FR 2021-02987

The document from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announces the receipt of an application to renew a scientific research permit. This permit relates to black abalone, a species currently listed as endangered. The research aims to gain better understanding and develop techniques to improve conservation efforts, focusing on breeding and growing black abalone in captivity. Interested parties are invited to submit comments on this application until March 18, 2021. The NMFS will review the application and any feedback before deciding, with the outcome to be published in the Federal Register.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The document raises several issues and concerns:

• Lack of Budget Details: The notice does not mention financial aspects related to the permit renewal or research activities, leaving questions about potential costs and fiscal responsibility unanswered.

• Success Metrics Unspecified: There is no clear indication of how the success or impact of the research on the recovery of the black abalone will be measured, which could make it difficult to assess the effectiveness of the activities proposed under the permit.

• Stakeholder Involvement: While the document mentions certain facilities involved in the research, it does not specify broader stakeholders or partners. This lack of detail could raise concerns about potential biases or unequal representation of various interests in the research project.

• Complex Scientific Processes: The proposed research involves complex scientific processes like broodstock conditioning and spawning techniques. This may be difficult for the general public to understand without further explanation, which might hinder informed public participation in the comment process.

• Environmental Impact: The document does not provide detailed information on the potential environmental impacts of the research activities, especially regarding how these might affect the black abalone's natural habitat. This lack of detail could be a concern for stakeholders focused on environmental conservation.

Public Impact

The potential impact of this document on the public is multifaceted. On one hand, the renewal of this research permit could lead to significant advancements in the conservation of an endangered species, potentially benefiting biodiversity and the environment. On the other hand, without clear financial implications and measurable success criteria, there may be concerns about the judicious use of public resources.

Stakeholder Impact

For specific stakeholders, the document presents various implications:

• Scientific Community: Researchers may benefit from continued access to captive black abalone to study, providing opportunities to advance scientific understanding and contribute to species recovery efforts.

• Environmental NGOs and Conservationists: These groups might view the research permit positively as it focuses on conservation. However, they might also express concerns regarding environmental impacts and scrutiny of the research methodology.

• Local Communities and Industries: If successfully implemented, the research could eventually benefit those depending on marine biodiversity, including local communities and industries such as tourism and fisheries. Conversely, concerns about the permit's lack of financial transparency might worry taxpayers.

In conclusion, while the document sets the foundation for potentially beneficial research into black abalone conservation, it leaves unanswered questions around fiscal prudence, success metrics, and stakeholder involvement. Public and stakeholder scrutiny could play a pivotal role in shaping the final decision on the permit renewal.