FR 2021-02831

The proposal from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) aims to implement changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for waters off Washington, Oregon, and California. This action is focused on managing recreational fisheries for 2021 by introducing modifications to fishing seasons, allocations, and management measures. The overarching goal is to conserve the Pacific halibut population while still providing opportunities for anglers in these areas. Public input on this proposed rule is invited until March 15, 2021.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document, while thorough, is complex and infused with regulatory jargon. This might make it challenging for lay readers, such as members of the general public, to grasp the full extent of the changes and their implications without consulting several related documents. The proposal's reliance on references to federal regulations and previous rulings can further complicate understanding, requiring readers to piece together context from multiple sources to appreciate the whole picture.

One area of concern addresses the removal of certain restrictions, like those formerly applicable in the Yelloweye Rockfish Conservation Areas. The rationale behind relaxing these restrictions is not elaborated on deeply, potentially stirring worries about environmental repercussions. Additionally, the interaction between independent catch limit decisions by the International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) and the proposed alterations to the Catch Sharing Plan is not thoroughly clarified.

Public Impact

Broadly, the document may not directly impact the wider public but could influence recreational fishing activities along the West Coast. The rule seeks to refine the balance between conserving fish populations and offering more opportunities for angling. As such, while the general public may not feel immediate effects, there could be indirect implications regarding environmental conservation and economic activities tied to recreational fishing.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

On the positive side, stakeholders in the recreational fishing community, particularly charter boat operators and anglers, might benefit from increased fishing opportunities and an extension of the fishing season. However, there is an assumption that these regulatory changes will not significantly affect small businesses economically, which might merit more detailed economic analysis to substantiate this outlook.

Conversely, stakeholders with environmental interests may express concerns over the potential ecological impact of the relaxed fishing restrictions and expanded groundfish species retention. Without comprehensive explanations of these changes' environmental impacts, stakeholders dedicated to marine conservation might view the modifications skeptically.

In conclusion, while the proposed regulations aim to fulfill a dual mandate of conservation and increased angler opportunities, the document might necessitate clearer explanations and consideration of broader economic and environmental analyses to thoroughly satisfy all stakeholders and ensure informed public participation in the rulemaking process.

The document, a proposed rule from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), primarily revolves around amendments to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan, alongside the implementation of specific management measures for recreational fisheries. While the document contains in-depth information about regulatory changes, it includes limited direct references to financial allocations or fiscal impacts. The key financial reference within the text pertains to the classification of charter fishing operations under specific small business criteria.

Charter Fishing Operations and Small Business Classification

The document references that charter fishing operations involved in the recreational Pacific halibut fishery are classified under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 487210. Under this classification, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has set a size standard of $7.5 million in annual receipts to qualify as a small business. This financial benchmark is crucial for understanding which entities might be impacted by the proposed regulatory changes. According to the document, these charter boats are primarily small businesses, an important designation given the anticipated regulatory changes' impact on their operations.

Relation to Identified Issues

The financial reference regarding the small business size standard is pertinent to several issues identified within the document:

1. Economic Impact on Small Entities: The document concludes that the proposed changes will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, underlining that such changes were deemed uncontroversial during the Council's public process. However, the reference to a $7.5 million size standard highlights the importance of assessing whether these small entities could indeed experience financial pressures, a topic not deeply explored in the document.

2. Clarity and Comprehension for Affected Stakeholders: While the document is dense with legal and regulatory terminology, the reference to the financial benchmark is a point of clarity for charter boat operators to assess their potential classification as small businesses. Nonetheless, the lack of detailed economic analysis in the document might leave stakeholders concerned about how these regulations affect their financial viability.

3. Need for a More Detailed Economic Analysis: Although the document asserts minimal economic impact, the mention of a financial threshold without accompanying data or analysis creates an opportunity for further scrutiny. A more thorough examination of economic factors could fortify the document's assertion, addressing concerns of stakeholders who may be indirectly affected economically by the proposed changes.

In summary, the document's primary financial reference centers on the classification of charter boats as small businesses, which has implications for the perceived economic impact of the proposed regulatory changes. While the financial reference helps delineate affected entities, it simultaneously underscores the need for enhanced economic analysis to fully reassure stakeholders of the document's conclusions and implications. This area could be developed further to provide a holistic view of the economic landscape that the proposed rule aims to navigate.