FR 2025-04442

Editorial Commentary

General Summary

The document from the Federal Register provides a detailed announcement regarding the public meetings organized by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. These meetings, known as Stock Assessment Review (STAR) Panels, are set to take place between May and July 2025. Their primary purpose is to review stock assessments for various rockfish species and sablefish. The assessments will consider yellowtail rockfish, chilipepper rockfish, quillback rockfish, rougheye/blackspotted rockfish, and sablefish, with these panels co-hosted by the NMFS Northwest and Southwest Fisheries Science Centers.

Significant Issues or Concerns

There are several noteworthy issues and potential areas of concern highlighted by the document:

• Lack of Budget Transparency: The document does not provide details regarding the budget or expenses associated with the STAR Panel meetings. This absence of financial transparency could make it challenging for stakeholders and the public to evaluate the prudent use of resources or detect potential biases favoring specific organizations or individuals.

• Incomplete Information: Some protocols and specifics about remote participation, badges for attendees, and visitor protocols are referenced yet not detailed within the document. This reliance on external clarifications on the Pacific Council's website leaves room for ambiguity if the information available online is not sufficiently clear.

• Non-emergency Issue Discussions: The document mentions that non-emergency issues not on the agenda could be discussed but lacks detailed criteria or guidelines about how these discussions would be conducted. Such vagueness may lead to procedural confusion during meetings.

• Disability Accommodation Procedures: Although the document outlines how to request special accommodations, it fails to clarify the course of action if such requests cannot be met. Providing this information might be essential for ensuring transparency and trust.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, these meetings underscore a crucial part of regulatory processes related to marine resources management. They provide a platform for public involvement in fisheries management, aiming towards sustainable harvesting practices. The remote participation options given can increase accessibility, allowing a broader segment of the public to observe and comment on proceedings without needing physical attendance.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Positive Impacts: - Fisheries: The review panels aim to provide comprehensive and scientifically backed recommendations that could lead to more robust and sustainable fisheries management strategies starting in 2027.

• Environmentalists: Stakeholders focused on sustainability and environmental conservation might view these efforts as positive since they are intended to base fishery management decisions on rigorous scientific data.

Negative Impacts: - Resource-Dependence: Without clear budgetary information, some stakeholders might view these meetings as resource-intensive, raising concerns about the potential wastage of public funds or the fostering of particular interests.

• Remote Participants: For stakeholders aiming to participate remotely, the lack of clear instructions within the document itself could hinder effective engagement and contribute to frustration if technical issues mar the experience.

In summary, while the document outlines important procedural undertakings in fishery management, the commentary identifies several areas where additional clarity and transparency could enhance public understanding and stakeholder confidence in the process. The emphasis on developing sustainable management strategies is commendably forward-looking, yet the absence of detailed financial reporting and procedural specifics presents challenges that call for attention.