Lorrie Rea, Ph.D. from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, has applied for a permit to receive, import, and export parts of pinnipeds, which are marine mammals like seals, for scientific research. The aim of the study is to examine the toxicology, ecology, and physiology of these animals. The request for this permit is made under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and other relevant regulations, and it covers the exchange of samples from up to 1,500 individuals per pinniped species, not including walruses, each year. Interested parties can submit comments on the application until March 29, 2021.
Simple Explanation
Dr. Lorrie Rea wants permission to study parts of sea animals like seals by collecting these parts from different places and sharing them with other researchers. People are allowed to share their thoughts about this plan until the end of March 2021.