FR 2025-00205

The document in question comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. It forms part of the legal and regulatory efforts to manage scientific research, exempted fishing, and educational activities that need temporary exemptions from standard fishing regulations. This notice is a formal invitation for the public to provide comments on the proposed extension of an existing information collection process, with a deadline for submission set for March 10, 2025.

General Summary

NOAA is calling for public commentary on their current practice of collecting information from individuals and organizations engaged in scientific research and certain fishing activities that require exemptions from typical fishing regulations. This needs to be done to comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which clearly plays a pivotal role in managing U.S. fisheries. The document outlines how the collected information is crucial in assessing the impact and minimizing the reporting burden. The procedures described are directed toward obtaining temporary authorizations for activities like scientific research or educational uses.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One noticeable concern within this document is the surprisingly low stated annual cost to the public of just $382.36, especially given the number of respondents and the extensive time commitments involved (2,141 burden hours total). Clarification on this figure might be necessary to ensure transparency and proper public understanding of the financial implications. Additionally, some sections of the document might be overly complex, especially given the target audience includes the general public. Simplifying the language used in explaining the submission of scientific research plans and reports could make compliance more accessible for individuals who are non-experts.

Moreover, the document references sections of the Magnuson-Stevens Act but does not explicitly explain how each part of the information collection aligns with the act's requirements. This could potentially hinder a comprehensive understanding for some stakeholders. The caution concerning the public nature of submitted comments, while a common legal practice, could benefit from clearer explanations about how the personal information might be handled and under what circumstances it may or may not remain confidential.

Impact on the Public

The process described in the document is likely to have a broad impact on various public stakeholders, particularly those involved in scientific research, educational activities, or who require special permissions to carry out such activities in regulated fishing areas. The public’s input is seen as pivotal to refining these processes, ensuring the rules are practical and fair for all involved.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, including fishing companies, research institutions, and educational organizations, stand to be directly affected. Positively, the streamlined process for submitting and receiving exemptions can facilitate important scientific research and educational projects that would otherwise be hindered by strict fishing regulations. However, any confusion regarding submission processes or the cost and time commitments required can pose challenges, particularly for smaller organizations or independent researchers who might lack the resources to navigate complex bureaucratic processes.

In summary, while NOAA's drive for public comment can yield benefits in terms of responsive and practical regulation, certain aspects of the process—and their presentation—seem in need of additional clarification to ensure that the community impacted can engage effectively and understand their legal and economic commitments.

The document announces a proposed information collection activity by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and seeks public comment on its implementation. One of the key aspects addressed in the document is the estimated total annual cost to the public associated with this initiative.

Summary of Financial Reference

The document states that the estimated total annual cost to the public is $382.36. This cost estimate is related to the information collection activities involving scientific research, exempted fishing, and exempted educational activity submissions. It's important to note that this figure is meant to represent the expenses borne by the public in complying with these collection requirements.

Analysis of Cost Estimation

The stated cost of $382.36 seems remarkably low, especially when considering that the document cites the participation of approximately 121 respondents. These respondents are anticipated to devote an estimated 2,141 burden hours to complete the necessary tasks. Given these numbers, several issues arise concerning the stated financial allocation:

1. Accurate Representation:

2. There is a question as to whether this amount accurately represents the financial burden. The cost might traditionally cover printing and mailing expenses or minor administrative charges, but it seems disproportionately low when considering the extensive time commitment required from respondents.

3. Clarification and Transparency:

4. The low cost indicated may necessitate further clarification. Understanding what this estimate includes or excludes would provide transparency about whether it comprehensively covers all potential costs incurred by the respondents, such as time value, materials, or other operational expenses.

Relation to Identified Issues

The cost estimation plays a critical role in evaluating the impact of the proposed information collection on the affected entities. With the legal authority being the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, there appears a need to ensure that financial implications align with legislative objectives and do not unintentionally impose a prohibitively high or low burden.

Providing clearer guidelines and an explanation of how the $382.36 figure was derived would enhance understanding and assist in evaluating the burden on stakeholders. Additionally, simplifying the language around financial obligations can help ensure accessibility and compliance, particularly for individuals and smaller organizations without technical expertise.

Conclusion

In sum, while the low cost estimation of $382.36 for public compliance is noted, it suggests a potential disconnect between the stated financial impact and the real-world implications of performing this extensive collection activity. Stakeholders may benefit from additional context to ensure that this figure accurately reflects anticipated expenditures and aligns with both legislative and practical expectations.