ActionItemsandPerformanceMetrics
Objective:ResearchandMonitoring
ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)ActionstoIdentifyUnderservedCommunitiesandTheir Needs,ConductCollaborativeResearch,andAssessImpactsofManagementDecisions
Who ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions
SERO:SFD
SEFSC: SFD;SSRG
SEFSC: SSRG
SERO:SFD
Analyzefactorsthatholdbackunderservedpersonsfrom enteringfederallymanagedfisheries.
Expanddemographicdatacollectionandundertakeinterview worktobetterdefineandthoroughlyidentifybothplace-based andnon-placebasedunderservedcommunitiesinthecoastal andislandregionsoftheSoutheast;examinehistorical factors/processesthathaveledtostatusasunderserved;and establishstrategiesforimprovinglinkagesbetweensuch communities,NOAAFisheries,andtheCouncils.
Partnerwiththeregionalfisherymanagementcouncils,andwith otherfederalagencies,toexplorenewanddifferenttoolsfor identifyingandbetterunderstandingunderservedcommunities, andforexaminingvulnerabilitiestosourcesofchangeamong suchcommunities Useresultsfromthisworktoinform definitionsandprinciplesofequityastheserelatetohuman aspectsofmarinefisheriesandfisherymanagementinthe Southeastandelsewhereinthenation
Metrics
Pilotbarriersanalysisis conductedforaselectfishery orfisheries
Humancapital/demographic dataobtained
Demographicassessments completedatlocal/regional levels
Stakeholderanalyses completedatregionallevels
SEFSC: SSRG
SERO:SFD
SEFSC: SSRG, EBFM
SurveycrewmembersintheSouthAtlanticandanalyzethe resultsofcrewsurveysintheGulfofMexicoandSouthAtlantic toimproveunderstandingofEEJ-relevantaspectsoffisheriesin eachsub-region
Workwiththeregionalfisherymanagementcouncilstoinvolve underservedcommunitiesinparticipatoryresearchandcitizen sciencedesignedtointegrateLEK/TEKandstakeholder values/preferencesintothefisherymanagementprocess(e.g., throughuseoftheGulfofMexicoCouncil’sFisherman FeedbackTool,SouthAtlanticCouncil’sfisheryperformance reports,andotherstrategies).
Presentationsofsummary resultstoCouncils
Technicalreports/publications generatedtoinformfishery managementprocessinGulf andSouthAtlantic
Evidenceofparticipationof underservedcommunitiesin engagementefforts, workshops,andcitizen scienceinitiatives
Who ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions Metrics
SEFSC: SFD;SSRG
SERO:SFD
SEFSC: SFD;SSRG
SERO:SFD
Identifyandanalyzetheinterrelatedsocial,cultural,and economiceffectsofmanagementdecisionsthatallocateorlimit allocationoflivingmarineresourcesamongfisheryparticipants inunderservedcommunities,prioritizingthefocusofthiswork incollaborationwiththeregionalfisherymanagementcouncils
ConductsystematicinterviewworkwithIFQparticipants,with personswhoaspiretoattainshares,andwithprogrammanagers toidentifyIFQ-relatedchallengesandpossiblesolutionstosuch challenges
Fisheries-specificallocation assessmentsanddecisions considerimpactson participantsfrom underservedcommunities
AnalysisofIFQ-related challengesisconductedfor keyIFQprograms
AnalysisofIFQimpactson underservedcommunities integratedinto5yearreviews
SEFSC: SFD;SSRG
SERO:SFD
Conductresearchandanalysiswithacademicandotherfederal partnersandregionalfisheriesmanagementbodiestoexamine theextentandimplicationsofseafoodimportsonfleetsand fisheriesinkeyfisheriesintheSoutheastregion.
Assessmentsoftheeconomic andsocialeffectsofseafood importationonkeySoutheast fisheriesproduced,reviewed, anddisseminatedtofishery analystsanddecision-makers intheSoutheast
Longer-Term(Unfunded)ActionstoIdentifyUnderservedCommunitiesandTheirNeeds, ConductCollaborativeResearch,andAssessImpactsofManagementDecisions
SEFSC: SSRG
SERO:DIR
Conductasituationalanalysisofmarine aquaculturedevelopmentintheU.S. Caribbeantoidentifyformsofaquaculture thatarebest-suitedtoregionalconditionsand exploreopportunitiesformoreaccessible pathwaysforauthorizingsmall-scaleor experimentalprojects.
Formalassessmentoflocal capacityandlimitationsof scaleindevelopingoffshore aquacultureprojectsinthe U.S.Caribbeanis completed
Resultsarecommunicated ineachislandareawhere interestinoffshore aquaculturehasbeen expressedtogovernment
StaffTimeand Travel Funding,Other
SERO:SFD
SEFSC: EBFM(IEA); SSRG Workwithunderservedfisheryparticipants, NOAASeaGrant,andstateandterritorial partnersindisasterresponseagenciesto identifycorechallengesandlessonslearned fromrecentandhistoricdisasterevents, includingeffectiverecoverystrategies;review andusethisinformationtohelpimproveand monitordisasterresponseeffortsinthe Southeast
Experience-informed fishery-specificdisaster guidancedocumentsare produced,reviewed,and disseminated
StaffTime Funding, Translation Funding,Other
Who Longer-Term(Unfunded)Actions DependentonAdditionalResources Metrics Resources Needed
SEFSC: SSRG
SEFSC:SFD; SSRG
SERO:SFD
SERO:SFD
SEFSC: SSRG
SEFSC: SSRG
SERO:SFD
Conductsocialscienceresearchtoidentifyand examinefactorsthathindertheentryof underservedpersonsintoaquaculture,and potentialopportunitiesandchallengesthat aquaculturedevelopmentmaypresentfor underservedcommunitiesaroundthe Southeast.
Conductanoverallassessmentofequityin domesticmarinefisheries,withattentionto equityfromthebottomup fromthebaseof seafoodconsumersandanglerstoregional commercialandrecreationalfisheries
Researchtheimportanceofdiversificationof operationsinfederallymanagedfisheries (wherediversificationreferstoinvolvementin multiplecommercialfisheries,useofdual charter/commercialpermits,andinvolvement inbothstateandfederalfisheries);includethis informationincumulativeimpactanalyses wherepossible
Researchthesocialandeconomicimpactsof fisherymanagementmeasuresrelativetothe projectedimpactsofsuchmeasures-withthe dualintentofenablingbetteradaptationand avoidinganyunintendedconsequencesamong underservedparticipants.
Researchandanalysisof prospectivefederalwaters aquaculturedevelopment aroundtheSoutheast completed,withspecific focusonpotentialbenefits andchallengesfor underservedcommunities
Awell-developed assessmentisproduced, reviewed,and disseminated
Reportonoperational diversificationgenerated foreachsub-regioninthe Southeast
StaffTime
Funding, Travel
SEFSC: SSRG
SERO:SFD
SEFSC: SSRG
SERO:SFD
Analyzethesocial,cultural,andeconomic impactsofNOAAFisheriesservicesand managementdecisions(e.g.,fisheries management,aquaculture,climatechangeand habitatconservation)onunderserved communities.
Examinebarriersandinequitiesexperienced bywomeninvolvedinorseekinginvolvement indomesticmarinefisheries,andidentify potentialmeansformitigatingsuchchallenges andformonitoringmitigationoutcomes.
Technicalreportis developedtoidentifyand examineempiricalimpacts inrelationtothose projectedinselectregional fisheryamendments
Numberofreportsorother documentsthatintegrate social,cultural,and economicimpactsto underservedcommunities
Technicalreportis developedtoexamine barriersandchallenges amongfemalesinvolvedin orseekinginvolvementin domesticmarinefisheries
StaffTime
Funding, Training
StaffTime Funding,Travel Funding,Other
SEFSC: SSRG
SERO:SFD
Incollaborationwithfisheryparticipants, conductin-depthsocialscienceresearch, analyze,andcommunicatethefullrangeof challengesinvolvedincommercialfishingas itisundertakenbytheunderservedinthe Southeast
SEFSC:SFD; SSRG
SERO:SFD
SERO:DIR; SFD
SEFSC:DIR
Undertakeprimaryandsecondarysource researchtoidentify,describe,andanalyze "subsistence"orconsumption-orienteduseof federalfisheryresourcesandrelated dimensionsoffishing-orientedcommunitiesin eachsub-regionoftheSoutheast.
Examinecurrentdecision-makingprocesses forbothfisheriesgovernanceandNOAA Fisheriesoperationsinordertoassessequity, thenatureandflowofbenefits,andhowsuch processesarestructuredandcouldpotentially beimproved
Objective:PoliciesandPlans
Descriptiveanalysisof contemporarychallenges associatedwithcommercial fishingintheSoutheastis disseminatedtofishery analysts,decision-makers, andstakeholders
Technicalreportdescribing andanalyzingsubsistence orconsumption-motivated pursuitanduseofliving marineresourcesinthe Southeastregionis produced,reviewed,and disseminated
Internalreportisproduced toexamineprocedural equityinfisheries-specific decision-makingprocesses andinrelationtoNMFS operations
StaffTime
Funding, Translation Funding,Other
StaffTime
Funding, Translation Funding,Other
StaffTime
ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)ActionstoEnsurethatourPoliciesPromoteEqual OpportunitiesforAllandDoNotCreateUnintendedInequitiesorUnequalBurdensfor UnderservedCommunities
Who ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions Metrics
SERO:DIR
SEFSC:DIR, SSRG
SERO: Regional ClimateTeam
Collaboratewithunderservedcommunitiestoidentifyand incorporatecommunityobjectivesintoaquaculturegrantsand researchopportunitiesanddevelopalistofbestpracticesdesignedto helpfutureprojectsgrowattheappropriatescopeandscale
SEFSC: Regional ClimateTeam IncorporatenationalandregionalEEJgoals,objectives,andactions, whereapplicable,intothenextversionoftheSoutheastClimate RegionalActionPlan
SEFSC:DIR, SFD WorkwithNOAAFisheriesobserverprogramtodetermineifany policychanges(e.g.,training,dresscodeoruniform,bilingual recruitmentincentives)areappropriatetoaddressEEJobjectives. Developaone-pagerthatexplainsthepurposeoftheobserver
Underservedcommunity objectivesforaquaculture areidentifiedandadvanced inaquaculturegrant opportunitiesandbest practicesguidance documents
Numberofregional climateactionsthat advanceSoutheastEEJ ImplementationPlan objectives
Learnedinformationabout relevantbarriersintheSE, andpotentialsolutions,is sharedwithobserver
Who ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions Metrics
SERO:DIR SFD program,dataconfidentialityandsharingrequirements,andhowthe datawillbeusedforscienceormanagement
programleadershipand staff
One-pagerdevelopedto explainthepurposeofthe programandhowdatawill besharedandused
SEFSC:DIR
SERO:DIR
SERO:DIR; SFD
SEFSC:DIR
Establishbestpracticesforthedevelopmentanduseoffishersurveys intheSoutheast,including:(a)useofplainlanguage,(b)making contentasbriefaspossible,(c)translatingcontenttotheappropriate primarylanguages,and(d)consistentlyprovidingtechnicalassistance tothosetakingthesurveys
CollaboratewithHQtoexplorehowtheNationalSeafoodStrategy canaddresstradeandothermarketissuesimpactingfishery performance,includingthroughdevelopmentoflocalmarketsfor domesticproductanddomesticseafoodcampaigns,improvedand well-enforcedseafoodlabelingpractices,consumereducation,and increasedfundingandenforcementtocombatIUUseafoodimportsespeciallyduringlocalharvestclosures.
● Engageunderservedcommunitiesinashrimpfisherypilot programthatworksacrossfederalagenciest(e.g.,ITA,FDA, USDA,SeafoodInspection)tohelpachievetheshort,medium, andlongtermgoalsandobjectivesoftheregionalshrimp fisheries.
● ConsiderwhetherstrategiesemployedbytheCulebraFishing Associationpilotinitiativestoreducenutritionalinsecurityand makelocalseafoodmoreaccessibletounderservedcommunities couldbeexpandedtoothercommunities/regions.
● ReviewFAO'sVoluntaryGuidelinesforsecuringsustainable small-scalefisheriesinthecontextoffoodsecurityandpoverty eradicationanddiscusswiththeCaribbeanCounciltheirpotential forassistingsmall-scalefisheriesintheU.S.Caribbean
Bestpracticesestablished
SERO:SFD
SEFSC:DIR; SSRG
SERO:DIR; SFD
PursueasafefishingzonedesignationbytheInternationalMaritime OrganizationforLangBankalongtheeasternsideofSt Croixto preventdisruptionoffishingactivitiesbylargevesselstransitingthe area
Numberofissuesaffecting underservedcommunities addressedbytheNational SeafoodStrategy
Shrimppilotprogramis developedandexecuted
Culebra’sFishing Associationpilotinitiatives andFAOguidelinesare reviewedforbroader applicabilityin collaborationwiththe CaribbeanCouncil
Engagetheregionalfisherymanagementcouncilsinidentifying andaddressinganybarriersthatmayunintentionallyleadtothe systemicexclusionofunderservedcommunities Encouragethe councilstocontinuetheireffortstoincorporateEEJprinciples intooperatingprocedures,codesofconduct,anddailypractice bymembers,staff,andadvisorypanelstoavoidunintentional barrierstoequitableinvolvementinregionalmarinefisheries
NOSisconsultedforinput onhowtoapplyforthe designation
Relevantpaperworkis submittedandtrackedto finaldecision
Councilpoliciesand protocolsarereviewedand updatedasappropriateto ensureharassment prevention,training,and codesofconduct
Who ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions Metrics
SERO:DIR; SFD
SEFSC:DIR; SFD;SSRG
SERO:DIR
SEFSC:DIR
Identifyandpresenttoregionalfisherymanagementcouncilskey barriersthatcanhinderunderservedcommunityaccesstoGulfof MexicoreeffishandSouthAtlanticsnappergrouperfisheries(eg, eligibilitycriteria,accesstocapital)andcollaboratewiththeCouncils toexploreandidentifypotentialoptionsforaddressingidentified barriers Developaplan,strategy,andscheduleforaddressingthose itemsthatNOAAFisheriescanaddressindependently(eg, communication,administrative,system,marketplaceissues)andfor workingwiththeCouncilstoidentifyoptionstoaddressthe remainingchallenges
● PrioritizeNOAAFisheriesSoutheastworkonGulfCouncil fisherymanagementplanamendmentsdesignedtoaddress identifiedbarriersintheGulfIFQfisheriesandincreaseIFQ marketplacetransparencybycreatinganinformationmessage boardthatadvertisespeople'sintenttosellsharesorallocation, andprovidinginformationabouttheaveragepriceofshares, allocation,andex-vesselvaluesoflandings,asappropriate.
● WorkwiththeSouthAtlanticandCaribbeanCouncilsto proactivelyeliminateorminimizeanybarriersassociatedwiththe designofnewlimitedaccessprogramsproposedbytheCouncils forthecommercialorfor-hirefisheries.
WorkwithNOAAGeneralCounselandNOAAFisheriesHQoffices todeveloppolicyguidanceaddressinguseofstipends,travel reimbursement,andliaisonactivitiestosupportunderserved communityengagementobjectives.
Informationissharedwith regionalfishery managementcouncilsto communicate(a)factors thatconstrainaccessto permitsandshares,and(b) strategiesthatcould alleviatesuchconstraints (suchas,butnotlimitedto, thoseidentifiedhere)
Policyguidancedeveloped
Longer-Term(Unfunded)ActionstoEnsurethatourPoliciesPromoteEqualOpportunitiesforAll andDoNotCreateUnintendedInequitiesorUnequalBurdensforUnderservedCommunities
Who Longer-Term(Unfunded)ActionsDependenton AdditionalResources Metrics Resources Needed
SERO:OMI
SERO:DIR; SFD
SEFSC:SSRG
Simplifyfisherypermitapplicationandrenewal processesandprovideeasy-to-accesstechnicalsupport forusebyapplicants.
ReviewandapplyNovember2022WhiteHouse guidanceandimplementationmemotodevelopapolicy frameworkfor:
● Understandinglocalandtraditionalecological knowledge;
● Growingandmaintainingpositiverelationships neededtoappropriatelygatherlocalandtraditional ecologicalknowledge;and
● Considering,including,andapplyingsuch knowledgewhenappropriateinfisherydata collection,science,andmanagement,and aquacultureplanninganddevelopment;and
Fisherfeedback StaffTime Funding, Translation
Alocaland traditional ecological knowledgepolicy frameworkis established StaffTime Funding, Travel
incorporatingideasandlessonslearnedfromother regionswhereapplicable
Objective:Benefits
ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)ActionstoDistributeBenefitsEquitablyAmongCommunities byIncreasingAccesstoOpportunitiesforUnderservedCommunities Who
SERO:ALL
SEFSC:ALL
SERO:SFD;OMI
SEFSC:SFD; OMI
Trackandreportonthepercentageofgrants,experimentalfishing permits,andotherbenefitsandopportunitiesallocatedto underservedcommunities.
Identifyandaddresspotentialbarriersandresultinginequities thatunderservedcommunitiesmayfacewhenaccessingagency acquisitionandfinancialassistanceopportunities
● WorktoincorporateEEJconsiderationsintobestpracticesfor designingcompetitivefundingopportunities,recruiting applicants,reviewingapplications,selectingrecipients,etc
● Provideongoingtechnicalsupport,includinggrant-writing seminars,forunderservedpersonspursuingNMFS opportunities
Trackingandreporting mechanismsdeveloped
Trackingandreporting mechanismsusedto analyzetheallocationof resourcestounderserved communities
Numberof grant/funding/contracting programselectioncriteria reviewedandmodified
Feedbackonaccessibility ofbenefitsandservices
Documentedincreasein technicalsupportand grant-writingseminars providedtounderserved communities
SERO:DIR
SEFSC:ALL
SERO:DIR;SFD
SEFSC:DIR; SSRG
WorkwithHBCUsandotherminorityservinginstitutionsto developorsupportscholarship,internship,andmentorship opportunitiesforlocalresidentstotrainandremainin/contribute totheircommunities;forexample,Career,Technical,and AgriculturalEducationvocationalfisheriestrackandMinorities inAquacultureInternshipProgram
Numberofscholarships andinternshipsawarded toadvanceparticipation ofyouthin mission-related educationalprograms
Numberofpaidinterns employedfrom underserved communities
Promotetheconsiderationofunderservedcommunityneedsin federalfisherydisasterassistanceallocationsincollaboration withHQ,states/territories,andotherpartners.
● Proactivelyworkwithfishingcommunitiestoidentify priorityneeds.
Newcommunication pathwaysestablishedto shareinformationon underservedcommunity needs
Who
ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions Metrics
● CommunicatepriorityneedstoFEMA,state,territory,and otherfederalpartners
● Exploreoptionsforincorporatingunderservedcommunity objectivesintospendplanguidance
● Trainstaffworkinginstateandterritorialagenciesintheuse oftheCommunitySocialVulnerabilityIndicators(CSVI) Toolboxandothertoolsthatcouldbeusedtoincorporateand considercommunityvulnerabilityinformationinresponse andreliefefforts
Selectstateandterritorial agencystaffaretrainedin useofsocialvulnerability indicators
SERO:DIR;SFD
SEFSC:DIR;SFD
SERO:DIR;SFD
SEFSC:SSRG
Collaboratewithotherfederalagenciesandstateandlocal governmentstoexploreandpursueopportunitiestopreserve existinginfrastructureandidentifysuitablelocationsandfunding supportforthedevelopmentofmoresustainable,resilient workingwaterfrontswithicehouses,docks,andcoldstorage facilities Locatenewfacilitiesinunderservedcommunities wherepossibleandconsiderincorporatingcommunity "evacuationordisastercenters"thatcansupportcritical infrastructureneedsfollowingdisasterevents Workwiththe DepartmentofTransportationtoevaluatehow2024revisionsto thePortInfrastructureDevelopmentProgramcansupportthis work.
CollaboratewithNOAAFisheriesFinanceProgramtodevelop anddistributeinformationinmultiplelanguagesaboutthevarious optionsavailableinsideandoutsideNOAAandtheDepartment ofCommercetoassistunderservedcommunitiesinaccessing capitalandotherformsofassistancetoenablethemto successfullycompeteforlimitedaccessfisheryandaquaculture opportunitiesandmaintainprofitablebusinesses(e.g., https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/bulletin/information-about-loan-o pportunities-available-individual-fishing-quota-ifq, https://www.usgrants.org/business/fishing-companies).
Grants/fundingidentified andpursuedtosustain, maintain,upgrade,or developresilientworking waterfronts
Viableoptionsfor enablingaccesstocapital andfinancialassistance areidentified
SERO:PRD; HCD;SFD
SEFSC:SSRG
SERO:DIR
SEFSC:DIR; SSRG
UseESA/EFHconsultationresponsibilitiestopromotethe collectionofdataneededtomonitorandaddresstheimpactsof majorinfrastructureprojectsonNOAAFisheriestrustresources; withthegoalofincreasingattentiontothoseresourcesvaluedor reliedonbyunderservedcommunities Considerlessonslearned fromthebluejusticemovementforsmall-scalefisheries(see Farmeryetal,2021;Campbelletal,2021),inrelationtoother blueeconomysectorsbeingdevelopedintheUS Caribbean
CollaborateacrossNOAAtopromotetheevaluationofnatural resourceinjuries(includinglosthumanuse,aswellassocial, cultural,andeconomicbenefits)bornebyunderserved communities,theequitableallocationofrestorationprojectsfor thoseinjuries,andeffectivemonitoringtoinformneeded adaptations
EFHConservation Recommendationsand ESATermsand Conditions/Reasonable andPrudentAlternatives promotemonitoringand mitigationofimpactsto resourcesofknownvalue tounderserved communities
Numberofnatural resourcedamage assessmentcaseswith explicitconsiderationof naturalresourceand humanuselossesborneby underservedcommunities
SERO:WindTeam
SEFSC:Wind Team
Continuetoworkwithfederalpartnerstoprioritize communicationandcollaborationwithunderservedcommunities directlyaffectedbyoffshorewindenergyprojectstominimize navigationalhazardsanduserconflicts
Stakeholderfeedbackon windenergyareasand leasingproposals
Longer-Term(Unfunded)ActionstoDistributeBenefitsEquitablyAmongCommunitiesby IncreasingAccesstoOpportunitiesforUnderservedCommunities
SEFSC:DIR
SERO:SFD; OMI
SEFSC:DIR; OMI;SSRG
Advanceandimproveterritorialfisheries scienceandmanagementbyincreasing fundingfordatacollection,processing,and analysis,andprioritizingenforcementinthe region
Prioritizethecollectionofdatato supportecosystem-basedmanagement strategies
Partnerwithterritorialgovernment agenciestoinvestinapermanentresearchand reportingprocessthatperiodicallygeneratesa fullsocio-economicanalysisoffishinginthe US Caribbean,wheresuchwork:(a)builds uponhistoricalbaselinedatasets,(b)fosters localtrustinNOAAFisheriesandresearchin theregion,and(c)involveslocalresidentsin thedatacollectionprocess.
CollaboratewithHBCUsandother minority-servinginstitutions,tribalcolleges, theaquacultureaindustry,fishers,andother underservedcommunitymemberstodevelop orsupporthighschooltechnicalcoursesand othervocationaltrainingandtechnical assistanceprogramsinfishingandmarine aquaculture,withafocusonunderserved communitymembers.
Percentageincreasein fundingforenhanced US Caribbeanfisheries managementand Caribbean-related enforcementpriorities
Percentageincreasein numberofstocksfor whichstatus determinationscanbe made,includingthrough useofindicator-based approaches
Numberofprojects funded StaffTime Funding,Other
Numberofvocational programsdevelopedor supportedthatare accessibletounderserved communitymembers
Rateofjobplacement StaffTime Funding, Translation Funding,Other
Objective:OutreachandEngagement
ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)ActionstoBuildRelationshipswithUnderservedCommunities toBetterUnderstandtheirEngagementPreferences,andImproveInformationSharingWithAll Communities
Who
SERO:DIR
SEFSC:DIR
ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions
OrganizeafacilitatedworkshopbetweenNOAAFisheriesand regionalNOAASeaGrantprogramstoinstitutionalizenew communicationpathwayswithunderservedcommunities
Metrics
NOAAFisheries-Sea Grantworkshopis completedandrelated communicationprotocol developed
SERO:DIR
SEFSC:DIR
SERO:DIR
SEFSC:DIR;SSRG
Establishanapproachtosupportroutinetranslationservicesat SEROandtheSEFSCforscientific,policy,andopportunity messaging.Thisshouldincludeuseoftheagency’sState Departmentcontract,ArtificialIntelligencetranslation services,andpotentiallyregional-scalecontractsifandas fundingisidentifiedforthatpurpose.
Partnerwithidentifiedunderservedcommunitymembersto developculturallyappropriatestrategiesforimproving communicationwithunderservedcommunitiesinawaythat addressesthefullrangeofbarriers,includingtechnological, language,andliteracylimitationsandissues,withprospective communicationoptionsincludingelectronicandpaper mail-outs,textmessaging,communitynewspapers,local televisionandradiostations,topic-specificstakeholdercalls and/orin-persondiscussion,podcasts,webandsocialmedia postings,andwebinars.Considerdevelopingtailored strategiesforcommunicatingabout:
● Thestatus,availability,andscheduleforfederalfishery disasterdeclarationsandassistanceand(totheextent possible),theeffectsofdisastereventsonunderserved communitiesandinfrastructure,
● Prospectiveandactualregulatorychanges,and
● Grantsandotheropportunities.
SERO:ALL
SEFSC:ALL
IdentifyorestablishDivision-specificPointsofContactto supportthereviewofinformationandoutreachproductsfor plainlanguage Developnewstrategies(eg,executive summaries,FAQs)tosupportthecommunicationofstock assessmentsandothertechnicalinformationtodiverse stakeholders
Percentageincreasein management,scientific, andopportunity messagesthatare communicatedin languagesotherthan English
Numberofapproaches employedtoaddress identifiedbarriers
Numberofinformation productsthatare designedanddistributed forusebyunderserved persons
Underservedcommunity feedbackonoutreach efforts
Plainlanguageis incorporatedinto appropriateagency informationproducts
Underservedcommunity feedbackonreadability andunderstandabilityof communications
Who ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions Metrics
SERO:DIR
SEFSC:DIR; Comms;SSRG
SEFSC:DIR;SFD; SSRG
WorkwithNOAAandotherpartnerstoexplorethepotential forprovidingspaceandtechnicalsupporttounderserved stakeholderswhowishtoparticipateinvirtualorin-person meetingsbutwhofacebarrierstoaccess
DevelopplainlanguageoutreachmaterialsinEnglishand otherregionallyimportantlanguagestodescribewhyfisher surveyresearchisneededtoaccomplishourmission,howthe workisconducted,andhowtheinformationwillbeused; includesuchmaterialswitheachnewsurveypackage
Numberofpartnerships identifiedthatcouldbe usedforthispurpose
Surveyresearchwith stakeholdersis consistentlyprecededby explanationofitsneed, intent,basicapproach, andpotentialoutcomeswithfeedbacktobe providedby stakeholdersregarding theeffectivenessofthe strategy
Longer-Term(Unfunded)ActionstoBuildRelationshipswithUnderservedCommunitiestoBetter UnderstandtheirEngagementPreferences,andImproveInformationSharingWithAll Communities
SERO: DIR
SEFSC: DIR
SERO: DIR
SEFSC: DIR
Prioritizetranslationneedsduringfiscalyear activityandbudgetplanninganddevelopand trackspendplansforallocatedresources
SERO: DIR
SEFSC: DIR
Identifyorcreateoneormoremultilingual stakeholderliaisonsatSEROandtheSEFSC whoareresponsibleforrespondingto stakeholder’squestionsaboutmission-related activities(eg,fisheryandprotectedspecies regulations,permitsandpermitapplications, observers,surveys,grantsandother opportunities,contactinformationforother relevantlineofficesorpartners)withthegoalof providingone-stop-shopservice.
Workwithunderservedcommunitiestoestablish asystemofcommunityliaisons,usingthe supportofNOAASeaGrantandothertrusted andknowledgeablepartnerstoenableastrategic andcost-effectiveapproachtooutreach.
Percentageincreasein management,scientific,and opportunitymessagesthatare communicatedinlanguages otherthanEnglish
Oneormoreone-stop-shop stakeholderliaisonsare identifiedorestablishedfor thispurpose
Underservedcommunity feedbackonone-stop-shop effortsiscompiled
Acommunityliaisonplanis establishedincollaboration withkeyrepresentativesof underservedcommunitiesin eachsub-region
StaffTime Funding, Translation Funding,Other
StaffTime Funding, Translation Funding,Other
StaffTime Funding,Travel Funding,Other
Who Longer-Term(Unfunded)Actions
DependentonAdditionalResources Metrics Resources Needed
SERO: DIR; SFD
SEFSC: SSRG
Workwithregionalfisherymanagement councilstodevelopstrategiestoenablemore frequentandmeaningfuloutreachand interactionwithfemalestakeholders,including femalefisheryparticipantswhoaremembersof ethnicminoritygroups,whoidentifyasLGBTQ, whoarepartnersofcommercialfishermen, and/orwhoaremembersofotherunderserved populations
Objective:InclusiveGovernance
Numberofstrategiesthatare designed,employed,and affordedfeedback opportunitiestoenablemore frequentandmeaningful outreachandinteractionwith femalestakeholders
Percentageincreaseinfemale stakeholderswithsustained engagementinmission-related activities
StaffTimeand Travel
Funding, Translation
ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)ActionstoEnabletheMeaningfulInvolvementof UnderservedCommunitiesinDecisionMakingProcesses
Who ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions Metrics
SERO:DIR; SFD
SEFSC:DIR
SERO:DIR; SFD
SEFSC:DIR
Workwiththeregionalfisherymanagementcouncilsonstrategiesto increaseengagementofpersonsfromunderservedcommunitiesinpublic meetingsandinputprocesses,andonCounciladvisorybodies
CollaboratewithHQtodevelopregionalrolloutstrategiesdesignedto notifyunderservedcommunitiesandotherinterestedstakeholderswhen NOAAFisheriesseeksnominationsfromstategovernorsforCouncil appointments,andcommunicateinformationaboutpendingopeningsand theappointmentsprocess
Numberofnew strategiesusedto engageunderserved communitymembers
Regionalrollout strategiesdeveloped
Numberof communicationsabout upcomingappointment opportunitiesand process
SERO:DIR
SEFSC:DIR
SERO:DIR; SFD
SEFSC:DIR
Encouragetheregionalfisherymanagementcouncilstoconsiderhow theirOutreachandEducationCommittees/AdvisoryPanelsornewAd HocEEJAdvisoryPanelscouldbeusedtosupportimplementationofthe SoutheastEEJImplementationPlanandadviseonotherEEJissues relatedtoCouncilactivities.
Collaboratewiththeregionalfisherymanagementcouncilstoexplore waystoensurewelcoming/safeagencyandCouncilmeeting environmentsthroughtheuseofgroundrules,facilitators,orother approachesthatprioritizeinclusion,equality,andthevalueofdiverse perspectives.Promptlyanddirectlyaddressharmfulorthreatening communicationsorharassmentthatlimitsstakeholderinterestor engagementinCounciloragencyactivities.
EEJAdvisoryPanels areconsideredbythe Councilineach sub-region
Numberofstrategiesor approaches implementedto prioritizeinclusionand equality
Demonstrated commitmentto addressingharmfulor intimidating communications
Who ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions Metrics
Underserved communityfeedback ontheseefforts
SEFSC:DIR
SERO:ALL
Assessthecurrentlevelandtypeofparticipationofunderservedpersons onother(non-regionalfisherymanagementcouncil)stakeholderadvisory bodiesintheSoutheastandco-developstrategiestoincreaseparticipation bysuchpersonsmovingforward.
SERO:SFD Collaboratewithstaterepresentativesontheregionalfisherymanagement councilsandwithCouncilOutreachandEducationCommittees/Advisory Panelstodeveloporfurtherdistributeexistingeducationalmaterials(e.g., brochures,videos)designedtohelpfishersbetterunderstand(a)the authorities,rolesandresponsibilitiesoffederalversusstatefishery agencies,Councils,andCommissionsand(b)whotocontactfor informationandsupportonlocalandregionalissuesandopportunities.
Dataarecollectedto trackandreport representationof underserved communities
SERO:DIR
SEFSC:DIR
DRAFT
Extenttowhich engagementof underserved communitymembersis expandedbeyond baseline
Numberofeducational materialsco-developed anddistributedto increasefishercapacity toengageinfishery managementdecision processes
Underserved communityfeedback oneducational materials
EncouragetheSoutheastMarineResourcesEducationProgramto considerstrategiesforincreasingunderservedcommunityparticipationin theprogramwiththegoalofsupportingregionaleffortstoaddressthe educationalbarriersthathinderourabilitytoadvanceourinclusive governanceobjective
Increaseinthe frequencyof opportunitiesfor underservedpersonsto participateinMREP
Numberofunderserved communitymembers trained
Underserved communitysatisfaction withtrainingand educationalresources/ materials
SEFSC:DIR WorkwithCouncilstaffandtheCouncils’ScientificandStatistical CommitteestoenableAdvisoryPanelstoinformtheidentificationof scientificresearchprioritieseachbudgetcycle,andconsiderwaysto enablefisherstocontributetoorparticipateinfundedresearchthrough competitivegrants,ExemptedFishingPermits,andothermechanisms wherepossible.
APsareenabledto identifypertinent sciencepriorities
Increaseinnumberof APmembers/fishers
SERO:PRD EngageunderservedcommunitiesandstakeholderspriortoESAlistings anddevelopmentofrecoveryplans,statusreviews,orcriticalhabitat designationsbyhostingaccessibleinformationalmeetingsandpublic hearingsorothermechanisms
NumberofESAactions precededbyaccessible informationalmeetings andpublichearings
Underserved communityfeedback onthoseefforts
SERO: DIR;SFD
SEFSC: DIR; SSRG; SFD
Explorethepotentialtoleveragetheskillsand relationshipsofcommunityliaisonstogatherand reportinputfromruralandotherunderserved communitiesthatwouldotherwisefaceaccess barriers.
SERO: DIR;OMI; SFD
SEFSC: DIR;OMI; SFD; SSRG
SERO: DIR;SFD
Considertargeted/specialcompetitivegrantsandpilot projectsaswaystoinvolveunderservedfishery participantsinregionalresearchandmonitoring activities
Numberofdistribution liststhatincludethese liaisons
Numberofmeetings scheduledtobrief underservedcommunity liaisons
Percentageofregulatory andpolicyinitiativesfor whichinputisprovided byliaisonsonbehalfof underserved persons/communities
Numberofgrantsand pilotprojectsawardedto underservedfishery participants
StaffTime Funding, Other
SEFSC: DIR FundtheGulfofMexicoandSouthAtlanticFishery ManagementCouncilstoprovidereal-timetranslation ofmeetings(orcomponentsthereof,asappropriate) sothatpersonswhosefirstlanguageisnotEnglish caneasilyunderstandandcontributetothe discussion,and/ormakeCouncilmeetingrecordings availableinappropriateprimarylanguagesfor stakeholderswhodonothavetimeorcapabilityto listentothemeetingsinrealtime
Numberorpercentageof meetingsforwhich real-timelanguage translationisprovided
StaffTime Funding, Other
Stafftime Funding, Translation Funding, Other 14
Objective:EmpoweringEnvironment
ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)ActionstoProvidetheInstitutionalSupportNeededto ImplementMultipleEEJApproachesatNOAAFisheriesSoutheast Who
SERO: ALL
ImmediateorNear-Term(Funded)Actions Metrics
SEFSC: ALL Integrateimmediatenear-termSoutheastEEJImplementationPlan ActionItemsintoorganizationalprioritiesthroughannualplanning processes
SERO: DIR
SEFSC: DIR Developastrategyforpursuingthefundingneededtoaddress longer-termunfundedSoutheastEEJImplementationPlanActionItems, includingthroughsupporttotheregionalfisherymanagementcouncils, statefisheryagencies,andSeaGrantasapplicable.
Numberofdivisions withEEJactivitiesand milestones
PercentageofEEJ activitiesandmilestones accomplished
Strategydeveloped
Numberofproposals submitted
Amountoffunds allocatedtoEEJ implementation
SERO: ALL
SEFSC: ALL Establishsub-regionalteamsofNOAAFisheriesandCouncilstaff memberstosupportimplementationoftheEEJplan.
SERO: DIR;SFD
SEFSC: DIR; SSRG; SFD WorkwithHQtotrainregionalNMFSandCouncilstaffandmemberson regionalEEJobjectivestobuildasharedunderstandingandincreaseour collectivecapacitytosucceed
SERO: DIR
SEFSC: DIR BuildrelationshipswithHBCUandotherminoritypartnerstoenable entryofunderservedpersonsintoocean-relatedcareersviatheSTEM pipeline
SERO: DIR,OMI
SEFSC: DIR;OMI; SSRG Identifyscholarship,internship,andmentorshipprogramsthatcanbe usedtorecruitunderservedcommunitymembers,alongwithsourcesthat arereadilyaccessibletounderservedcommunities;drafttargeted languageforuseinopportunityannouncements.
Teamsareestablishedto supportimplementation oftheEEJPlanineach ofthethreesub-regions
NumberofEEJtraining sessionsconvened Numberofstaff memberstrained
NumberofHBCUand otherminority partnershipscreated
Numberofopportunities establishedand advertisedto underserved communities
Numberofscholarships, paidinternshipsand mentorshipsawarded
SERO: DIR
SEFSC: DIR
Organize(orparticipatein)regionalEEJworkshop(s)andconversations withfederal,state,andlocalpartnerstosharepertinentinformation, includinglessonslearned,andtoleverageresources
SEFSC: DIR HireFTEEEJCoordinatorsatSEROandtheSEFSC tosupportcommunityidentification,outreachand engagementfunctionsaswellasimplementationof ourregionalEEJplan.
SERO: DIR;SFD
SEFSC: DIR,SSRG
SERO: DIR;SFD
PrioritizehiringadditionalFTEanthropologistsor othernon-economicsocialscientistsinSEROand SEFSCstaffingplans.
PrioritizehiringadditionalFTEbiologistsinSERO’s SustainableFisheriesDivision’sCaribbeanBranchand considerlocatingtheposition(s)intheislands
Numberofstrategic partnerworkshops organizedand/or attendedbySEROand SEFSCstaff
SERO: ALL
SEFSC: ALL RequirestaffwhoproduceorreviewNMFS communicationoutputstotakeplainlanguagetraining (andannualrefreshercourses);purchaseandmake availableforuseGrammarlyorsimilarediting software.
SERO: ALL
SEFSC: DIR;SSRG
SERO: SFD
SEFSC: DIR; SSRG;SFD
Identifypointsofcontactwhocanprovidetechnical assistancetounderservedcommunitymembersand liaisonswhowishtoapplyforgrantsandother fundingopportunities.
Providefacilitationtrainingtoportagentsandother staffwhointeractdirectlywiththepublicthatis specificallyfocusedoninterfacingwithunderserved communities.
FTEEEJCoordinatorsare hiredatSEROandthe SEFSC Funding, FTE
NumberofFTE anthropologistsorother non-economicsocialscientists hiredintheSoutheast Funding, FTE
NumberofadditionalFTE biologistshiredtocontribute totheSFDmissioninthe Caribbean Funding, FTE
Periodiccommunications trainingrequirementsfor staffwhoseresponsibilities involveoralorwritten interactionwithstakeholders andthelargerpublic Funding, Training
Numberofcontacts identifiedforthispurpose StaffTime Funding, Translation
Facilitationtraining requirementsestablishedfor portagentsandotherswho interactwithstakeholderson aregularbasis StaffTime Funding, Translation Funding, Training
SERO: OMI
SEFSC: OMI
Traingrantreviewersonhowtoavoidordiminishthe typesofbiasthatmaydisadvantageunderserved communitiesduringthereviewprocess
ListofAcronyms
Trainingrequirements establishedforgrantreviewers
Councils Caribbean,GulfofMexico,andSouthAtlanticFisheryManagementCouncils
DIR Directorate
EBFM EcosystemBasedFisheryManagement
EEJ EquityandEnvironmentalJustice
EPA EnvironmentalProtectionAgency
FTE FullTimeEmployee
GC GeneralCounsel,NOAAFisheries
HBCU HistoricallyBlackCollegesandUniversities
HCD HabitatConservationDivision
HQ Headquarters,NOAAFisheries
IEA IntegratedEcosystemAssessment
IUU Illegal,UnreportedandUnregulated
IFQ IndividualFishingQuota
MSA Magnuson-StevensFisheryConservationandManagementAct
NASEM NationalAcademyofSciences,Engineering,andMedicine
StaffTime Funding, Training
NOAAFisheries NationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration’sNationalMarineFisheriesService
OMI Operations,Management,andInformationServices
PRD ProtectedResourcesDivision
SEFSC NOAAFisheriesSoutheastFisheriesScienceCenter
SERO NOAAFisheriesSoutheastRegionalOffice
SFD SustainableFisheriesDivision
SSRG SocialScienceResearchGroup
STEM Science,Technology,Engineering,andMathematics
STJ St John,US VirginIslands
STT St Thomas,US VirginIslands
STX St.Croix,U.S.VirginIslands
US Caribbean PuertoRico,St Thomas,St John,andSt Croix
USVI U.S.VirginIslands
Definitions
Equity meanstheconsistentandsystematicfair,just,andimpartialtreatmentofallindividuals,including individualswhobelongtounderservedcommunitiesthathavebeendeniedsuchtreatment.
Environmental Justice isthefairtreatmentandmeaningfulinvolvementofallpeople,regardlessofrace,color, gender,nationalorigin,orincome,withrespecttothedevelopment,implementation,andenforcementof environmentallaws,regulations,andpoliciesincludingbutnotlimitedto:
● Equitableprotectionfromenvironmentalandhealthhazards
● Equitableaccesstodecision-makingprocesses
● Equitableopportunityfordisadvantagedcommunitiesthathavebeenhistoricallymarginalized
Underserved communities havebeensystematicallydeniedafullopportunitytoparticipateinaspectsof economic,social,andciviclife Theseincludegeographiccommunitiesaswellaspopulationssharingaparticular characteristicsuchas:womenandgirls;Black,Latino,andIndigenousandNativeAmericanpersons*,Asian AmericansandPacificIslanders,andotherpersonsofcolor;personsfacingdiscriminationorbarriersrelatedto genderidentity;membersofreligiousminorities;lesbian,gay,bisexual,transgender,andqueer(LGBTQ+) persons;personswithdisabilities;personswholiveinruralareas;andpersonsotherwiseadverselyaffectedby persistentpovertyorinequality