NMFS Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule to Revise Critical Habitat for the Southern Resident Killer Whale

On September 19, 2019 the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a proposed rule to revise the critical habitat designation for the Southern Resident killer whale. The proposed rule would designate six new areas along the West Coast of the United States as critical habitat for the species. If these areas are designated, certain industry activities would be required to go through additional review under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act to ensure that they are not likely to jeopardize the species’ continued existence. Members of the public that wish to request a public hearing on the proposal must do so in writing to the agency by November 4, 2019. Written comments on the proposed rule are due by December 18, 2019.

• Read the Federal Register notice and submit your public comments here.
• Advocacy contact: Prianka Sharma at (202) 205-6938.