The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has proposed designated critical habitat for the Arctic subspecies (Phoca hispida hispida) of the ringed seal (Phoca hispida) under the Endangered Species Act. NMFS proposes to designate one specific area of marine habitat in the northern Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas. NMFS solicits comment from the public on all aspects of the proposal, including NMFS’ identification and consideration of the economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of the proposed designation.
Comments on this proposed rule must be received by NMFS by March 3, 2015.
Four public hearings on the proposed rule will be held in Alaska (Anchorage, Barrow, Kotzebue, and Nome). The dates and times of these hearings will be provided later.
Click here to red NMFS’ Federal Register notice of this proposal.