NOAA Approves Sturgeon Research Permit Update
Published Date: 7/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The Midwest Biodiversity Institute wants to change its permit to keep studying certain endangered fish like shortnose sturgeon, Atlantic sturgeon, and Atlantic salmon in Maine rivers. This change lets them continue their work while protecting these special fish. People have until August 6, 2026, to share their thoughts, and no new costs or delays are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Permit allows small increases in authorized takes
The Midwest Biodiversity Institute asks to change Permit No. 23861 to allow an increase in annual incidental takes in the Kennebec River drainage: shortnose sturgeon by 2 adults, adult Atlantic salmon by 1, and 10 juvenile Atlantic salmon each year. The request also seeks that authorized take be applied as 2-year rolling takes while MBI continues electrofishing monitoring in the Lower Kennebec, Middle Kennebec, and Sebasticook Rivers in Maine.
Sampling rules and handling limits for surveys
The permit modification describes required conservation and operational measures for electrofishing surveys: sampling limited to mid-September through mid-October; no sampling when water temperature exceeds 22 °C; trained personnel and species-handling protocols; reducing pulse frequency in areas with prior encounters; immediate suspension of electrofishing if a listed species is affected and ceasing sampling for at least five minutes or until fish depart; and reporting all listed-species encounters to NOAA within 24 hours.
Agency expects no new costs or delays
The notice states that no new costs or delays are expected from the permit modification process, and the public may submit comments by August 6, 2026. NMFS will evaluate the application and publish a final decision after the comment period.
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