Chris Oliver, Executive Director
Eric Olson, Chairman
SUBJECT: Title
Protected Species Report (including SSL EIS and BiOp update)
end
ESTIMATED TIME:
6 hours (all B Reports)
ACTION REQUIRED: Recommended Action
Receive report on Protected Resources issues and take action as necessary.
Body
BACKGROUND:
Steller sea lion Eastern DPS
On October 23, 2013 the National Marine Fisheries Service announced a final rule to remove the Eastern DPS of Steller sea lion from the U.S. Endangered Species List. The Final Rule is available on NOAA's site: http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/frules/ssl_asfiled102313.pdf. This is the first species that NOAA has delisted due to recovery since the eastern North Pacific gray whale was removed from the list in 1994. NOAA concluded that delisting of the EDPS is warranted because the stock has met the recovery criteria outlined in the 2008 Recovery Plan and no longer meets the definition of a threatened or endangered species under the Act. The best available scientific information indicates that the EDPS has increased from an estimated 18,040 animals in 1979 to 70,174 in 2010 and has experienced sustained significant population growth. The Eastern DPS of SSL will continue to be protected under the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
NOAA fisheries is working with affected states and other partners to develop a post-delisting monitoring plan for the EDPS. The plan is available on NOAA's site: http://alaskafisheries.noaa.gov/protectedresources/stellers/edps/statusreview071813.pdf. This monitoring plan will be in effect for 10 years, twice the five-year requirement under the ESA. This plan is intended to ensure that the recovery of the EDPS is maintained. The delisting of the EDPS will take effect 30 days after the publication of the final rule in the Federal Register.
Steller sea lion Western DPS
On October 16, 2013 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a motion to reconsider their ruling upholding the 201...
Click here for full text