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The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has proposed a rule to designate critical habitat for the Beringia distinct population segment of the bearded seal under the Endangered Species Act. The proposed critical habitat includes marine areas in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas, and focuses on sea ice habitat essential for the species' survival, such as areas for whelping, nursing, molting, and breeding communication. Public comments on this proposal are being requested, and considerations include potential impacts on existing activities and economic factors. The ultimate goal is to protect the areas critical for the conservation of these seals.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is planning a recovery planning workshop for the Beringia Distinct Population Segment of bearded seals and the Arctic ringed seals, both listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The workshop aims to gather information and insights from experts but will not seek consensus on recovery strategies. Scheduled for January 23-24, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, the event is open to the public, and contributions of information to aid in recovery planning are welcomed. Topics of interest include potential recovery criteria, human-related threats, environmental challenges, and necessary recovery actions.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (part of the Commerce Department) issued a correction for a notice about the critical habitat for the Beringia Distinct Population Segment of the bearded seal. In the original document published on January 8, 2021, they noted a date error. Specifically, on page 1433, the date "March 9, 2020," should be corrected to "March 9, 2021." This proposed rule appeared in the Federal Register under citation 86 FR 7242.