FR 2021-03640

The document pertains to a notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) regarding a webinar for the Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) process. This specific session, termed Webinar III, is part of a series focused on assessing the population health and management status of the scamp grouper fish in the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic regions. The scheduled webinar is to occur on March 22, 2021, and is open to public participation, subject to prior registration details being followed.

Summary of the Document

The core purpose of the document is to inform interested parties about the upcoming status assessment meeting for the scamp grouper species. This is achieved through a structured process designed to analyze collected data, apply assessment models, and project future conditions regarding the fisheries. The aim is to better understand the current state of this fish population and to make informed decisions about future management strategies. Participants in these webinars include a range of stakeholders, such as data scientists, fishery managers, and constituency representatives, reflecting the collaborative approach taken.

Significant Issues

The document presents several areas of concern. Notably, the technical language may prove challenging for those who lack expertise in this field. Terms like "biological benchmarks" and "population parameters" might be difficult for general readers to fully grasp. Additionally, the document lacks specific details about how the issues discussed in this process will directly influence policy or management beyond acknowledging the multi-step procedural nature of the meetings.

Another area of concern involves the lack of clarity regarding accommodations for people with disabilities. Though the document mentions these provisions, it falls short of providing explicit contact details or procedures for making such requests. This omission could lead to unnecessary confusion or exclusionary practices.

Furthermore, while the document notes that non-emergency issues might arise during the webinar, it does not provide specifics on what these issues could be or how they will be addressed. This leaves room for ambiguity and raises questions about transparency, particularly concerning decisions made post-publication under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Public Impact

For the general public, the document signifies a step in maintaining ecological and economic sustainability within regional fisheries. It underscores the methodical approach taken by federal agencies to oversee and manage fish stocks, which are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of those reliant on fishing industries.

Impact on Stakeholders

Positive Impacts:
Stakeholders, such as commercial fishermen, environmentalists, and local communities, may benefit from the thorough data-driven evaluations conducted during these webinars. By adopting approaches that are more aligned with scientific assessments, the actions stemming from these discussions could result in better-managed fish populations and more sustainable fishing practices.

Negative Impacts:
Conversely, without a clear understanding of the processes involved and the potential outcomes, other stakeholders might feel excluded or inadequately informed. This situation could weaken trust in the managing bodies and foster resistance to any new regulations or management measures proposed thereafter.

In conclusion, while the SEDAR process represents a significant effort to ensure sustainable fishery practices, the communication around this particular meeting could be enhanced by providing clearer, more accessible information and addressing certain ambiguities to better serve all stakeholders involved.