Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment of the Northern Sea Otter

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are designating critical habitat for the southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 15,164 square kilometers (km<SUP>2</SUP>) (5,855 square miles (mi<SUP>2</SUP>)) fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. All the critical habitat is located in Alaska.