Overview
Title
Taking and Importing Marine Mammals; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to Rocky Intertidal Monitoring Surveys Along the Oregon and California Coasts
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The University of California Santa Cruz wants to study the coastal areas of Oregon and California, and this might bother some sea animals living there. They are asking for permission, and the public can say what they think about this until early next year to help decide if it can happen.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) received a request from the University of California Santa Cruz for permission to conduct research that may incidentally affect small numbers of marine mammals along the coasts of Oregon and California over the next five years. This request, under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), aims to regulate any potential disturbances during the university's rocky intertidal monitoring work. The public is invited to provide feedback on this request by January 6, 2025. NMFS will evaluate all comments before finalizing any regulations to ensure the protection of marine mammal populations while allowing necessary research activities.
Abstract
NMFS has received a request from the University of California Santa Cruz for authorization to take small numbers of marine mammals incidental to rocky intertidal monitoring along the coasts of Oregon and California over the course of 5 years from the date of issuance. Pursuant to regulations implementing the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is announcing receipt of the University of California Santa Cruz's request for the development and implementation of regulations governing the incidental taking of marine mammals. NMFS invites the public to provide information, suggestions, and comments on the University of California Santa Cruz's application and request.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document announced by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) involves a request from the University of California Santa Cruz to conduct research along the coasts of Oregon and California that could incidentally impact small numbers of marine mammals. This research, set over the next five years, aims to study rocky intertidal areas within the guidelines provided by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The public is encouraged to provide their comments and insights on this request by January 6, 2025, to help NMFS develop appropriate regulations that support necessary research while ensuring the protection of marine life.
Overview of the Request
The University of California Santa Cruz is seeking to continue its research activities that monitor marine life near coastal regions, specifically in rocky intertidal zones. The activities could unintentionally disturb marine mammals like sea lions and seals through visual presence, noise, and the use of drones, though the legislation allows such disturbances to a negligible extent. This research is part of ongoing efforts since 2013 to gather data crucial for informing marine policies and education.
Significant Issues and Concerns
The document features dense technical language and specific references to legal provisions, such as the definitions of "negligible impact" and "harassment," which might be difficult for the general public to parse. Simplifying this language or providing explanatory glossaries could enhance public understanding and engagement.
Moreover, the instructions for comment submission are detailed but might benefit from clearer formatting to prevent misunderstandings about the process. Additionally, while the document requests comments from the public, it would be helpful to specify the types of feedback sought to make the process more efficient.
Public Impact
Broadly, the public is afforded an opportunity to influence the regulations that may affect marine life conservation efforts and the conduct of scientific research in their local regions. By participating in the comment process, individuals and groups can voice concerns or support for activities that could affect local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Stakeholder Impact
Researchers and Academic Institutions: The University of California Santa Cruz, as a primary stakeholder, stands to gain from the authorization as it would enable the continuation of valuable scientific research. Such research can contribute to academic knowledge and inform ecosystem management practices.
Environmental Organizations and Conservationists: These stakeholders might scrutinize the potential impacts on marine life, advocating for stricter regulations to minimize disturbances to wildlife. Their input could influence enhancements in monitoring and mitigation strategies.
Local and Coastal Communities: Communities along the Oregon and California coasts could be indirectly impacted by the findings of this research, which might lead to conservation measures that affect local fisheries, tourism, and recreation activities.
Policy Makers and Regulators: The insights gained from public comments can guide NMFS in crafting balanced regulations that permit essential scientific inquiry while safeguarding marine mammals, strengthening policymaking efforts that are environmentally responsible.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, this Federal Register document presents a crucial intersection of scientific research and public policy, urging careful consideration by stakeholders who care about the dual mandates of environmental conservation and scientific advancement. By ensuring all voices are heard and comprehended, NMFS can achieve a consensus-based approach that respects both the vibrancy of marine ecosystems and the vitality of scientific exploration.
Issues
• The document includes technical terminology such as 'Level B harassment' and references to specific legal provisions (e.g., MMPA, 50 CFR 216.103) that may not be easily understood by the general public. More simplified language or a glossary could improve accessibility.
• The process for submitting comments, including electronic submission instructions, file size limitations, and acceptable formats, is detailed but could be simplified or clearly formatted to ensure better understanding and adherence by the public.
• Details about the specific impact of the research activities—such as the exact nature and frequency of interactions with marine mammals—are not deeply elaborated, which could lead to misunderstandings about the actual impact on wildlife.
• The document references a previous authorization period (2020-2025) without providing specific outcomes or learnings from that period, which would provide context and justification for the renewal and any changes.
• The call for public comments under 'Information Solicited' is somewhat vague. It could specify the types of feedback sought (e.g., scientific, ethical, procedural) to guide responses and make the process more efficient for both the agency and the public.