In March 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed modifying an existing permit related to the discharge of seafood processing waste from vessels in federal waters off Alaska. The modification, requested by the Freezer Longline Coalition, would allow vessels to discharge waste closer to the shore during certain months due to changing conditions in the Bering Sea. The EPA determined the change could negatively affect the spectacled eider, a threatened bird species, but will include measures to reduce harm. Feedback on this modification is open to the public until March 31, 2021.
Simple Explanation
The EPA is thinking about letting boats that process seafood in Alaska dump waste a bit closer to the shore because the fish are moving to new places. They're trying to make sure this doesn't hurt a special bird too much and want to know what people think about the plan.