The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are extending the public comment period for a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for seven threatened coral species in U.S. Indo-Pacific waters. The comment period is extended by 30 days, now closing on March 27, 2021. This extension follows public hearings and requests, including a letter from the Governors of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, to allow more time for public review and feedback on the proposed rule. The critical habitat designation aims to protect essential substrate and water column habitat important for the reproduction and growth of these coral species.
Simple Explanation
The government wants to make a special home in the ocean to protect some rare corals, and they're giving people more time to share their thoughts about it. They are listening to people, like local leaders, who asked for more time to think and talk about this plan.