FR 2025-04641

The document announces a public meeting hosted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council's Highly Migratory Species Advisory Subpanel, set to take place via webinar on April 8, 2025. This meeting is designed to discuss topics from the Pacific Council's April 2025 agenda and is open for public participation. While the meeting allows for the discussion of non-agenda items, only issues listed in the formal document or those requiring urgent action will be addressed officially.

Summary of the Document

The announcement provides vital logistical details about the upcoming webinar, specifying the timing and purpose of the meeting. It also includes information on accessing the meeting online, contacting officials for assistance, and requesting any necessary accommodations for participation, such as sign language interpretation.

Significant Issues and Concerns

One issue of note is the potential for misunderstanding around the scope of the meeting. Although non-agenda topics may be discussed, they cannot be formally acted upon unless they are listed in the document or require emergency action. This limitation might lead to confusion among participants expecting a broader scope of formal discussions.

The document specifies two contacts, Kris Kleinschmidt and Kerry Griffin, for different queries. This dual-contact system might create uncertainty regarding whom to approach for specific issues, potentially complicating communication and query resolution.

Another concern is the requirement to request accommodations, such as sign language interpretation, at least 10 days in advance. This stipulation may not fully accommodate individuals who decide to participate closer to the meeting date, potentially limiting inclusivity.

Additionally, the method of accessing the webinar—through the Pacific Council's website—may inadvertently exclude participants with limited internet access. This dependency on digital access highlights a barrier that could be mitigated by offering alternative access methods.

The document outlines multiple communication methods (email and phone) without asserting a preferred option. This lack of clarity might lead to inefficiencies in handling inquiries about the meeting, as participants may be unsure which method would yield a faster response.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact:

The meeting is publicly accessible, underscoring a commitment to transparency and public engagement in fishery management discussions. However, the reliance on digital technology for meeting access might pose challenges to those lacking adequate internet facilities, potentially limiting participation by certain community members.

Stakeholder Impact:

Stakeholders, particularly those involved in fisheries or with interest in migratory species regulations, may find this meeting crucial for presenting their viewpoints. However, the procedural limitations on addressing non-agenda topics could narrow the dialogue and reduce opportunities for comprehensive stakeholder engagement on emerging issues.

The need to request accommodations well in advance could affect individuals requiring such services, highlighting a potential area for improvement in enhancing the inclusivity of the meeting.

Overall, while the meeting represents an important opportunity for public and stakeholder interaction with fishery management processes, certain logistical and procedural elements might need refinement to maximize participation and effectiveness.