FR 2024-30788

This document, published by the National Marine Fisheries Service, a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, announces a public meeting hosted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council's Highly Migratory Species Management Team. The meeting, which will be held online in January 2025, spans three days and aims to further develop the Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Roadmap in anticipation of the Pacific Council meeting scheduled for March 2025. Part of the meeting involves input from the HMS Advisory Subpanel, particularly on the second day.

General Overview

The public is invited to participate in this webinar, which is to be conducted virtually. The document provides details about the timing and logistical aspects of the meeting but does not specify the contents of the HMS Roadmap being developed. It gives essential contact information for participation and any special accommodations, ensuring accessibility for interested parties.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One of the main concerns with the document is its lack of specificity regarding the HMS Roadmap's content. Stakeholders and interested parties might find ambiguity in not knowing what specific topics will be covered, potentially limiting their ability to prepare for participation effectively. Furthermore, the document mentions that the team might consider "other issues as appropriate," which lacks clarity and could benefit from additional detail to enhance transparency.

Another potential concern is the handling of emergency issues under section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The document implies certain matters can be addressed but does not clearly outline the criteria or procedure for identifying such issues. This absence of specific guidelines could lead to misunderstandings among participants about what constitutes an emergency issue.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the opportunity to attend this public meeting is a chance to engage with and understand how fisheries management is approached, especially concerning highly migratory species. However, the document does not make it clear whether there are any costs associated with attending the webinar, which could impact public participation and access.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders working within or closely with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, the absence of detailed agenda topics could create confusion or hinder their ability to contribute meaningfully. The document's vagueness regarding emergency matters could also pose challenges for stakeholders who may wish to address pressing issues outside the predefined agenda.

On a positive note, by inviting input from the HMS Advisory Subpanel, the meeting ensures that a range of perspectives and expertise are considered in developing the HMS Roadmap. This inclusivity could lead to a more comprehensive and well-rounded approach to managing these species.

Overall, while the document succeeds in notifying the public about the meeting, it leaves room for improvement in terms of detail and clarity about the agenda, emergency issues, and the cost of participation. Addressing these concerns could significantly enhance stakeholder engagement and public participation.