FR 2021-00560

The document under review is a notice from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announcing a public meeting. This meeting is part of a series of webinars aimed at assessing the stock status of the U.S. Caribbean queen triggerfish through the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) process. The webinar is scheduled for February 10, 2021, and is open to the public. The document disseminates details about the SEDAR process and how interested parties can participate or attend the meeting.

General Summary

This notice serves to inform the public about a series of webinars to discuss the life history data available for queen triggerfish in the U.S. Caribbean. The document outlines an important systematic method, the SEDAR process, which includes a Data Workshop, Assessment Process, and Review Workshop to evaluate fish stocks' health. This particular notice highlights how participants can engage with the process and the necessary steps to access webinar sessions.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One noticeable issue with the document is its technical language. The intricacy of the SEDAR process might be challenging for the general public, particularly those unfamiliar with fisheries management. While technical accuracy is essential, the lack of simplified communication might impede public understanding and participation.

The document also suggests that certain non-emergency topics may be discussed but not formally resolved during the meeting. This raises possible concerns about transparency and the clarity of discussions, potentially leading stakeholders to question the objectives of these informal conversations.

Special accommodations are addressed with a broad stroke, indicating that the meeting is accessible to those with disabilities. However, specifics on how to arrange these accommodations are scant, relying on a general point of contact which could result in confusion or miscommunication.

Additionally, the notice references the potential for emergency actions under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act but does not detail the public notification process. This lack of information might cause concern regarding adequate public awareness and accountability.

Impacts on the Public Broadly

For the general public, this document might increase awareness of fisheries management activities in the U.S. Caribbean, specifically concerning queen triggerfish. It encourages public participation, offering an opportunity for interested individuals to engage with scientific assessments that have long-term implications for regional ecosystems and related economies.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders such as fishery managers, biologists, and researchers, the document elucidates an opportunity to contribute expertise to a comprehensive fish stock assessment. The SEDAR process acts as a centralized platform for data dissemination and evaluation, enhancing the scientific basis for policy decisions.

Conversely, constituents such as fishermen and environmental NGOs may be affected by the potential outcomes of these discussions and assessments, which could lead to changes in fishing regulations and management practices. Clarity and participation issues noted in the document might result in stakeholders feeling inadequately consulted or represented.

In conclusion, while the notice serves a pivotal role in naturally engaging stakeholders with fisheries management, it could benefit from clearer communication practices to ensure widespread understanding and transparency. This would ensure that all societal and stakeholder groups can adequately prepare for, and participate in, regulatory processes impacting the environment and economy.