[Federal Register: June 24, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 121)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 33816-33825]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr24jn99-23]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AF67

 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule to 
Remove the Northern Populations of the Tidewater Goby From the List of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service, pursuant to the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), proposes to remove the northern 
populations of the tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) from the 
list of endangered and threatened wildlife. The species is now 
classified as endangered throughout its entire range. We have 
determined that north of Orange County there are more populations than 
were known at the time of the listing, that the threats to those 
populations are less severe than previously believed, and that the 
tidewater goby has a greater ability than was known in 1994 to 
recolonize habitats from which it is temporarily absent. This proposal 
would remove the northern populations of the tidewater goby from 
protection under the Act.

    The Orange and San Diego counties population of tidewater goby, 
which constitutes a distinct population segment, is genetically 
distinct, is comprised of gobies from only six localities, and 
continues to be threatened by habitat loss and degradation, predation 
by non-native species, and extreme weather and streamflow conditions. 
Therefore, this distinct population segment will be retained as an 
endangered species on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.

DATES: We must receive comments from all interested parties by August 
23, 1999. We must receive public hearing requests by August 9, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send written comments and other materials concerning this 
proposal to Ms. Diane Noda, Field Supervisor, Ventura Fish and Wildlife 
Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, California 93003. You may 
inspect comments and materials received, by appointment, during normal 
business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Benz at the above address; 
telephone 805/644-1766, facsimile 805/644-3958.