The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing to issue a permit that would allow for the unintentional capturing or harming of certain endangered marine mammals during commercial fishing activities, specifically in the California thresher shark/swordfish drift gillnet fishery. This permit is valid for three years and would authorize incidental takes of humpback and sperm whales, ensuring they meet criteria related to negligible impact and recovery plans. NMFS is seeking public comments on the proposed permit, and detailed information is available for review online.
Simple Explanation
The people who take care of sea animals want to let fishermen catch some rare whales by accident while fishing for other big fish. They're asking everyone what they think before making it official.