Leslie Hart, Ph.D., from the College of Charleston, has applied for a permit to import, export, and receive marine mammal parts for scientific research. This permit would allow her to handle parts from up to 700 cetaceans and 700 pinnipeds each year, excluding walruses, to study their exposure to environmental microplastics. The application process falls under several laws, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Public comments on this application are open until January 16, 2025, and a public hearing can be requested.
Simple Explanation
Leslie Hart wants special permission to collect parts from sea animals like dolphins and seals to study plastics in the ocean. People can say what they think about this until January 16, 2025, and they can ask for a meeting to talk more about it.