FR 2024-31572

The document, titled "New England Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting", announces a virtual public meeting scheduled by the New England Fishery Management Council for January 23, 2025. The meeting will focus on important matters concerning New England's fisheries within the exclusive economic zone. The agenda features discussions on Amendment 10, the status of draft analyses, and fishing specifications for the year 2025. Significant recommendations from this meeting might be put forward to the full Council for further consideration and necessary action.

Summary of Document

This document serves as a notice regarding an upcoming public meeting managed by the National Marine Fisheries Service, under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It highlights the meeting’s agenda, which includes crucial discussions related to the regulation and management of fisheries in New England. The session is designed to deliberate on topics such as Amendment 10, offer updates from the Plan Development Team, and review fishing specifications for the forthcoming year.

Significant Issues or Concerns

While the notice provides detailed logistical information about the meeting, several issues arise from its content:

• Lack of Financial Transparency: The document does not provide an insight into the potential costs associated with organizing the webinar or implementing subsequent actions. This omission could present challenges in monitoring the efficient use of public funds.

• Undefined Stakeholder Involvement: There is no mention of any specific stakeholders or organizations that will participate in the webinar, which may raise concerns about transparency and potential favoritism. Understanding who is involved is crucial for assessing the meeting's impartiality and inclusivity.

• Technical Jargon: Terms such as "Amendment 10" and "Plan Development Team (PDT)" are introduced without explanation, which could create confusion among the general public or stakeholders not familiar with fishery management protocols.

• Flexibility for Additional Topics: The phrase, "non-emergency issues not contained on the agenda may come before this Council for discussion," implies a broad allowance for discussing topics not initially planned. While this provides flexibility, it could also lead to discussions on significant issues without sufficient prior public notice.

• Accessibility Concerns: Although the document outlines procedures for requesting auxiliary aids for physical accessibility, it lacks detailed guidance on how individuals with disabilities can actively participate in the virtual meeting setup.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, this public meeting could significantly impact the fishing industry and communities dependent on New England's fisheries. By potentially adjusting regulations or introducing new measures based on the meeting's outcomes, livelihoods and local economies tied to fishing activities could experience changes. Furthermore, ensuring sustainable fishing practices could benefit environmental conservation efforts, affecting the public positively in the long term.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For stakeholders directly involved in or impacted by the fishery sector, such as local fishers, regulatory bodies, and environmental groups, the discussions and decisions of this meeting are of paramount importance. Stakeholders may experience both positive and negative impacts based on how recommendations are formulated and later implemented. Fishermen and business owners might face adjustments in quotas or fishing rights, while environmental advocates may find opportunities to promote sustainable practices.

Overall, while the document seeks to keep the public informed about the developments regarding fishery management, addressing the highlighted issues could enhance transparency, inclusivity, and clarity, thereby fostering a more engaged and informed stakeholder community.