FR 2021-00553

The document in question is a public notice issued by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), inviting comments on the proposed information collection regarding Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQ) for Pacific Halibut and Sablefish in Alaska. This notice is part of the Paperwork Reduction Act efforts to collect public input that can help streamline regulatory requirements and minimize burdens on respondents. Public comments are requested by March 15, 2021, and submissions can be sent via email.

General Summary

NOAA is seeking feedback on the information collection practices for the IFQ Program. This program is designed to ensure the sustainable management of Pacific Halibut and Sablefish fisheries, promoting economic stability for coastal communities and fostering responsible use and harvest of these species. The process includes a system that limits access to these fisheries to those who hold quota shares, which can be transferred or leased under strict regulations. Information collection is crucial for managing permits, tracking quota shares, and ensuring compliance with program requirements. The document outlines the current methods of information collection and invites suggestions on possible improvements.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One of the major concerns arises from the technical nature of the document. It includes legal jargon and references to specific acts like the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the Northern Pacific Halibut Act, which could be challenging for the general public to fully understand. The lack of simplified explanations could impede effective public engagement.

Moreover, while the notice seeks public comment, it should also highlight how this feedback will influence or contribute to the decision-making process. Transparency in how public input will be used is crucial for encouraging participation. Privacy concerns also arise due to the disclosure that personal identifying information submitted in comments may be made publicly available.

Impact on the Public

For the broader public, this notice represents an opportunity to participate in the regulatory process concerning marine resource management. Individuals, organizations, or businesses involved in the fisheries can provide insights that could shape the future framework of these regulations.

The estimated impact on respondents, quantified by the number of respondents (2,559) and the estimated annual cost ($21,471), provides a sense of the program's reach and the financial burden involved. However, without further details, it is challenging for the public to assess the scope of these figures.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The stakeholders most directly affected by this notice include individuals and businesses involved in the Pacific Halibut and Sablefish fisheries in Alaska. For these stakeholders, the data collection and subsequent regulations could either pose additional bureaucratic hurdles or provide clearer, more efficient pathways to maintain compliance with fisheries management rules.

Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program participants may also be impacted, as some aspects of the IFQ Program intersect with the requirements and goals of the CDQ, which aims to benefit Western Alaska communities.

For small-scale fishers and new entrants into the fishing industry, the IFQ Program’s ownership caps and vessel use caps could be beneficial in protecting their interests against larger, consolidating entities. The notice’s emphasis on sustainable management and program improvements could have positive long-term outcomes for these communities. However, these groups may face challenges navigating complex application processes and regulatory frameworks, thus consistent and effective communication from NOAA will be critical.

Overall, while the document underscores the significance of public participation and provides a pathway for impact, clarity in the process and the outcomes of public commentary will be essential for truly engaging and benefiting the stakeholders involved.

The Federal Register document discusses the information collection activities related to Pacific Halibut and Sablefish Individual Fishing Quotas in Alaska. It includes a financial reference indicating the estimated total annual cost to the public as $21,471. This figure appears in the context of the economic burden estimated for conducting this data collection.

The $21,471 figure refers to the aggregate costs incurred by the public, particularly those involved in the IFQ program, as part of their obligation to comply with these data submission requirements. This amount could cover various administrative expenses such as the completion and submission of forms, applications, and reports necessary to participate in or comply with the IFQ program.

One of the identified issues in the document is the potential significant burden these costs might represent, especially given the estimated number of respondents is 2,559. This implies an average cost per respondent that may need careful consideration to ensure it is not overly burdensome for individuals or organizations participating in the program.

While the document presents an opportunity for public comment, it also raises concerns around the transparency of how these financial burdens are calculated and how public feedback might influence future regulatory financial commitments. Such information is crucial for participants to understand how engaging with this commentary process might alleviate or clarify their financial responsibilities under the program.

Moreover, the lack of an explicit breakdown of what the $21,471 encompasses—be it filing fees, administrative processing, or other incidental costs—makes it difficult for stakeholders to assess the reasonableness of the financial impacts. Addressing this issue with more detailed financial information could enhance clarity and help mitigate concerns regarding the economic implications for those participating in the IFQ Program.