FR 2025-07087

The document from the Federal Register discusses a request from the Department of Commerce for public comments on extending an information collection activity focused on the economic aspects of U.S. commercial fisheries. The initiative, managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), aims to collect data on various factors such as operating costs and earnings related to different commercial fisheries. This effort is intended to improve decision-making in economic performance and management within these fisheries.

General Summary

The notice invites feedback from the public and stakeholders on extending the economic surveys of U.S. commercial fisheries. The data collected aims to inform better management decisions, which, in turn, can enhance the economic performance and sustainability of these marine resources. Participation in the data collection is voluntary, and comments are encouraged to refine the information-gathering process.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several notable concerns with this document. One key issue is the lack of clarity regarding the cost implications of the collection activities, both in terms of financial and time investments, which raises questions about the scale and significance of these operations. Furthermore, the document does not provide detailed explanations of how the gathered data will be specifically applied to improve fisheries management and conservation initiatives, leaving room for potential doubt about accountability and effectiveness.

The collection frequency varies significantly among different fisheries, with some data being collected every 3 to 8 years and others 2.7 times per year on average. This inconsistency might not align with the need for more frequent updates to ensure timely and relevant data for certain fisheries. Additionally, while economic data encompasses a broad range of parameters, the text does not specify which data points are prioritized, potentially complicating the alignment of data collection with management goals.

Concerns also arise from the document's mention of coordinating the data collection process to lessen the burden on participants involved in multiple fisheries, yet it lacks details on how this coordination will be achieved effectively.

Impact on the Public

The document's public impact is rooted in its potential to influence how fisheries are managed, affecting economic outcomes that could benefit consumer prices, job stability in the sector, and the conservation of natural resources. While it provides a platform for public involvement through commentary, the reliance on voluntary participation raises issues about the comprehensiveness and reliability of the data collected.

Impact on Stakeholders

For stakeholders within the commercial fishing industry, including businesses and individual fishermen, the document presents an opportunity to contribute opinions that could shape future policy and regulations. However, given the voluntary nature of participation, there might be concerns about whether the data will adequately represent all voices within the fisheries communities.

Furthermore, the document does not explain how public comments will be incorporated into data collection or decision-making processes, potentially leaving stakeholders uncertain about the influence their feedback might have. Lastly, the discussions on how various laws tie into the economic surveys could be expanded to provide clearer context to stakeholders on why this information is necessary.

In conclusion, while the document's goal of collecting economic data to better manage commercial fisheries is commendable, the current proposal would benefit from clearer communication on costs, data usage, and stakeholder impact to enhance transparency and engagement.