FR 2021-01475

The document by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) calls for public input on an information collection initiative related to coral reef conservation. Under the framework of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program, NOAA aims to gather data from residents across seven U.S. jurisdictions, including Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. This data collection is intended to provide insights into local behaviors, attitudes towards coral reefs, and perceptions about their conservation. Comments are requested by March 26, 2021, to refine the project before submission for approval.

General Summary

This notification outlines NOAA's efforts to revise and extend an existing data collection initiative aimed at enhancing coral reef conservation programs. By gathering localized human dimensions information from areas with coral reefs, NOAA seeks to tailor its conservation strategies to better fit the needs and behavior of those living in these regions. Public comments are solicited to evaluate the necessity, methodology, and practicality of the proposed information collection, as well as to explore opportunities for reducing respondent burden.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues arise from the document:

1. Lack of Financial Transparency: The document does not provide a detailed financial plan or budget for conducting these information collection activities. This lack of transparency could make it challenging to evaluate the potential for wasteful spending in the project.

2. Data Privacy Concerns: While the document advises against submitting confidential business information, it lacks specifics on data privacy measures. This might deter potential respondents concerned about the confidentiality of their personal information.

3. Inflexible Methodologies: The proposal details in-person interviews for several jurisdictions but does not clearly specify data collection methods for others. This vagueness might lead to confusion or oversight in implementing standardized data collection processes.

4. Estimation Justification Lacking: The estimated number of respondents and the total burden in hours lack detailed justification, leading to concerns about the accuracy and reliability of these projections.

5. Technical Language: The document uses technical jargon when inviting public comments, which may not be easily understood by a lay audience. This could limit meaningful public engagement and feedback.

Broad Public Impact

The initiative potentially impacts a wide range of U.S. residents, notably those living near coral reefs. Effective conservation programs resulting from this data collection could ensure better protection and health of coral ecosystems, which are vital for biodiversity and local economies dependent on marine tourism and fisheries. However, the success of these initiatives depends heavily on robust public participation and transparent processes.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

1. Local Residents: Individuals living in reef jurisdictions may benefit from tailored conservation efforts leading to healthier ecosystems. However, these residents could also face inconveniences related to survey participation.

2. Conservationists and Researchers: Access to comprehensive, updated data can significantly influence coral reef research and conservation strategies, offering new insights into ecosystem management.

3. Government Agencies: For NOAA and other agencies, the initiative represents a critical opportunity to fine-tune environmental policies through community feedback. Nonetheless, the agency’s credibility could be jeopardized if concerns about transparency and data privacy remain unaddressed.

In summary, while NOAA’s initiative has the potential to bolster coral reef conservation efforts significantly, addressing the noted issues could refine the initiative’s implementation and enhance stakeholder engagement and trust.

The Federal Register document issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Department of Commerce provides information about an information collection activity related to the Socioeconomics of Coral Reef Conservation. This activity is governed by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and involves gathering data to understand human behaviors and attitudes towards coral reef conservation across seven jurisdictions in the United States.

The document makes a specific financial reference, stating that there is an "Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0 in recordkeeping/reporting costs". This statement indicates that the public, including individuals or households participating in the survey, will not incur any direct financial costs related to the reporting or recordkeeping associated with this information collection. This is an important financial aspect because it suggests that the burden on the public is limited to their time and effort in responding, with no additional out-of-pocket expenses.

However, in the context of identified issues, this document lacks detailed information regarding the overall budget or financial allocations for conducting the survey and managing the information collection process. There is no insight into how federal funds are utilized in these activities, which makes it difficult to evaluate potential wasteful spending. Without a breakdown of these costs, stakeholders cannot determine the financial efficiency or justify the allocation of resources to this project. The absence of financial details also limits transparency and comprehensive public understanding of the complete economic implications of the project.

Additionally, while the document clearly states that the public will not face any costs, it does not address potential costs associated with implementing measures to ensure data privacy and protection, which could be significant. This is particularly important because the document issues a cautionary note about personal identifying information potentially being made public, yet does not elaborate on financial investments, if any, towards safeguarding respondents' data.

In summary, although the document explicitly notes that there will be no recordkeeping or reporting costs to the public, it fails to provide a broader picture of financial plans, allocation, or privacy protection expenses, leaving room for questions about comprehensive fiscal accountability and efficiency in the execution of this coral reef conservation initiative.