Designation of Critical Habitat for the Beringia Distinct Population Segment of the Bearded Seal
Summary
NOAA Fisheries proposes to designate critical habitat for the Beringia distinct population segment (DPS) of the Pacific bearded seal subspecies Erignathus barbatus nauticus under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The proposed designation comprises an area of marine habitat in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas. We seek comments on all aspects of the proposed critical habitat designation and will consider information received before issuing a final designation. Comments must be received by April 8, 2021 (extended from March 9, 2021).
Three public hearing conference calls on the proposed critical habitat were scheduled in February 2021, as indicated in the Federal Register notice. Learn more about the public hearings »