Overview
Title
To require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to reform the Marine Recreational Information Program of the National Marine Fisheries Service, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
The bill wants to help make fishing rules better by letting different states keep track of how many fish people catch. It also wants to make sure everyone knows how those rules are made and to use the best science to take care of fish.
Summary AI
H.R. 8705 is a bill aimed at modernizing how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) manages data for recreational fishing in the United States. It requires NOAA's Administrator to reform the Marine Recreational Information Program to better meet the needs of different regions and states. The bill also allows states to collect their own fishing data, which can be used for federal management, and establishes a grant program to support the development of these state programs. Additionally, it mandates more transparency in fishery management processes and encourages the use of up-to-date scientific methods to improve fish stock assessments.
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AnalysisAI
The bill titled "Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2024," aims to enhance the collection and use of data regarding marine recreational fishing. It mandates the reform of the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) under the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to improve the process and accuracy of data collection, addressing the needs of different states and regions. This data is critical for assessing fish stocks and informing management decisions to promote sustainable fishing practices.
General Overview
The bill seeks to modernize the processes and methods of collecting recreational fishing data by fostering collaboration among federal and state authorities. It also outlines a framework for independent entities to conduct fishery-independent surveys, with the goal of improving stock assessments—scientific evaluations of fish populations critical for sustainable management. Additionally, the bill emphasizes the necessity for transparency and public involvement in the decision-making processes.
Significant Issues
One key concern is the potential cost impact due to the bill's requirement for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to enter agreements with the National Academies to form a standing committee. Without clarity on cost-effectiveness, this approach might lead to unnecessary expenditure.
The section on state data collection programs does not specify criteria for approval or financial caps, which raises the risk of waste and inefficiency. Additionally, the technical language used throughout the bill may present comprehension challenges to the public, potentially impacting transparency. The lack of definition for terms like "modern or cutting-edge science" could lead to variability in survey quality and execution, bringing inconsistency to an essential aspect of data accuracy.
Furthermore, the use of specific organizations, such as the Harte Research Institute, may point to favoritism, necessitating a clearer rationale for their involvement to dispel concerns.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, especially those interested in recreational fishing and environmental conservation, this bill represents a positive step towards sustainable fisheries management. By ensuring more accurate and regionally relevant data, the bill attempts to protect fish stocks, which are crucial for biodiversity as well as recreational and commercial enterprises.
However, the public might face the challenge of understanding and engaging with the changes due to the complex legal and technical language. Ensuring accessibility to these discussions and decisions is vital to maintain public trust and engagement.
Impact on Stakeholders
Fishermen and Fishing Communities: These groups stand to benefit from improved management of fish stocks, potentially leading to more stable and predictable access to resources. However, there's a risk that increased regulatory measures and potential data collection burdens could disrupt current practices or require additional efforts to comply.
State Agencies: State fishery managers might see collaborative advantages as state data becomes more integral to national assessments. On the downside, the lack of clear guidelines and financial constraints could strain resources and impose administrative burdens, especially in states with existing robust programs.
Scientific and Conservation Organizations: This legislation could be a boon for scientific communities by supporting more comprehensive and high-quality data, allowing for better-informed management decisions. Yet, these entities might be concerned over the clarity and consistency of criteria that define the scientific standards and methodologies.
Independent Survey Entities: Organizations contracted for surveys might find new opportunities for involvement, benefiting from increased demand for their expertise. However, they may also face challenges in meeting the yet-to-be-defined criteria of employing "modern or cutting-edge science."
Overall, while the "Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2024" proposes significant advancements in fisheries management, it necessitates careful consideration and refinement of specific implementation details to ensure its effectiveness and efficiency in addressing both local and national interests.
Issues
The mandate for the Administrator to enter into an agreement with the National Academies to establish a standing committee as described in Section 3 might incur significant costs, and it is unclear if the expenditure is justified or if more cost-effective measures were considered.
In Section 4, the absence of specified criteria for the approval of State recreational fishery data programs and the lack of a spending cap could lead to unaccountability and wasteful spending.
The language throughout the bill, especially in Sections 3 and 5, is technical and complex, which may hinder the general public's understanding of the bill's implications, potentially leading to ethical concerns regarding transparency.
Section 6 lacks clear criteria for what constitutes 'modern or cutting-edge science,' potentially leading to inconsistencies or biases in the selection of independent entities for fishery-independent surveys.
In Section 7, the mandated report from the National Academies in consultation with the Harte Research Institute may suggest preferential treatment towards this institution without clear justification, raising ethical concerns.
Section 4's lack of a defined process for recalibrating past data using new State data and the absence of evaluation criteria for the success of the grant program may result in inconsistent and inefficient data management.
Section 3 uses undefined terms such as 'PSE,' which could lead to misunderstandings unless clarified for readers unfamiliar with the acronym.
Section 8's vague requirement to implement public involvement 'to the extent practicable' may lead to inconsistencies and possible non-compliance with transparency goals.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of this bill establishes its name, which is the "Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2024."
2. Definitions Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
In the section of the bill, several important terms related to fisheries and marine management are defined. These include roles like the Administrator of NOAA, programs like the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), and concepts like pulse species, seasonal fishery, and various committees and councils related to fishery management. The definitions help ensure everyone understands the specific meanings of these terms within the context of the Act.
3. Recreational fishing data collection reform Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines reforms to the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) to better address regional and state needs for recreational fishing data collection, including establishing a standing committee with the National Academies to independently advise on data management and consultation procedures when data accuracy issues arise. It allows States to petition for consultations and emphasizes that changes should not undermine scientific advisory roles in fishery management decisions.
4. State recreational fishery catch and effort data collection Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines a program allowing states to gather recreational fishing data, with federal approval, to help manage fish populations. It describes program requirements, data use, a grant system to support state efforts, and emphasizes that this new initiative won't disrupt existing state programs.
5. Healthy fisheries through better science Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The text amends the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act by defining "stock assessment" as evaluating the status of a fish population and requires the Secretary to create and publish plans for conducting stock assessments on important fish stocks. The plans will set schedules for new and updated assessments, identify needed data to improve accuracy, and may waive assessments if deemed unnecessary.
6. Fishery-Independent surveys by independent entities Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section describes a program where the Administrator will enter into contracts with independent organizations to conduct surveys that estimate the number of fish stocks. These surveys will use advanced science and reliable data handling, and the findings, once reviewed, will inform management decisions, with an annual report submitted to Congress.
7. Report Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill section requires that within one year, the National Academies, with help from the Harte Research Institute, must provide a report to certain Congressional committees. This report should discuss how findings from a study on Red Snapper fish populations in the Gulf of Mexico are being used in fishery management decisions and offer recommendations for using new data in similar decisions.
8. Transparency and public process Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act require scientific and statistical committees to develop advice transparently and involve the public. Additionally, councils must provide online access to live or recorded meetings and transcripts, which the Secretary will keep in an accessible archive.