FR 2024-30285

The New England Fishery Management Council is announcing a public meeting that will be held online on January 8, 2025. The main focus of this meeting is to discuss and review important policies that could impact fishing activities in the New England exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Specifically, the Risk Policy Working Group—the team responsible for evaluating risks associated with fishing policies—will be leading discussions. They plan to look into revising the Risk Policy Matrix and examine socio-economic factors that play a role in these policies. The meeting will also touch upon the State of the Ecosystem report for 2025 and set the stage for future council activities.

General Concerns and Issues

1. Complexity of Registration Process: The registration URL for joining the webinar is quite complex. This might present a barrier for individuals who are trying to participate, potentially limiting public engagement.

2. Lack of Explanation for Technical Terms: The document uses specialized terms like "Risk Policy Matrix" and "Risk Policy weightings process" without providing explanations. This oversight could confuse individuals who are not intimately familiar with the terminology, possibly alienating the public or stakeholders less versed in fisheries management jargon.

3. Access to Recorded Meeting: Although the meeting will be recorded and copies are available upon request, the document does not provide explicit instructions on how to make these requests. Clear and straightforward procedures could enhance transparency and accessibility for those who cannot attend.

4. Notification of Emergency Actions: There seems to be a lack of detail on how the public will be informed about emergency actions under section 305(c). This gap might raise concerns regarding the transparency of such quick, potentially impactful decisions.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact

The meeting—which is open to public participation—plays a crucial role in the drafting and revising of policies that affect fisheries in the New England region. This involvement is vital as it offers insight into the decision-making process and allows for community input on issues that may affect local economies tied to fishing industries. If registration barriers and jargon complexities are not addressed, some individuals might miss their opportunity to influence decisions that impact their livelihoods and environment.

Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved in the New England fisheries—such as commercial fishing operations, seafood processors, and local economies reliant on these industries—this meeting and the policies discussed could have significant repercussions. Positive impacts will likely come from well-informed risk assessments and revisions that ensure sustainable fishery practices, maintaining ecological balance and industry stability. However, lack of clarity or involvement could lead to ineffective policies that might not accurately reflect the needs or realities of those directly affected.

In conclusion, while the meeting offers a significant opportunity for involved public participation, improvements in accessibility and communication could enhance engagement and transparency. Establishing clearer instructions and simplifying participation processes would help ensure that this and future gatherings more effectively serve the communities and stakeholders they are designed to support.