Overview
Title
Marine Mammals; File No. 24395
Agencies
ELI5 AI
Dr. Lorrie Rea wants permission to study parts of sea animals like seals by collecting these parts from different places and sharing them with other researchers. People are allowed to share their thoughts about this plan until the end of March 2021.
Summary AI
Lorrie Rea, Ph.D. from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, has applied for a permit to receive, import, and export parts of pinnipeds, which are marine mammals like seals, for scientific research. The aim of the study is to examine the toxicology, ecology, and physiology of these animals. The request for this permit is made under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other relevant regulations, and it covers the exchange of samples from up to 1,500 individuals per pinniped species, not including walruses, each year. Interested parties can submit comments on the application until March 29, 2021.
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that Lorrie Rea, Ph.D., University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1764 Tanana Loop ELIF Suite 240, Fairbanks, AK 99775, has applied in due form for a permit to receive, import, and export pinniped parts for scientific research.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), published in the Federal Register. It informs the public that Lorrie Rea, Ph.D., from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, has submitted an application for a permit to receive, import, and export parts of pinnipeds, a group of marine mammals including seals, for scientific research purposes. This research focuses on exploring the toxicology, ecology, and physiology of pinnipeds, excluding walruses. The permit, if granted, would last for five years and allow for the exchange of samples from up to 1,500 individuals per species annually.
General Summary
The proposed research involves significant interaction with various marine species, highlighting the potential for scientific advancements in understanding pinniped biology and health. This could have broad implications, possibly leading to better marine life conservation practices and enhanced environmental policies. Interested parties have been invited to comment on this permit application, and the application is accessible for public review online, ensuring transparency in the application process.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One of the primary concerns here is the document’s lack of specificity about the research's beneficiaries beyond Dr. Lorrie's team. There is no clear indication of which other institutions or individuals might gain from this research, raising questions about the possibility of bias or favoritism in the allocation of pinniped parts for study.
Additionally, the provision for the import and export of materials from up to 1,500 individuals per pinniped species every year seems extensive. Without explicit control measures outlined, this could lead to unintended overuse or misuse of the resources, which is troubling given the environmental and conservation implications.
The document also notes that compliance with several existing acts negates the need for detailed environmental assessments, per the National Environmental Policy Act. However, the brief language used here does not reassure that all environmental impacts have been thoroughly considered, which could lead to public concern regarding environmental stewardship.
Moreover, the document references multiple legal frameworks, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and the Fur Seal Act, using legal jargon that may not be easily understandable to the general public. This could hinder informed public engagement and commentary on the permit application.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
For the general public, this document represents an opportunity to engage with and comment on a scientific endeavor that involves the handling and study of protected marine species. Public input could influence decisions, ensuring that conservation and environmental concerns are adequately addressed.
For specific stakeholders, such as marine conservationists and scientific researchers, this document holds significant implications. Positively, successful scientific research enabled through the permit could lead to important ecological insights and advancements in environmental conservation strategies. However, without strict monitoring and transparent processes, there is a risk of fostering misuse of marine resources, potentially undermining conservation efforts.
In summary, while the document outlines potential scientific benefits, it also prompts concerns regarding resource management, transparency, and public engagement, all of which require careful consideration and addressal to ensure balance between scientific progress and environmental conservation.
Issues
• The document does not specify the specific institutions or researchers, aside from Lorrie Rea, Ph.D., that will benefit from the research facilitated by importing and exporting pinniped parts, which could raise concerns about potential bias or favoritism.
• The document allows for the import and export of samples from an unlimited number of up to 1,500 individuals per pinniped species each year, excluding walrus. This large allowance could potentially lead to overuse or misuse, although it is unclear if any specific controls or assessments are in place to prevent this.
• The language related to the exclusion from environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act is brief and lacks detail, which might lead to questions about whether all relevant environmental impacts have been adequately considered.
• The document mentions compliance with several acts (MMPA, ESA, Fur Seal Act) and associated codes (50 CFR parts 216, 222-226) without simplified explanations, which could make it difficult for the general public to fully understand the legal framework being applied.