FR 2021-03628

The document under review is a notice from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seeking public comments on its plan to continue collecting data from small-scale fishermen in the U.S. Caribbean, specifically in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The notice outlines the purpose of the data collection—gathering demographic, economic, and fishing practice information to improve fishery management and adhere to various legal frameworks. The data will inform amendments to fishery management plans and satisfy regulatory requirements from different acts and policies. With a deadline of April 26, 2021, the public is invited to share their views, ensuring their participation in the decision-making process concerning this information collection activity.

General Summary

The NOAA is proposing to extend an existing data collection program focused on small-scale fishermen in the U.S. Caribbean. This entails voluntary, in-person surveys that aim to provide detailed socio-economic insights into the fishing industry in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The collected data will guide fishery management decisions and ensure compliance with several federal mandates, such as the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. The agency plans to survey approximately 1,500 respondents, with each survey estimated to take about 30 minutes, resulting in a total burden of 750 hours annually.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable issues and concerns regarding the proposed information collection. The most prominent is the voluntary nature of the surveys. This could introduce sampling bias if certain groups of fishermen choose not to participate, potentially distorting the data's accuracy and utility. Additionally, the document does not specify how the collected data will be protected or kept confidential, which could deter participation if fishermen are concerned about privacy.

While the document references various legal mandates as justification for the census, it would benefit from a clearer explanation of how each mandate specifically requires or influences this data collection. Furthermore, details regarding the budget or costs associated with the census are absent, making it difficult to assess the potential for wasteful spending. Lastly, while public comments are solicited, the notice lacks information on how these will be evaluated or incorporated into future actions.

Broad Public Impact

The impact of this information collection on the general public is potentially significant in terms of improved fishery management. Collecting comprehensive socio-economic data can lead to more informed, effective policies that benefit both the ecosystem and the communities dependent on fishing. However, if the voluntary survey results in a lack of diverse participation, the data may not fully represent the population, leading to less effective or potentially skewed policies.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For the fishermen involved, this study could have both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, their participation can result in policies that better reflect their economic and demographic realities, potentially leading to enhanced management of fishery resources that sustain their livelihoods. On the negative side, concerns about data security and additional time burdens without any compensation may deter participation, especially if they feel unsure about the benefits that may arise from the collected information.

In conclusion, while the intention behind NOAA's proposed extension of the data collection is constructive, addressing the highlighted concerns could enhance both participation rates and the quality of the information collected. Adequate implementation of privacy measures, clear communication regarding the use of public comments, and detailed fiscal transparency could all contribute to a more successful outcome.

The document from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) invites public comments on the U.S. Caribbean Commercial Fishermen Census as part of an effort to extend the existing information collection. This notice concerns financial aspects, as the dissemination and collection of this information generally require funding and resource allocation.

Financial References and Execution

The document explicitly states an "Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $0." This suggests that NOAA projects no direct financial burden on the public related to this information collection effort. However, the document does not disclose specific details on how the census will be funded. The absence of a detailed budget outline means that any costs associated with conducting the census remain unspecified, which leads to several concerns.

Related Issues and Concerns

One critical issue is the lack of transparency regarding the budget or costs for conducting the census. Without clear financial details, it is challenging to assess whether any potentially wasteful spending might occur. This absence of financial disclosure might make it difficult for stakeholders to evaluate the cost-effectiveness or necessity of the census.

Moreover, the statement about no cost to the public seems to overlook indirect costs, such as the time and potential resources that respondents might expend voluntarily participating in the surveys. While these are not direct financial costs, they represent an indirect expenditure of resources by the business entities involved, estimated at 750 hours of total annual burden.

The absence of explicit financial details can also affect public perception and willingness to comment. People may be more hesitant to engage if they are unclear about the financial implications or if they suspect that the collection could be unnecessarily costly without knowing its budget.

Overall, while the document intends not to impose a financial burden on the public, its lack of detailed financial transparency could lead to misunderstandings or skepticism regarding the collection's efficiency or necessity. Enhancing clarity around how the operation is funded could improve stakeholder confidence and participation.