FR 2025-04027

The document from the Federal Register details upcoming workshops organized by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These workshops, which will be held in selected U.S. cities in April, May, and June of 2025, are designed to help fishermen and shark dealers meet regulatory requirements crucial for maintaining valid permits. Specifically, the document outlines two types of workshops: the Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and the Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops.

General Summary

The Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops are mandatory for federally permitted Atlantic shark dealers. These workshops aim to ensure that sharks are properly identified and reported, which is essential for accurate data collection and resource management. Meanwhile, the Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops are required for vessel owners and operators who use bottom longline, pelagic longline, or gillnet gear. This training focuses on safe handling techniques for protected species, such as sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish. Additionally, NMFS has introduced an online recertification option for those who have previously attended an in-person workshop.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several issues arise from the document that merit attention:

• Cost and Resource Allocation: The document does not provide information about the budget or financial resources allocated to these workshops, raising questions about cost-effectiveness.

• Location Criteria: The criteria for selecting specific workshop locations are not mentioned. This could lead to concerns about fairness and geographical accessibility for participants from other regions.

• Lack of Penalties for Non-Compliance: There is no mention of consequences for failing to attend these required workshops, which might lead to ambiguity in enforcement.

• Registration Details: Instructions for registration are scattered throughout the document. A more consolidated presentation of this information could reduce potential confusion.

• Technical Jargon: Terms like "longline" and "gillnet gear" are used without explanation, which could be unclear to those not familiar with fishing terminologies.

• Online Workshop Details: The lack of specifics regarding the online recertification workshops might lead to questions about their equivalency in terms of content and thoroughness compared to in-person sessions.

Impact on the Public

The public at large might not be directly affected by these workshops. However, ensuring that fishing practices are safe and regulated benefits the broader ecosystem and, ultimately, consumers who rely on sustainable seafood sources.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Shark dealers and vessel owners/operators are the primary stakeholders affected by these workshops. For them, ensuring proper compliance with regulations is crucial for legal and operational continuity. While these workshops impose additional requirements, they also provide the knowledge necessary for sustainable practices, which can lead to long-term benefits for the fisheries industry. There may be challenges related to the costs of attendance (particularly travel to workshop locations) and any potential disruption to business operations during workshop days.

In summary, while the initiative to hold workshops indicates a proactive approach towards sustainable fishing and resource management, addressing the raised concerns could enhance the effectiveness and clarity of the regulations and the workshops themselves.