Overview
Title
Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of a 5-Year Review for the Beringia and Okhotsk Distinct Population Segments of the Bearded Seal
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government is checking to make sure that special seals, called bearded seals, are still in danger like they thought in 2012. They're asking people for new information to help decide if the seals need to stay on the list of animals we need to protect.
Summary AI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has announced the start of a 5-year review for the Beringia and Okhotsk distinct population segments of the bearded seal, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) since 2012. The review aims to ensure the accuracy of the species' listing status, using the best available scientific and commercial data. NMFS is inviting information on the seals' status, threats, and recovery efforts from the public and relevant entities by March 26, 2021. This information will help determine if the seals should remain listed as threatened, be reclassified, or delisted.
Abstract
NMFS announces its intent to conduct a 5-year review of the threatened Beringia and Okhotsk distinct population segments (DPSs) of the Pacific bearded seal subspecies Erignathus barbatus nauticus. NMFS is required by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to conduct 5-year reviews to ensure that listing classifications of species are accurate. The 5-year review must be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. We request submission of any such information on these bearded seal DPSs, particularly information on their status, threats, and recovery, that has become available since their listing on December 28, 2012.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has initiated a review of the bearded seal populations in the Beringia and Okhotsk regions. This action is part of the mandated 5-year review by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to verify the accuracy of a species' threatened status. These bearded seals have been classified as threatened since 2012, and this review invites the public and relevant organizations to provide any recent data or observations about the seals' current condition, threats to their existence, and efforts aimed at their recovery. Submissions should be made by March 26, 2021.
Significant Issues and Concerns
There are several concerns with this federal notice that could impact its transparency and effectiveness:
Lack of Financial Transparency: The document does not disclose the cost involved or specify how resources will be allocated for conducting this review. This omission might raise concerns about possible inefficiencies or uneven distribution of resources among participants or contractors.
Complex Language: The notice is filled with technical jargon and legal references, such as '50 CFR 424.21' and '16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(2)(B)', which may alienate or confuse the general public. Terms like 'distinct population segments (DPSs)' and specific ESA procedures lack clear explanation and might require additional background to be understood by a layperson.
Unclear Impact of Information: There is an absence of detail on how the collected information will influence the decision-making process regarding the seals' status. This lack of clarity could leave contributors unsure about the significance of their input.
Public Impact
This review process is crucial for ensuring that the bearded seals are correctly classified under ESA guidelines. The classification affects federal conservation efforts, funding allocations, and regulatory measures. By soliciting the latest data from a broad audience, NMFS aims to build a comprehensive picture of the seals' current status. This effort potentially mobilizes public involvement in environmental stewardship, thereby enhancing community awareness and responsibility.
Stakeholder Impact
The document may affect several stakeholders in different ways:
For Environmental Groups: This is an opportunity to contribute data and insights accumulated over the years, reinforcing advocacy for seals’ protection.
For Local Industries and Businesses: Especially those in Alaska and near the Beringia and Okhotsk regions, the outcome of this review could alter fishing regulations, potentially impacting operations and economic outcomes.
For Indigenous and Local Communities: Communities that rely on these waters or have cultural ties to these marine regions may experience direct effects, positively if protective measures are strengthened or negatively if restrictions are imposed.
In summary, while this federal notice outlines a critical ecological review process, the way it communicates and involves the public could benefit from greater clarity and transparency. Providing sufficient background, open resource accounting, and detailed potential outcomes would improve public understanding and engagement.
Issues
• The document does not specify the total cost of conducting the 5-year review, making it difficult to assess potential wasteful spending.
• There is no detailed breakdown of financial resources allocated for the review, which could indicate preferential treatment to certain entities involved.
• The document includes technical language and references to legal regulations that might be complex for the general public to understand, such as references to '50 CFR 424.21' and '16 U.S.C. 1533(c)(2)(B)'.
• Some terms like 'distinct population segments (DPSs)' and specific procedures under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) may require additional clarification for non-experts.
• The notice does not specify how the information collected will influence decision-making, leaving the process somewhat ambiguous.