NMFS Seeks Comment on Whether to Protect Glacially-Associated Harbor Seal Habitats
The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking and requested public comments on whether NMFS should propose regulations (a) to protect glacially-associated harbor seal habitats in Alaska used for pupping, nursing, resting, and molting; and (b) to limit vessel disturbance to harbor seals in those habitats. The scope of this advance notice of proposed rulemaking encompasses the activities of any person or vessel that may diminish the value of glacial habitats for harbor seals, result in the unauthorized taking of harbor seals, or cause detrimental individual- or population-level impacts. NMFS seeks public comment on whether regulations are needed, and if so, what type of measures would be appropriate to protect harbor seals from the effects of vessel activity in glacial habitats. Written comments must be received by NMFS on or before May 13, 2013.