U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE PROPOSES LISTING SOUTHWEST ALASKA SEA OTTERS AS “THREATENED” UNDER ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment of the northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA.) A Proposed Rule regarding the listing was published today in the Federal Register. The Service will accept comments on the proposed rule for the next 120 days.

"We are proposing to list the sea otter population in southwest Alaska based on survey data indicating that it has declined dramatically over the last 10 to 15 years," said Rowan Gould, Regional Director of the Service