Overview
Title
Marine Mammals; File Nos. 22306, 23675, 24334, and 24378
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is thinking about letting some scientists study ocean animals like whales and seals to learn about them and help protect them, but some people are worried about how they chose the scientists and if the studies will bother the animals too much.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service has received applications from four researchers requesting permits to study marine mammals. These studies involve research on 58 different species, including endangered or threatened whales and seals, under the authority of laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. The research activities include surveys, tagging, photo-identification, and biological sampling to understand the animals' behavior, health, and ecological roles. Public comments on these applications can be submitted until March 29, 2021.
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that four applicants have applied in due form for a permit to conduct scientific research on 58 species of marine mammals. The species taken during research activities may include the following endangered or threatened cetaceans: Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas); blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus); bowhead whale (Balaena mysticetus); fin whale (B. physalus); gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus); humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae); killer whale (Orcinus orca); North Pacific right whale (Eubalaena japonica); sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis); sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus); and Southern right whale (E. australis); and the following endangered or threatened pinnipeds: Bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus); Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi); ringed seal (Phoca hispida spp.); and Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). See the applications for a complete list of species by stock or listing unit.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register is a notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), announcing that four applicants have requested permits to conduct scientific research on various species of marine mammals. These requests involve the study of 58 different species, some of which are endangered or threatened, such as the blue whale, humpback whale, and the Steller sea lion. The research aims to deepen understanding of these animals' behaviors, health, and ecological impact by employing methods like tagging, photo-identification, and biological sampling.
General Summary
The notice provides information about the submission of applications by researchers who wish to study marine mammals under the guidelines of federal laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. The document specifies that the research aims to collect data on the marine mammals' population dynamics, behavior, and interactions with their environment. Public comments on these applications are invited until March 29, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from this notice. Firstly, the document does not discuss the financial implications or funding sources for these research activities, raising concerns about potential wasteful spending. Secondly, the document mentions specific researchers and institutions but lacks transparency about the criteria for selecting these applicants or the process for awarding these permits. This could suggest undue preference or favoritism.
Additionally, the notice uses technical language and legal references, which may be challenging for the general public to comprehend without additional explanation. The research objectives and methods are particularly technical, potentially alienating those unfamiliar with scientific practices.
Furthermore, while the document indicates that the activities are excluded from requiring an environmental impact assessment, it doesn't elaborate on the potential environmental impacts, which might raise concerns for stakeholders interested in environmental conservation. Lastly, the document mentions the risk of unintended harassment and mortality of non-target species but does not outline strategies to mitigate these risks.
Public and Stakeholder Impact
The issuance of these permits is likely to have several impacts. Broadly, this permits the continuation of critical research that contributes to the understanding and conservation of marine mammal populations, which is beneficial for ecological preservation and biodiversity. However, the technical nature of the document and lack of clarity on financial and environmental impacts may leave some public members with a sense of exclusion or concern about the implications of the research.
For specific stakeholders, such as environmental conservationists and local communities where the research is conducted, the document's lack of detail on environmental impacts and unintentional outcomes may be troubling. Stakeholders invested in the ethical treatment of animals are particularly impacted by the mention of potential harassment or mortality of non-target species.
On a positive note, these studies could provide valuable data that inform conservation policies and strategies, benefiting future regulatory efforts to protect these marine species. However, the absence of clear communication and transparency in the document could generate skepticism or resistance from various parties involved in marine conservation.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed financial information regarding the costs associated with the research permits or funding for the projects, making it difficult to assess potential wasteful spending.
• The document lists specific researchers and affiliations, which may indicate a preference or favoritism, but does not provide information on how these applicants were selected or how the permits were awarded.
• The document contains technical terms and references to legislation (e.g., Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act), which may be complex for laypersons to understand without additional context or explanation.
• The language used in the document, especially in the research objectives and methods sections, might be technical and dense for readers not familiar with scientific research practices.
• There is no discussion on the potential environmental impacts of the research activities, other than the categorical exclusion from needing an environmental assessment, which may concern stakeholders.
• The document refers to possible unintentional harassment and mortality of non-target species, but does not elaborate on mitigation measures to prevent such occurrences.