FR 2025-02312

The document at hand comes from the Federal Register and announces an upcoming online meeting organized by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. This meeting, scheduled for February 27, 2025, focuses on the efforts of the Ad Hoc Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fisheries Innovation Workgroup. This group is tasked with discussing the development of innovative fishing gear and reviewing the draft HMS Roadmap to enhance the exempted fishing permit process.

General Summary

The Pacific Fishery Management Council aims to facilitate innovations in fishing gear through the scheduled online meeting. This meeting will serve as a platform to identify and develop new strategies and technologies for Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fisheries. Open to the public, it presents an opportunity to engage with various stakeholders, including those interested in the management and sustainability of fisheries. Importantly, it indicates that the meeting will cover additional topics relevant to achieving these goals.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One notable issue is the open call for discussion on "non-emergency issues not contained in the meeting agenda," though these issues will not be subject to formal action. This could lead to ambiguity about permissible discussions, potentially leaving attendees unclear on the scope of the conversation. Additionally, the document states that action can be taken on issues requiring emergency measures post-publication, which could raise transparency concerns by leaving "emergencies" vaguely defined.

Technical and logistical details provided for participating in the online meeting include contact information for assistance. While this is helpful, it may not suffice for all potential attendees, particularly those needing advanced technical support or specific accessibility accommodations. There's also a lack of explicit criteria for what constitutes "new" and "innovative" fishing gear, potentially leading to inconsistent interpretations among different stakeholders.

Public Impact

For the general public, this document represents an opportunity to participate in the governance and management processes of regional fisheries. By being open to public participation, the meeting allows for a wider array of opinions and insights, potentially enriching policy formation with diverse perspectives. Engaging with this process could foster greater community awareness and involvement in sustainable fishing practices.

Impact on Stakeholders

Positive Impact:

For environmental advocates and fisheries managers, the focus on developing innovative fishing gears presents potential environmental benefits. Improved gear can mitigate negative environmental impacts, reduce bycatch, and boost sustainable fishing practices. Scientists and developers may find the open nature of the meeting beneficial, as it encourages the sharing and consideration of innovative ideas.

Negative Impact:

Conversely, some fishing industry stakeholders might express concerns if new gear development leads to increased regulations or changes in operational standards. Without clear guidelines, the interpretation of "new" and "innovative" fishing techniques could vary, affecting consensus and leading to potential disagreements over what innovations should be prioritized or adopted. Additionally, the provision for emergency action could create anxiety if the criteria for such actions remain unclear.

In summary, while the document outlines a framework for progressive discussion and potential advancements in fishery management, it also highlights certain areas needing further clarity and definition to ensure comprehensive and transparent stakeholder engagement.