NOAA has released a Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) to evaluate possible permit activities anticipated to be proposed by research and education projects for which sanctuary staff can reasonably expect to receive permit applications over the next five years. These activities were evaluated because they may have the potential to affect white sharks within the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS) management area. This Draft PEA also considers various methodologies that may be proposed by applicants to conduct White Shark research or education projects in the sanctuaries.
GFNMS is interested in hearing from all stakeholders and interested parties and is currently accepting written comments on the Draft PEA. Once the 30-day public comment period is completed, GFNMS will consider all written comments prior to finalizing the document. Projects requesting a permit will continue to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, but the Final PEA will help guide future GFNMS permit decisions.
Written comments must be submitted by April 23, 2014.
There are two ways to provide public comment:
1. Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NOS-2014-0015, click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
2. Mail: Max Delaney, Permit Coordinator/ White Shark Stewardship Project Lead, Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary, 991 Marine Drive, The Presidio, San Francisco, CA 94129
For more information, click here.