FR 2021-02828

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Citizen Science Program has announced two public town hall meetings to discuss the development of a citizen-science mobile app designed to collect information on Atlantic coast fish populations. These webinars, set for March 9 and March 11, 2021, invite participation from public stakeholders, including fishermen and fisheries scientists, to share their insights on what data the app should capture. The meetings are part of an ongoing effort to improve understanding and management of marine fish populations along the Atlantic coast.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One concern with the document is the lack of information regarding the costs associated with developing the citizen science mobile application. It does not provide financial specifics or reveal the budget or funding source, raising questions about potential financial transparency. Such omissions could lead some to worry about possible wasteful spending without oversight.

Additionally, there is no detail on how the feedback collected during the town hall meetings will be utilized in the app’s development process. Without clear information on how stakeholder input will influence the app, participants might feel that their contributions are not being valued or effectively integrated.

The concept of "citizen science" and how it applies to fisheries management might not be immediately clear to everyone. By not defining this term, the document assumes a level of pre-existing knowledge that may not be present, potentially alienating interested individuals who are unfamiliar with the topic.

Moreover, prospective participants must individually request webinar invitations, which could be cumbersome and discouraging, as opposed to a more streamlined and accessible process.

Finally, the document lacks clarity on what specific types of data the app intends to collect, alongside considerations for privacy and data protection, which are critical in the digital age.

Potential Impact on the Public

The development of a citizen science mobile app for fisheries management could have broad positive implications by providing an innovative platform for data collection. This approach has the potential to enhance the understanding of fish populations significantly, contributing to more informed and sustainable fishery management practices. Public involvement in data-gathering could empower community members with a stake in local marine environments and foster a sense of stewardship over these resources.

However, without clear delineation of how submitted data will be used and protected, there might be apprehension among the public regarding privacy issues. This could affect the willingness of individuals to participate openly in the citizen science effort.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Fishermen, fisheries managers, and marine scientists stand to benefit directly from the insights gathered through the app, as it could lead to a more nuanced understanding of fish populations. This may support more effective resource management decisions and policies. However, without clear guidance on how their input will be integrated, these stakeholders may question the value of their involvement.

Overall, the initiative presents an opportunity for positive change and enhanced management of marine resources, but it also calls for more transparency and clarity in its approach to ensure broad and meaningful community engagement.