FR 2025-04410

The document from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seeks public comments on an information collection initiative related to fisheries in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. This initiative involves voluntary participation from commercial fishers who will collect and report detailed data during fishing trips. This data aims to improve the understanding of fish populations and support management decisions under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The public is invited to comment on this initiative until May 19, 2025. These comments will be evaluated prior to the submission of the information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable issues and concerns raised by the document. Firstly, the document lacks specificity regarding the breakdown of the estimated total annual cost of $800 for equipment to the public. Without detailed information on what this cost covers, there is potential for misunderstanding or concern among stakeholders about unexpected or hidden expenses.

Another concern relates to the methods of data transmission and collection, which involve somewhat dated techniques, including manual retrieval. While there are electronic systems in place, such as the Vessel Electronic Reporting Web Portal (VERS) and Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), the reliance on manual processes may not be optimal in terms of efficiency and security.

Confidentiality and data protection also emerge as areas of ambiguity. Given the manual nature of some data collection and submission processes, there is limited information about how sensitive information will be safeguarded. This lack of clarity could lead to hesitancy or reluctance among participants to fully engage in the initiative.

The document's mention that Temperature and Depth (TD) data collection is opportunistic and depends on fisher interest introduces potential variability in data collection. Such inconsistency can affect the reliability and robustness of the research data, potentially compromising the scientific outcomes or management decisions derived from these data.

Additionally, the onboarding process, which involves a paper registration process via mail or fax, appears outdated and perhaps counterproductive regarding efficiency and environmental considerations. An increased integration of digital processes may help modernize and streamline participation.

Lastly, while the document invites public comments, it does not elucidate on how these comments will be evaluated in the decision-making process or if confidentiality will be preserved for personal information included in the comments. This might discourage public participation or foster concerns about privacy.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broadly, this document and the resulting initiative have potentially significant implications for the public, particularly those involved in or affected by the fisheries sector. By inviting public comments, NOAA aims to ensure that the information collection process is thorough and considers various perspectives, potentially leading to more informed management decisions that benefit fish populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.

For stakeholders such as commercial fishers, the initiative could be both beneficial and burdensome. On the positive side, improved fish population data could lead to more sustainable fishing practices and potentially greater long-term economic benefits. However, the burden of data collection and reporting may impose additional time and resource demands on these fishers, depending on the methods used and the efficiency of the data collection process.

In summary, while NOAA's initiative represents a significant effort towards improving fisheries management and conservation, addressing the highlighted issues and refining processes could enhance participation, efficacy, and overall success. Efforts to modernize processes and provide clear, transparent assurances about data protection may further engage the public and ensure the initiative's objectives are met.

The financial reference in the document primarily centers around the "Estimated Total Annual Cost to Public: $800 equipment." This statement suggests that the public, specifically the commercial fishers participating in this data collection initiative, would incur a total cost of $800 related to equipment necessary for gathering high-resolution fishery data. However, the document does not elaborate on what specific equipment this expense covers, leading to ambiguity about the precise nature of these costs. It is unclear whether this cost includes software, hardware, or any additional related expenses.

One of the identified issues in the document highlights this lack of specificity. Without clear details on how the $800 figure was calculated or what equipment is encompassed by this cost, there is a potential for misunderstanding or misestimation of the financial burden on the participants. This absence of detail might hinder participants' ability to fully prepare for any expenses they may need to cover, thus impacting their willingness or ability to engage in the program.

Additionally, the document specifies several methods for data collection and submission, including manual processes, which could have financial implications. The choice of technology, such as the Fisheries Logbook Data Reporting Software (FLDRS) and other integrated systems, might not only affect operational efficiency but also involve hidden costs that are not addressed in the document's financial reference.

Given these observations, it would be beneficial for the document to include a breakdown of how the $800 figure is derived, including specifics of the equipment or software covered. This would provide greater transparency and potentially alleviate concerns regarding the financial implications of participation. Moreover, it would be useful to consider additional investments in modernizing data collection processes to potentially lower costs or at least justify them through enhanced efficiency or data quality.

While the document currently does not offer extensive clarity on these financial matters, addressing these points could contribute to a better understanding among stakeholders and ensure more informed decision-making regarding their participation in the data collection effort.