Bearded Seals and Ringed Seals: Critical Habitat Under the Endangered Species Act
January 08, 2021
Questions and Answers about the proposed designation of critical habitat for Arctic ringed seals and Beringia DPS bearded seals.
NOAA Fisheries is considering the designation of critical habitat for Arctic ringed seals and Beringia DPS bearded seals. These species were listed as threatened under the ESA in December 2012. While these species presently exist in relatively high numbers, they face significant threats from climate change, including alteration of the sea ice habitat they rely upon for many aspects of their life cycles.