FR 2021-02527

The recent announcement from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), highlights an upcoming public meeting of the Permanent Advisory Committee (PAC) scheduled for March 18, 2021. This committee plays a crucial advisory role to the U.S. Commissioners involved in the Commission for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC). The meeting aims to discuss outcomes from the previous year's session and establish U.S. priorities for the current year's session, with a particular focus on managing tropical tuna and addressing related concerns.

General Overview

The document serves as a formal notice of the meeting, which will take place online, allowing public participation through a web conference. Attendees have the opportunity to submit written comments on the meeting topics, provided these are received by March 13, 2021. The NMFS ensures transparency by allowing public engagement in discussions that influence significant fishery management decisions, aiming to balance conservation efforts with economic interests.

Significant Issues and Concerns

While the document announces the meeting, it lacks detailed information on the specific topics to be addressed. This can pose a challenge for interested parties who wish to prepare comprehensive comments or contributions, as they might not have enough context to engage meaningfully. Additionally, the process for submitting comments is not thoroughly explained, potentially creating confusion for those unfamiliar with NMFS procedures. Furthermore, the document's formal language and technical references, such as legal citations, may be difficult for individuals without a background in these areas to fully comprehend.

Impact on the Public

This document broadly impacts the public by opening a channel for involvement in important discussions about marine resource management, which holds implications for environmental sustainability and economic activity related to fisheries. For the general public, particularly those residing in coastal communities or dependent on fisheries for livelihood, the outcomes of such meetings could influence both local economies and conservation efforts.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Certain stakeholders, such as environmental groups, fishing industry representatives, and policymakers, are directly affected by the WCPFC's decisions. The existence of this advisory process ensures that diverse perspectives can be heard, contributing to more comprehensive decision-making. However, the lack of specificity in the announcement might hinder effective participation from these stakeholders, particularly if they lack prior insight into the committee's proceedings or the issues at stake.

Overall, while the notice of the meeting fosters public participation and transparency, there is room for improvement in terms of clarity and accessibility. By providing more detailed and accessible information, NMFS could enhance stakeholder engagement, ensuring the meeting serves its intended purpose of effective advisory support in the conservation and management of migratory fish stocks.