Comment from Anonymous
Anonymous AnonymousOtherIndividual
Summary: A commercial permit holder is seeking clarification on the costs and technical requirements associated with the proposed electronic logbook software. They are specifically asking about potential subscription fees, hardware compatibility, and whether the software will be available in multiple languages, such as Vietnamese.
While the proposed rule states that NOAA Fisheries-approved software will be made available on your website, it does not specify whether there will be any ongoing subscription fees or one-time download costs associated with using it. Additionally, the text does not outline the baseline hardware requirements needed to run this software. Will commercial permit holders be forced to purchase new, specialized electronic equipment out-of-pocket to remain compliant, or can existing personal devices be used? If specialized equipment is mandated, who will absorb these compliance costs?
Furthermore, please clarify if the approved software will be accessible to non-English speaking fishermen. Specifically, will the application, user interface, and technical support be available in other languages, such as Vietnamese? A significant portion of the commercial fishing fleet in the Gulf and South Atlantic relies on multilingual tools to remain compliant. Please address both the financial impacts and language accessibility of this program before finalizing the rule.