FR 2021-00352

In a recent Federal Register notice, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), a branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has announced the issuance of a permit under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This permit issuance is a formal action recognized without requiring an environmental assessment, based on its categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act. The announcement is documented in the Federal Register citation 86 FR 2385, and the public can request additional information through the provided contact details.

General Overview

The notice informs the public that a new permit has been granted concerning activities under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Typically, such permits involve the taking, research, or some interaction with marine mammals while maintaining certain protections. The notice highlights regulatory compliance and excludes the necessity for a detailed environmental assessment.

Key Issues and Concerns

A notable concern is the lack of detail regarding the specific entity receiving the permit. This information is crucial to understand who benefits from this authorization and to gauge potential environmental and societal impacts. Additionally, the document fails to outline the permitted activities, leaving the public in the dark about the potential interactions with marine mammals.

While the notice complies with the National Environmental Policy Act by categorically excluding the need for an environmental assessment, it does not elaborate on the criteria for this exclusion. Without this justification, stakeholders may find it challenging to evaluate the decision's environmental prudence.

Moreover, the document provides a contact point for further information but omits details about how the public might provide feedback or formally object to the permit's issuance. This lack of a clear process can hinder public engagement and accountability.

Public and Stakeholder Impact

Broadly, the permit's issuance might not appear significant to the general public due to the opaque nature of the document. However, if the activities permitted involve significant interaction with marine mammals, stakeholders such as environmental organizations, marine biologists, and local communities might express concern regarding the lack of transparency and potential environmental consequences.

For organizations focused on marine conservation, the lack of detailed environmental analysis could be seen as a negative impact. They may argue that without such assessment, there could be unintended effects on marine life that are not immediately evident.

Conversely, the entity receiving the permit could benefit from the streamlined process of categorical exclusion, allowing them to proceed with their activities without the delay of an environmental assessment. This might be advantageous for research or activities that are time-sensitive or reliant on specific conditions.

In conclusion, while the permit serves specific regulatory functions under the MMPA, the document's lack of transparency and detailed information raises concerns about accountability and environmental stewardship. Further clarity would aid in building public trust and ensuring that all activities remain aligned with conservation goals.