The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has received an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP) from Dr. David Portnoy at Texas A&M University. If approved, this permit would allow select commercial fishermen to catch a limited number of speckled hind fish in the South Atlantic to study their population, genetic diversity, and life history. Due to the current prohibition on speckled hind fishing, this permit would let researchers gather essential data without additional environmental impact. The NMFS is considering this application and is open to public comments until March 12, 2021.
Simple Explanation
The government is thinking about letting some fishermen catch a few special fish called speckled hind for a study, even though they're usually not allowed to. They're asking people what they think about this idea.