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• Paucity of field data on some critical aspects of the phyioplankton dynamics in 

 Massachusetts and Cape Cod bays. 



Since these data are not available, a method is required to make interim decisions lacking 

 iuli and complete data (a common situation in many decision-making processes). However, the 

 Biological Assessment process must be a SCIENTIFIC process, and not a POLITICAL one, 

 which passes the test of critical scientific review. 



Based on the divided opinion of the SAP, the Biological Assessment fails to pass the test of 

 Scientific Acceptance; NOAA/NMFS should formulate its Biological Opinion with this divided 

 evaluation in mind. 



RECOMMENDATION 



The SAP recommends that NOAA/NMFS consider initiation of a thorough scientific review 

 of this issue, through a reputable organization (such as the National Academy of Sciences), to 

 obtain a balanced and representative scientific consensus on this highly sensitive issue and area 

 Given the major gaps in our present state-of-knowledge of relevant issues, as acknowledged 

 throughout the Assessment, a comprehensive and unbiased review should be considered. 



