we caught up with maria brown as she reviewed domire's permit. she says she and researchers must strike the balance. >> what are the risks to the sharks and what are the potential benefits from the research. is it going to allow us to protect more sharks? >> reporter: this summer the public will be able to read the assessment online and comment on it to help shape the decision on the shark tagging. >> i think that's fine. i agree with that. if it's for a good purpose, yes. >> certainly sounds like an issue of animal cruelty. >> it seems kind of cruel what they're planning on doing to the shark. >> once we hear back from the public we'll make a decision on the permit. >> reporter: the application is for catching up to 11 adult female sharks over the next four years. government researchers say making the right decision could be critical to great white shark survival. health and science editor, john fowler, ktvu channel channel 2 news. >>> you can find other reports by going to ktvu.com and clicking on the tab on the top of the home page. >>> a man