The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has proposed a revised rule regarding the designation of critical habitat for the Arctic subspecies of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida hispida) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This rule specifies areas in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas as critical habitat and identifies essential features such as snow-covered sea ice suitable for birth lairs, sea ice for basking and molting, and primary prey resources like Arctic cod and shrimps. The proposal also considers national security impacts and suggests the exclusion of an area used by the U.S. Navy for training and testing activities. The NMFS seeks public comments on various aspects of this proposed designation to ensure that it is based on the best available scientific data.
Simple Explanation
The government wants to protect a special type of seal living in cold waters by setting up safe places for them, but they're thinking about leaving out an area where the navy trains, and they're asking people what they think about this plan.