FR 2025-07096

The document from the Federal Register announces a public meeting of the Pacific Fishery Management Council's Highly Migratory Species Management Team (HMSMT). This meeting will be conducted online on May 12, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time. The primary focus will be on developing the annual Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation document.

General Summary

The announcement provides key information about an upcoming online meeting that is open to the public. It details the date, time, and contact options for those needing technical support to join the meeting. The meeting will mainly concentrate on preparing a document that assesses fish stocks and evaluates fisheries. However, while other topics might come up for discussion, formal decisions will only concern pre-specified issues or emergency matters that arise unexpectedly.

Significant Issues or Concerns

One concern with the document is the lack of a detailed agenda for the meeting. This absence might cause uncertainty among participants regarding the specific topics that will be covered and the outcomes that might be expected. Additionally, although the meeting is accessible to the public, the notice fails to include detailed online access information. Instead, it directs readers to an external website, which might cause inconvenience for some attendees.

The provision for emergency action under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act is mentioned, but there is a lack of clarity on what qualifies as an emergency and how such situations will be communicated to the public. Lastly, while the document offers instructions for requesting special accommodations, it does not provide alternatives for those making requests after the specified deadline. This limitation could create barriers for individuals requiring late assistance.

Impact on the Public

The public is given an opportunity to participate in the meeting and stay informed about efforts to manage marine fisheries. However, due to the limited information provided directly in the notice, individuals without easy online access may find it difficult to join. Furthermore, those interested in specific agenda items might struggle to understand how their contributions or concerns could be addressed without a clear itinerary.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

Stakeholders directly involved with or impacted by the management of highly migratory species fisheries, such as fishery operators, environmental groups, and regulatory bodies, may find the meeting essential for providing insights or raising concerns. The absence of a specific agenda, however, could limit effective participation for those who have vested interests in certain discussions.

Additionally, individuals requiring special accommodations might experience challenges if their requests fall outside the given timeframe, potentially impacting their ability to participate fully. On the positive side, the meeting being online increases accessibility for those who may be geographically distant from physical meeting locations, offering broader stakeholder engagement in the regulatory process.