NMFS Holds Workshops on Harbor Seal Habitats
The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service will hold two public workshops to solicit input from stakeholders regarding NMFS’ advance notice of proposed rulemaking on potential management measures to protect glacially-associated harbor seal habitats in Alaska (78 FR 15669; March 12, 2013). During the workshops NMFS will present information regarding harbor seal habitat usage and available research on the effects of vessel disturbance. NMFS will seek input as to whether management measures are needed, and if so, what types of measures should be considered.

These two workshops will be conducted on the dates specified below:

1. April 22, 2013, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time (ADT) in Juneau, Alaska-- Centennial Hall, Hickel Room, 101 Egan Drive, Juneau, AK 99801.

2. April 23, 2013, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (ADT) in Yakutat, Alaska--ANB Hall, 522 Max Italio Dr., Yakutat, AK 99689.

Comments are due on or before May 12, 2013.