Search Results for keywords:"Southern Beaufort Sea"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released draft revised stock assessment reports for two populations of polar bears in Alaska: the Chukchi/Bering Seas and the Southern Beaufort Sea stocks. These reports are in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and are open for public comment until April 2, 2025. The assessments include updated population estimates and other vital data about human impacts on these bear populations. Interested parties, including the public and governmental bodies, are encouraged to view and comment on these reports through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering granting permission for activities that may unintentionally disturb small numbers of polar bears in Alaska's North Slope. The authorization would cover nonlethal disturbances, like noise from oil well cleanup and helicopter flights, but not allow any activities that would harm or kill the bears. They have proposed specific rules to minimize the disturbance, such as keeping aircraft at certain altitudes and avoiding known bear dens. There is also a public comment period until February 12, 2025, where individuals can express their concerns or support for this proposal.