Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Expanding Industry-Collaborative Research Surveys in Untrawlable Habitats Along the Pacific Coast
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants to find better ways to count fish in areas where it's hard to use big nets along the Pacific Coast, and they are asking people who fish and know the area to help them. They hope this will teach them more about different kinds of fish and keep them safe and around for a long time.
Summary AI
The Department of Commerce is seeking public comments on a new information collection effort conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to expand research surveys in untrawlable habitats along the Pacific Coast. The surveys aim to gather data on groundfish stocks, like various types of rockfish and lingcod, to better manage these resources and address gaps in existing data. Public input, especially from recreational and commercial fishing communities, is being requested to identify potential sampling locations and techniques. This initiative is part of NOAA’s efforts to use the best scientific information for sustainable fishery management, as authorized by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document announces a request for public comments by the Department of Commerce, specifically the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), regarding a new data collection initiative. The goal of this effort is to expand research surveys in areas along the Pacific Coast identified as untrawlable habitats. These surveys are intended to gather more comprehensive data on groundfish stocks, such as certain types of rockfish and lingcod, to support better fishery management practices. The surveys align with NOAA's mandate to utilize the best available scientific information in managing fish resources, as authorized by the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Public involvement, particularly from those engaged in recreational and commercial fishing, is being sought to help determine potential locations and methods for this research.
Significant Issues and Concerns
The absence of an abstract in the document may pose challenges for readers who seek a quick overview or summary. Such a summary would effectively distill the document’s purpose and content, providing greater clarity. Additionally, the document omits details on potential costs associated with the data collection and lacks information on how these might be funded, which generates uncertainty regarding the financial implications for both the agency and indirect stakeholders.
The voluntary nature of respondent participation is noted; however, the document does not elaborate on how these respondents will be selected, raising concerns about potential bias or data gaps. This might affect the comprehensiveness and reliability of the data collected.
Data security and privacy measures are not addressed, particularly concerning the distribution of the spreadsheet template to collect survey information. Without clear guidelines, there may be risks related to the protection of sensitive respondent data.
The allowance for primary respondents to distribute the template further, without restrictions, seems vague. This raises potential issues regarding uncontrolled distribution and misuse of the template, which could compromise the data’s integrity.
The document contains technical jargon relevant to scientific audiences but potentially confusing to the general public. Terms such as "untrawlable habitats" and "fishery-independent groundfish research surveys," along with references to specific fish species, may require additional context to be widely understood.
Potential Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
Broadly, the document reflects NOAA's intention to enhance scientific research, which could lead to improved management of fishery resources along the Pacific Coast. Such enhanced management could result in more sustainable fisheries, benefiting both the environment and the economy in the long term. For the public, particularly those in fishing-related businesses, this initiative might mean more informed decisions regarding fishery closures and quotas, potentially mitigating economic losses due to current precautionary closures.
This effort could positively impact stakeholders in the recreational and commercial fishing industries by incorporating their local knowledge into scientific studies, thereby fostering a collaborative approach to fishery management. However, the absence of clear guidelines and transparency about participation and data security could create reluctance or distrust among some community members, potentially hindering widespread engagement and collaboration.
In summary, while the initiative holds promise for more robust fishery management and conservation efforts, addressing the noted issues could enhance public trust and participation, ensuring the effectiveness and success of the surveys.
Issues
• The document lacks an abstract, which might provide a concise summary and clarity.
• The document does not specify any potential costs associated with the data collection and how they will be funded, leading to uncertainty about financial implications.
• There is no specific mention of how respondents are selected beyond indicating they are voluntary, which could lead to bias or gaps in the data collected.
• The document mentions a spreadsheet template to be distributed, but there are no details about data security and privacy measures to protect respondent information.
• The phrasing 'no restrictions on broader, voluntary distributions by primary respondents to other knowledgeable members of the fishing community' is vague and could lead to uncontrolled distribution and potential misuse of the template.
• The document uses some technical terms, such as 'untrawlable habitats', 'fishery-independent groundfish research surveys', and specific fish species, that might not be easily understood by a general audience without further explanation.