FR 2021-03364

The document in question is a notice from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seeking public comments on proposed updates to the process of collecting information related to permits for activities within national marine sanctuaries. The primary aim is to assess how these information collection requirements can be improved and how they impact stakeholders, aligning with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.

General Summary

The NOAA is revisiting and revising how it collects information from those applying for permits to conduct activities in national marine sanctuaries. The activities in question are typically prohibited unless specifically permitted to ensure the protection of marine resources. The notice outlines a period during which the public can submit comments. This feedback process is a precursor to submitting the revised collection procedure to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. The revisions intend to streamline the permit application process and reflect changes in the number and types of permits issued.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One chief concern is the lack of transparency in the calculation of the estimated $1,095 in recordkeeping and reporting costs. The document does not specify what these costs entail, potentially leaving applicants confused about the financial implications.

Additionally, while the document explains a reduction in the number of permits due to a change in policy in the Florida Keys, it does not clearly link these changes to their specific impacts on businesses or individuals applying for permits.

The document references several legal statutes and technical terms which may not be accessible or clear to all readers. This could present difficulties for those unfamiliar with legal or regulatory language but who might be affected by these changes.

Privacy issues are also a concern, as the document mentions that any personal information submitted in comments could become publicly available. There is no clear explanation of how this information will be protected, leading to potential privacy concerns among commenters.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broadly speaking, these revisions and the associated call for comments are designed to create a more efficient process, potentially reducing the time and burden on the public when applying for relevant permits. This may lead to a more favorable view of regulatory processes among stakeholders.

For specific stakeholders, such as businesses or researchers who frequently apply for these permits, the changes could have a significant impact. Clarity in the application process might facilitate smoother operations. The reduction in lionfish removal permits in Florida could specifically affect local businesses and conservation groups that previously relied on these permits for activities aimed at controlling lionfish populations.

In conclusion, while the NOAA’s effort to gather public input is commendable, the document could benefit from greater clarity and transparency in areas such as financial considerations and privacy protections. These changes can help make the permitting process more accessible and understandable for those affected by or interested in engaging with national marine sanctuaries.

The document references an estimated total annual cost to the public of $1,095.00 in recordkeeping and reporting expenses. This financial estimate is tied to the collection of information required by the National Marine Sanctuaries Act for obtaining permits to conduct activities within national marine sanctuaries.

Summary of Financial References:

The document mentions a cost burden of $1,095.00 associated with recordkeeping and reporting related to permit applications. This figure attempts to encapsulate the financial impact on the applicants, encapsulating various tasks they have to undertake, such as filing applications and submitting reports regarding their activities within the sanctuaries.

Considerations on Financial Allocation and Transparency:

One prominent issue identified is a lack of details on how this $1,095.00 is calculated. The document does not dissect this amount nor explains the methodology used to arrive at this estimate. Consequently, potential respondents may find it challenging to assess whether this represents a reasonable cost. Transparency in cost estimation is crucial for ensuring public trust and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Moreover, this cost ties into the issue regarding the reduction in the number of permits, notably the discontinuation of lionfish removal permits in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Although the overall number of permits was reduced by 141, the document does not clearly discuss the financial implications that these changes may have brought along, including adjustments to the estimated annual cost of $1,095.00. Greater clarity on whether the financial impact changes with the fluctuating number of permits issued could help entities better understand their financial obligations.

Relation to Legal and Procedural Contexts:

The document’s use of technical jargon and references to statutes, including the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (cited as 16 U.S.C. 1431et seq.) and specific regulations (15 CFR part 922), is crucial, yet the failure to sufficiently clarify these references may hinder applicants from fully grasping how their financial commitments are structured. A clearer explanation of these terms could improve the transparency of how costs align with legal and procedural mandates.

In summary, while the reported $1,095.00 annual cost is a critical detail, the absence of in-depth breakdowns and explanations concerning its calculation may obscure stakeholders' understanding and perception of this financial obligation. Enhancing detail on the financial underpinnings within such regulatory documentation would be beneficial to all stakeholders involved.