FR 2025-03178

The document from the Federal Register concerns an upcoming virtual pre-assessment workshop organized by the Pacific Fishery Management Council and the NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center. The purpose of this workshop is to review the data and modeling approaches that will inform the 2025 groundfish stock assessments, specifically focusing on the rougheye/blackspotted rockfish and sablefish. Open to the public, the workshop aims to foster dialogue and understanding about the best methods and data to use in these important environmental assessments.

General Summary

The workshop described in this notice will occur on March 18, 2025, in a virtual format, making it accessible to a wide audience. The meeting will provide an opportunity for participants to delve into the complexities of the stock assessments for two specific species: rougheye/blackspotted rockfish and sablefish. Although the discussions and reviews are set to guide future stock assessments and management decisions, it is clearly stated that the workshop participants will not make any final management decisions during the meeting itself.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One of the notable gaps in the document is the absence of information regarding the budget or funding allocated for the workshop. This omission may lead to concerns about fiscal responsibility and whether the resources are being used efficiently. Another issue is the lack of detailed rationale regarding how the proposed data and modeling approaches will enhance the rockfish and sablefish assessments, which could limit public understanding and engagement.

Moreover, while the document outlines the scope of the workshop in reviewing inputs and models, it does not specify what constitutes a nonemergency issue, leaving potential ambiguities in the workshop's proceedings. Additionally, the process for public input and feedback on the workshops' discussions or recommendations is not outlined, raising questions about the inclusivity and transparency of the stakeholder engagement process.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this workshop represents a significant step in resource management and environmental stewardship that has the potential to affect fishing regulations and stock conservation policies. The transparent, public-facing nature of the meeting is reassuring in terms of governmental accountability and openness to public scrutiny.

When it comes to emergency actions that could be taken, the document does not elaborate on what qualifies as an emergency under Section 305(c) of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Such clarification would be beneficial for public awareness and trust in the management process, particularly in urgent situations.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Specific stakeholders, such as fisheries, environmental groups, and scientific bodies, are likely to be directly affected by the outcomes of this assessment process. There is an opportunity for these groups to engage and influence the recommendations made during this workshop. However, the lack of a clear framework for stakeholder feedback may hinder full participation, potentially affecting the quality and acceptance of the final assessments and recommendations.

Overall, while the document outlines a promising initiative towards improved understanding and management of crucial fish stocks, concerns around transparency, stakeholder engagement, and fiscal responsibility remain areas needing further attention to ensure broad agreement and effective governance.