FR 2024-30794

The document is a public notice from the Pacific Fishery Management Council, as published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2024. This notice announces an upcoming informational meeting scheduled for January 22, 2025. The primary goal of this session is to orient both new and returning members of the Council’s Advisory Body on the practices and procedures of the Council. This meeting aims to ensure that those involved in the Council’s activities have a robust understanding of the procedures and expectations, thus facilitating a smoother operation of the Council’s functions.

General Summary

This particular meeting will take place online, making it accessible to a wide audience without the need for physical travel. The public can find details on how to attend the meeting on the Council's official website. The notice specifies that the session is strictly informational, and members attending are not required to make decisions or provide recommendations based on the session’s content.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One noteworthy issue is the apparent lack of details on how members of the public can participate or provide input during the meeting. This might raise concerns among those interested in transparency and public engagement, particularly within the context of environmental and regulatory processes where public input is often a crucial component. Furthermore, the absence of any mention regarding the availability of a recording or transcript post-meeting might limit access to those unable to attend the live session.

Another potential issue arises from the notice's statement about discussing non-emergency issues not contained within the official agenda. While the notice indicates that such issues will not be the subject of formal action, this could lead to ambiguity regarding the boundaries of the meeting’s purpose and might confuse attendees about the scope of discussions.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, particularly those vested in fisheries management and environmental conservation, this meeting signifies the ongoing procedural efforts of the Council to equip its Advisory Body members with essential insights and guidance. However, the restrictions on public engagement during this meeting could be seen as limiting, especially for those with an active interest in contributing to or observing the Council’s deliberations.

Impact on Stakeholders

For stakeholders, specifically those directly involved with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, this meeting will likely serve as a beneficial orientation and refresher on the Council’s practices. New members will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with processes, ensuring they can contribute more effectively in future deliberations. Existing members may find value in the reaffirmation of procedures and updates on any new protocols.

Yet, the lack of clarity on post-meeting resources, like recording or transcripts, may negatively impact those stakeholders who are unable to attend, as they may miss out on critical information conveyed during the session. Furthermore, stakeholders advocating for public involvement may find the format less inclusive due to the limited avenues for public comment or engagement specified in the notice.

Overall, while the meeting is a constructive move toward better equipping Advisory Body members, it highlights areas where transparency and public engagement could be enhanced.