Scientific Research and Take Authorization website and database

Leslie Schaeffer
Northwest Region Protected Resources Division, NMFS

NOAA Fisheries Protected Resources Division, in cooperation with the ODFW, developed and implemented a Scientific Research and Take Authorization web site and database. Fishery researchers working in Idaho, Oregon and Washington can use the web site to apply for and obtain approval to conduct research within the NWR under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) research limit #7 of the July 200 4(d) Rule (50 CFR 223.203(b)(7) and Oregon state statute. The web site provides a one-stop-shopping experience for users to apply for NOAA Fisheries approvals and Oregon state permits using one on-line form requiring no "paper" work, significantly less data entry time (compared to other permitting options), and improved authorization time.

The web site and database provide a central location for all data on research conducted in the state of Oregon and most research that may affect ESA-listed species under NOAA Fisheries' jurisdiction in Idaho and Washington. The data, stored in a database that is available in real time, is used by state and Federal administrators to issue permits and other approvals to handle fish and to help all governmental agencies manage the fishery resources of the NWR. Information can be summarized using Enterprise Manager or Microsoft Access software.

Any person that desires to conduct fisheries research in the NWR and has internet access can enter data into an on-line application, into a reporting form, and receive messages from system administrators via email. In addition, anyone with internet access who is interested in learning more about research activities in the region can search the database via a simple search feature on the web site. Persons without internet are accommodated via paper applications and personal service.

The web site saves users significant amounts of time and energy while adding value to citizens' experience with government. The primary goals of the web site and database are to:

" Streamline the application for and reporting of research actions thus making it easier for fishery researchers to obtain approval to conduct activities in the NWR.

" Improve federal and state government efficiency and effectiveness in relation to administering the ESA and state statute.

" Improve government's responsiveness to fisheries researchers and all citizens interested in fisheries information.

These goals have been shown to be especially important in recent years. In 1999, nine Evolutionarily Significant Units (ESUs) of Pacific salmon and steelhead in NOAA Fisheries' NWR region were listed as threatened or endangered. To put that into context, eight were listed from 1991-1998. Adding nine ESUs effectively doubled the number of fish under protection of the ESA in the NWR - and effectively doubled to permitting workload for the Protected Resources Division.