Search Results for keywords:"marine mammal research"

The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a permit to the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center to conduct research and activities aimed at helping the endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The activities will take place in the Hawaiian Archipelago and Johnston Atoll and will include health checks, tagging, and other conservation efforts to improve the seals' survival rates. The permit is valid until the end of 2029, and researchers will also study threats to the seals, explore solutions, and assess the effectiveness of their efforts. The permit also covers potential impacts on some dolphin species and allows for the collection and analysis of seal parts.

Paul Ponganis, Ph.D., from the University of California San Diego, has applied for a permit to study California sea lions. The research aims to understand the physiological responses and diving behavior of these sea lions, involving capturing and tagging adult females and their pups. The study will also temporarily disturb other marine species, such as harbor seals and elephant seals. The permit request is under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and public comments on this application are invited until March 29, 2021.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule that modifies the duration limits on permits and Letters of Confirmation (LOCs) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Previously, these permits and LOCs were limited to five years, but now NMFS can issue them for longer periods if deemed appropriate. This change aims to make the permitting process more efficient and less burdensome for researchers and other permit holders. Public comments regarding the proposed change have been considered, and any new permits will continue to be subject to a public comment period before issuance.