FR 2025-05388

General Summary of the Document

The document is a formal notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, regarding a request for an amendment to a scientific research permit. The University of Alaska Southeast, located in Sitka, Alaska, is seeking to modify Permit No. 24378-01. The purpose of this amendment is to increase the number of gray whales that can be studied annually from 250 to 1,000. This request arises due to an unexpected rise in the number of gray whales observed in Sitka Sound. The research covered by the permit involves studying different cetacean species in Alaska, including not only gray whales but also humpback, killer, and sperm whales. The goal of the research is to improve understanding of these marine mammals' population dynamics, demographics, and behavior through various methods such as tagging and photo-identification. The public has the opportunity to comment on this application until April 28, 2025.

Significant Issues or Concerns

There are notable issues within the document that may require attention. Firstly, while the need for increasing the take numbers of gray whales is stated, the document does not provide in-depth justification or evidence explaining the significant increase from 250 to 1,000 whales. This lack of detailed rationale might lead to questions or concerns from stakeholders about the necessity and potential impact of such an increase.

Moreover, the document refers to several laws and regulations, such as the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, without offering a brief explanation of their relevance. This omission may result in confusion for readers unfamiliar with these legal frameworks. Additionally, some terms and research methods mentioned, such as Level A and Level B harassment, could be unclear to those who do not have a background in marine biology or related fields.

The document mentions that the activity is "categorically excluded from the requirement to prepare an environmental assessment." This phrasing might not be understood by everyone and could benefit from clarification.

Lastly, while contact information is provided for further inquiries, there is no guidance on what type of questions Shannon Bent or Courtney Smith can address. This could lead to uncertainty about whom to contact for specific issues.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

The amendment to the research permit has the potential to impact the public broadly, particularly those interested in marine conservation and research. By allowing for increased study of gray whales, researchers can gather more data that could contribute to the conservation efforts of these marine mammals. This could have a positive effect on environmental education and awareness regarding marine biodiversity.

For stakeholders such as local communities in Sitka, Alaska, where the research takes place, there might be implications related to increased research activities. These could include greater interaction with researchers or adjustments to local practices, especially if the presence of more gray whales is impacting fishing or tourism activities.

On the other hand, stakeholders such as environmental advocacy groups may express concerns over the significant increase in whales subject to research activities, seeking assurance that such studies are conducted responsibly and with minimal impact on the animals.

In summary, while the amendment offers opportunities for valuable scientific insights, it is crucial to address the noted issues to ensure transparency and foster trust among the public and stakeholders.