Comments due Sept. 8 on NOAA lab's Alaska marine mammal research permit

Alaskans have until Sept. 8 to comment on a federal application seeking a permit to take marine mammals for scientific study. The notice does not specify species, methods or study area, though details are available on written request.

The NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center's Marine Mammal Laboratory, headquartered in Seattle, filed the application. Nancy Friday is listed as the responsible party. NOAA Fisheries guidance states that a permit is required for any proposed research activity involving take of marine mammals, except for activities covered by the General Authorization.

That framework can reach subsistence species. NOAA Fisheries states that bowhead whales are "central to the subsistence and cultural needs of Alaska Native communities, particularly along the Arctic coast." The agency says research on the species informs management decisions, including subsistence harvest quotas, though this notice does not identify bowheads as part of the current application. The Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission has said scientific research on marine mammals more broadly must not undermine subsistence hunting rights and local food security.

Another Alaska marine mammal permit review remains open. ABR Inc. has applied to study 14 species, with comments due Aug. 26.

Comments and hearing requests go to [email protected] with File No. 29817 in the subject line. A hearing request must state the specific reasons a hearing is appropriate.