The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has released a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) evaluating the impact of granting an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) to the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology. This permit would allow the incidental capture of endangered species like sea turtles and sturgeon during fisheries surveys in the Massachusetts/Rhode Island Wind Energy Area. The draft is available for public comment until February 7, 2025. The evaluation considers two options: not issuing the permit or issuing it with specific conditions to minimize harm to the species.
Simple Explanation
The government is thinking about letting a school catch some special sea turtles and fish by accident while they study the ocean, and they are asking people what they think about this plan.