Overview
Title
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of the 5-Year Review of the Daggernose Shark (Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The people in charge of ocean animals are checking up on a shark called the daggernose shark to decide if it's still as rare and in danger as they thought. They're asking everyone to tell them anything new they know about this shark by March 3, 2025, to help them decide.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has started a 5-year review of the endangered daggernose shark, as mandated by the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This review will determine if the shark should remain listed as endangered, be reclassified, or be delisted, relying on the best scientific and commercial data available. The NMFS is asking for information on the shark's biology, habitat, threats, conservation efforts, and any new findings since the last review completed in 2015. Interested parties need to submit any relevant information electronically by March 3, 2025.
Abstract
We, NMFS, announce initiation of the 5-year review of the endangered daggernose shark (Isogomphodon oxyrhynchus). The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires us to conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years to determine whether a species should be removed from the list (i.e., delisted), reclassified from an endangered species to a threatened species (i.e., downlisted), or reclassified from a threatened species to an endangered species (i.e., uplisted). The determination must be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. Therefore, we request relevant information (e.g., biology, threats, and conservation efforts) that has become available since our previous review of the species.
Keywords AI
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AnalysisAI
The document announces the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) initiation of a 5-year review of the endangered daggernose shark, in line with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This review aims to assess whether the shark's status as an endangered species should be changed, delisted, or maintained, based on the most reliable scientific and commercial information available. The NMFS seeks information on various aspects such as the shark's biology, habitat, threats it faces, and conservation measures taken since the last review in 2015. Submissions are requested to be made electronically by March 3, 2025.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One key concern about the document is its lack of clarity regarding financial aspects of the review process. The absence of information on funding allocations might lead to questions about how the review will be effectively conducted. Additionally, the technical language and legal references, such as specific sections of the U.S. Code, could be challenging for those without a legal background to comprehend. This could potentially limit widespread public engagement and understanding.
The document also does not provide detailed methodologies for evaluating new information or explain how this information will influence decision-making. This lack of transparency might lead to skepticism about the objectivity of the review process. Furthermore, while public contributions are encouraged, there is no clear guidance on how these submissions will be utilized beyond being part of the public record. This might raise questions about the real impact of public participation in the decision-making process.
Moreover, the timeline for submitting information could be considered too short for thorough and effective contributions, which may challenge stakeholders to meet the deadline adequately.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
Broadly, the 5-year review process highlights the NMFS's efforts to engage with the public and various stakeholders in preserving endangered species like the daggernose shark. This initiative potentially raises awareness about the species' plight and the broader issues facing marine biodiversity.
For specific stakeholders, such as scientists, conservationists, environmental organizations, and industries related to marine resources, the review offers a platform to contribute to the decision-making process that may directly impact their work and interests. However, the lack of transparency and insufficient timeframe for information submission could deter active participation and may affect the quality of input received.
Overall, the document proposes a structured approach to ensuring the continued survival of the daggernose shark but could benefit from clearer communication and engagement strategies to maximize participation and impact.
Issues
• The document does not specify any financial allocations or budgets related to the 5-year review, which could raise concerns on how the review is funded.
• The language used in the document is quite technical, particularly sections referencing specific legal citations (e.g., 16 U.S.C. 1533), which might be difficult for the general public to understand without prior knowledge.
• There is no mention of specific methodologies for how new information will be evaluated or how it will influence decision-making, which could lead to concerns about transparency and objective assessment.
• No clear explanation is provided on how public submissions will be used in the decision process, beyond being part of the public record, which might raise questions about the impact of public participation.
• The deadline for information submission is set fairly close to the announcement date, which might not provide enough time for thorough contributions from various stakeholders.