Overview
Title
Marine Mammals; File No. 28727
Agencies
ELI5 AI
A scientist named Dr. Amandine Gamble wants to get permission to study parts from lots of seals and sea lions to learn more about them, but some people are wondering why she needs so many and how this helps, and they get to share their thoughts until the end of April.
Summary AI
Amandine Gamble, Ph.D., from Cornell University, has applied for a permit to import, export, and collect parts of pinnipeds, such as seals and sea lions, for scientific research purposes. The proposed permit would last for three years and allow for the management of up to 510 individuals from each species annually, focusing on wildlife health in Antarctica and Subantarctica. The application is under review by the National Marine Fisheries Service, and public comments are being accepted until April 30, 2025. This activity is categorized as not requiring an environmental assessment or impact statement under federal regulations.
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that Amandine Gamble, Ph.D., Cornell University, 606 Tower Road, Ithaca, New York 14853, has applied in due form for a permit to import, export, and collect pinniped parts for scientific research.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
A recent notice from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), reveals that Amandine Gamble, Ph.D., from Cornell University, has applied for a permit to import, export, and collect parts from pinnipeds, a group that includes seals and sea lions, for the purpose of scientific research. The proposed research focuses on wildlife health in the regions of Antarctica and Subantarctica. This permit, if granted, would be valid for three years and allow the management of parts from up to 510 individuals per species annually.
Summary of the Document
The notice serves to inform the public about Dr. Gamble's permit application and invites written comments and feedback. Interested individuals have until April 30, 2025, to submit their thoughts by email. This procedure is part of the routine processes under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and related regulations, which aim to manage the taking and importing of marine mammals responsibly. Interestingly, the proposed activities are considered categorically excluded from the requirement for an environmental assessment or impact statement, indicating a lesser regulatory burden compared to more impactful activities.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the content of the notice. One major concern is the lack of detailed information about the purpose and expected outcomes of the research being proposed. Transparency is key when dealing with the collection of wildlife, and the absence of such information might lead to public skepticism. Additionally, the scale of the permit, allowing for the collection of parts from a large number of animals—up to 510 individuals per species annually—raises concerns about the potential for over-collection and its implications for animal populations.
There is also the issue of categorical exclusion from environmental assessment. While this implies that the activity is not expected to have significant environmental impacts, the document does not provide justifications for this determination, possibly leading to misunderstandings or misinterpretations of the activity's potential environmental footprint.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
For the general public, this notice presents an opportunity to engage in the governance of wildlife research and conservation activities. However, due to the lack of detailed criteria regarding the approval process for public comments and requests for a hearing, the public might feel uncertain about the process's transparency and fairness.
For stakeholders, such as environmentalists, scientists, and marine conservation groups, this permit could be seen as both an opportunity and a challenge. On one hand, it could facilitate research that might lead to significant scientific insights into pinniped health and conservation. On the other hand, there are concerns about the ecological impact of collecting a substantial number of specimens and the long-term consequences for the affected species, especially when specific species are not identified in the notice.
In conclusion, while the document sets out to inform the public about a scientific research permit application, it reveals underlying concerns about transparency, environmental impacts, and stakeholder engagement. Addressing these could enhance public trust and ensure responsible wildlife research practices.
Issues
• The document mentions a request for a permit by Amandine Gamble, Ph.D. to collect and trade pinniped parts for research, but it does not provide detailed information on the purpose or intended outcomes of this research, which could be considered a lack of transparency.
• The document specifies the collection, import, and export of pinniped parts from up to 510 individuals per species annually, but does not clarify why such a large number of specimens is necessary, raising concerns about potential over-collection.
• The notice indicates that the activity is categorically excluded from requiring an environmental assessment or impact statement, but provides no explanation or justification for this determination, which could be seen as an oversight given the environmental implications of such activities.
• The document provides instructions on submitting comments and requesting a hearing, but does not specify any criteria or requirements that would justify or lead to approval of these requests, potentially leaving the public uncertain about the comment process reliability.
• The scientific names and specific types of pinniped species involved are not mentioned, which could lead to ambiguity or misinterpretation regarding which species are affected by this permit.