FR 2024-31557

The recently announced stakeholder meeting by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), focuses on crucial aspects of managing North Pacific albacore (NPALB) fisheries. This meeting, scheduled for February 20, 2025, is aimed at preparing participants for upcoming international discussions regarding the Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) of NPALB at the 2025 meetings of the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Northern Committee (WCPFC NC).

General Summary of the Document

The document serves as a notice to the public about the NMFS's initiative to organize a virtual meeting intended for U.S. stakeholders. The goal is to discuss the management strategy for NPALB fisheries. Essential topics that will be explored during the meeting include translating fishing intensity into catch or effort limits and updating logbooks. Participants are required to register online by February 13, 2025, to receive instructions for the online meeting.

Significant Issues or Concerns

There are several notable issues within the document that merit attention:

1. Lack of Cost Details: The notice does not provide information about any financial implications or costs associated with hosting the virtual meeting. This omission leaves open questions about whether there is financial accountability or potential waste associated with the event.

2. Communication of Outcomes: There is no mention of how the outcomes from the stakeholder meeting will be communicated to the broader public. This lack of information could be an oversight in ensuring transparency and inclusive engagement with the wider community.

3. Understanding of Technical Terms: The notice assumes a base level of understanding of complex terms like Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE), NPALB, and ISC. This assumption might limit comprehension for individuals not already acquainted with fisheries management terminology and frameworks.

4. Relevance of References: While the document references several specific reports and committees, such as the ISC24 Plenary Report or the International Scientific Committee (ISC), it does not provide context or background. This potentially creates confusion for readers unfamiliar with these entities.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, the notice represents an opportunity to participate in discussions that might shape fisheries management policies. However, the technical nature of the topics could potentially alienate those without specialized knowledge, thereby limiting public involvement.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Positive Impacts:

• Fisheries Professionals: Stakeholders in the fishing industry, researchers, and policymakers stand to benefit as the meeting provides a platform to influence the development and implementation of effective management strategies for NPALB fisheries.

• Conservation Advocates: The focus on management and strategy evaluation represents a positive step toward sustainable fishing practices, which is beneficial for conservation-focused groups and individuals.

Negative Impacts:

• Non-Specialist Stakeholders: Stakeholders who are not steeped in the technical language and processes described may find it challenging to participate fully or might be disadvantaged due to a lack of clarity or inclusivity of language.

By addressing these issues, NMFS could enhance both engagement and effectiveness of the meeting for a broader audience, ensuring that all stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and understand the proceedings.