transfer Report' may not be immediately clear to those outside the fishing industry. This complexity could hinder public understanding and discourage comprehensive feedback from a broader audience.

5. Methodology for Burden Estimates:
The document does not elaborate on the methodology used to estimate the time and effort required by respondents, which is crucial for verifying the accuracy of these estimates. Clarity in this area would enhance trust in the data collection process.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact:
For the general public, this process symbolizes a step towards more sustainable fishing practices which align with environmental conservation interests. Public involvement through comments can lead to improvements in how data is collected and used, ensuring that policies reflect broad societal values and concerns.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders:
For stakeholders directly involved in the Bering Sea pollock fishery, such as vessel owners and operators, this program represents both a regulatory burden and an opportunity to contribute to effective fishery management. Positive impacts include the potential for enhanced fishery sustainability and profitability in the long term. However, without clear guidelines and transparency in program execution, these stakeholders face potential operational challenges and compliance uncertainty.

In summary, while the Chinook Salmon EDR Program appears poised to contribute to responsible fishery management, attention to transparency, security, and clarity could greatly enhance stakeholder engagement and public trust. By addressing these concerns, the Department of Commerce can ensure that its data collection efforts are both efficient and effective in supporting the intended environmental and economic objectives.

The document mentions an "Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0." This indicates that there are no direct costs imposed on the public for participating in the information collection activities related to the Chinook Salmon Economic Data Report (EDR) Program. This essentially means that individuals or businesses participating in the data collection process are not required to pay any fees or incur expenses directly attributed to this program's submission requirements.

However, while the estimated cost to the public is explicitly stated as zero, there is no detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the administration and auditing of the Chinook Salmon EDR Program itself. This lack of specific financial information, especially regarding the operational costs carried by the government entities involved, could lead to concerns about the potential for unreported or inefficient spending. The absence of this financial detail results in one of the identified issues: the lack of transparency regarding potential wasteful spending.

Moreover, the document does not mention how financial aspects, such as administrative costs or resource allocations for audits, are managed to ensure efficiency and accountability. The identified issue regarding ambiguity in enforcement and auditing processes, particularly how "gross noncompliance" is determined, may also have financial implications that are not addressed.

Finally, while the document anticipates public comments on the data collection process's burden, further transparency in the financial operations could enhance public trust and participation. Clearly detailing how costs are managed and outlining any financial measures in place to ensure cost-effectiveness would contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the program's financial impact and address potential concerns about oversight in the use of public funds.

In summary, while the document asserts no direct cost to the public, it could benefit from a clearer explanation of the financial aspects related to the program's administration and enforcement to address gaps in transparency and accountability.