FR 2021-02113

The document in question is a notice from the Pacific Fishery Management Council announcing an upcoming public meeting of its Habitat Committee (HC). Scheduled for February 24, 2021, the meeting will be held online to discuss marine planning and offshore development activities. Among the topics on the agenda are presentations from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Aquaculture Opportunity Areas and from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Development about potential sites for offshore wind energy. The discussions and findings from this meeting are set to inform reports that will be reviewed at the Council's March meeting.

General Summary

The notice provides important logistical and participatory details about the meeting, emphasizing its public nature and accessibility via the Pacific Council's website. Stakeholders such as environmentalists, fishing industry representatives, and energy developers are likely to have a vested interest in the topics discussed, given the potential impact on marine habitats and the broader ecosystem.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several issues present in the document that merit attention:

1. Lack of Specific Instructions: The document directs interested parties to check the Council's website for details on how to join the virtual meeting but does not provide specific login instructions in the notice itself. This could pose accessibility issues, particularly for those not familiar with the online meeting platform or who may lack internet access.

2. Use of Technical Language: The document contains terminology relevant to fisheries and offshore development that may not be readily understandable to those not versed in these fields. This could hinder the broader public's understanding and limit effective participation from potentially interested parties.

3. Open Agenda Clauses: While non-emergency issues might be discussed if raised, the document makes clear that no formal actions will be taken on these. This clause could cause confusion regarding the purpose and potential outcomes of discussing topics not specified in the agenda.

4. Ambiguity in Emergency Procedures: The document references emergency actions under a specific legal section without an accompanying explanation. Those unfamiliar with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act may find this vague and difficult to assess in terms of its implications.

Potential Impact on the Public

For the general public, this meeting represents an opportunity to gain insight into and potentially offer input on important marine and offshore development issues. However, the issues noted above, particularly the technical language and lack of clear instructions, might limit effective engagement and dissemination of information.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Stakeholders such as environmental advocacy groups may view the meeting positively as a platform to discuss conservation and habitat protection measures. Conversely, the fishing industry might express concerns regarding how new aquaculture and energy sites could affect their livelihood and resource access. Energy developers, particularly those involved in offshore wind, are likely to interpret the meeting as a significant opportunity to engage with regulators and advocate for potential sites.

In summary, while the intention is to foster constructive discussion on topics critical to environmental and economic interests, the document's presentation invites potential improvements to ensure wider accessibility and comprehension among all interested parties.