FR 2025-06246

The Federal Register notice informs the public about an application made by Dr. Frederick Scharf from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He seeks permission to study sturgeon species, namely the Atlantic sturgeon and shortnose sturgeon, within the coastal rivers and estuaries of North Carolina. The research application pertains to understanding the population dynamics, distribution, habitat preferences, and migration patterns of these sturgeon species. The study involves capturing the sturgeon using various fishing methods, tagging them, collecting biological samples, and monitoring them over a potentially extended period of up to ten years.

General Summary

This document is a formal notice of a permit application intended to facilitate scientific research on endangered sturgeon species in North Carolina. It provides essential information about how to access the permit application documents online or request them via email. Additionally, it outlines the public's opportunity to submit comments or request a public hearing concerning this permit application, stressing the need to include specific reasons for such a hearing.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues arise from the contents of this document:

1. Capture Techniques: The document indicates the use of gill nets, trammel nets, or trawls for capturing sturgeon, which could be of concern due to the potential for bycatch—unintended capture of non-target species—and possible harm to the captured fish and other aquatic life.

2. Technical Jargon: The document includes technical language regarding tagging techniques (PIT, Floy, T-bar), which may not be easily understood by the general public. This could limit effective public understanding or engagement.

3. Ethical Considerations: There is a lack of explicit discussion about ethical protocols and animal welfare considerations during the capture, handling, and sampling of the sturgeon, which could lead to concerns from animal rights organizations and the public.

4. Permit Duration: The proposed duration of up to ten years for the permit is noted without an accompanying rationale, which may seem excessive and raise questions about its necessity.

5. Environmental Impact Mitigation: The document does not specify any measures to mitigate environmental impacts during the research activities. Such omissions could raise sustainability concerns.

6. Clarity on Research Locations: The document notes research activities in the Frying Pan Shoals area without clear justification for this specific location, possibly leading to confusion about the research's distinct benefits or goals.

7. Public Involvement Clarity: While the procedure to request a public hearing is clear, there is no information on how public input will influence the decision-making process regarding the permit.

Public Impact

The broader public might view this research as either beneficial or potentially harmful. On the one hand, understanding sturgeon populations and movements could lead to better conservation efforts, which may benefit the environment and local communities dependent on aquatic resources. Conversely, the use of capture methods involving nets poses a risk to the ecosystem, and some stakeholders may view it as harmful to non-target species or habitats.

Stakeholder Impact

Specific stakeholders, such as environmental organizations, may scrutinize the techniques and durations for potential environmental and animal welfare repercussions. Fisheries and local communities might be interested in findings that could influence fisheries management and conservation policies. Academic and scientific communities may view the research favorably as it could contribute to existing knowledge and conservation strategies for these critically endangered species.

In conclusion, while the document provides essential information about the permitting process and opportunities for public engagement, it leaves several areas unaddressed or inadequately clarified, potentially leading to varied responses from different stakeholder groups.