Public Comment Period on Sea Otter Critical Habitat/ Draft Economic Analysis

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the extension of the public comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for the southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment of the northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We also announced the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) and an amended required determinations section of the proposal. We are extending the comment period for an additional 30 days from the June 9, 2009 publication of this notice in the Federal Register to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the revised proposed rule, the associated DEA, and the amended required determinations section. The Service will hold one public hearing on June 18, 2009, at the Z.J. Loussac Library in Anchorage, Alaska. There will be an informational meeting with a questions and answer session from 7:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. and we will accept public comments verbally from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. If you submitted comments previously, you do not need to resubmit them because we have already incorporated them into the public record and will fully consider them in preparation of the final rule. The Federal Register notice describing these actions, and providing information on how to submit comments, is available at: http://federalregister.gov/OFRUpload/OFRData/2009-13314_PI.pdf

A critical habitat designation identifies geographic areas that contain the specific habitat elements essential for the conservation of the species. The designation would have no influence on private land unless proposed activities there are federally permitted or funded. The physical and biological features believed to be essential to sea otter conservation are those that provide cover and shelter from marine predators, especially killer whales. These areas primarily consist of shallow (less than 20 meters deep), nearshore (within 100 meters of the mean tide line) waters. The Service is proposing critical habitat in five discrete units considered important to the recovery of the otter. From west to east, these are: (1) Western Aleutian Unit; (2) Eastern Aleutian Unit; (3) South Alaska Peninsula Unit; (4) Bristol Bay Unit, and (5) Kodiak, Kamishak, Alaska Peninsula Unit. Sea otters are a member of the weasel family (Mustelidae) and live in the nearshore waters along the North Pacific Ocean. They are the smallest marine mammals, and are most closely related to river otters. Historically, sea otters occurred in near shore waters around the North Pacific rim from Hokkaido, Japan through the marine coastal areas of the Russian Far East and the Pacific coastal areas in the United States as far south as Baja California. The world-wide sea otter population was reduced to just a few hundred animals between 1742 and 1911, due to commercial harvest by the Russian and Russian/American fur trades. Three populations of sea otters exist in Alaska today. The statewide population is believed to number around 70,000 animals. Once critical habitat has been designated, federal agencies that undertake, fund, or permit activities that may affect critical habitat are required to consult with the Service to ensure such actions do not adversely modify or destroy designated critical habitat. The designation of critical habitat does not affect land ownership or establish a refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve, or other conservation area conservation area
A conservation area is a type of national wildlife refuge that consists primarily or entirely of conservation easements on private lands. These conservation easements support private landowner efforts to protect important habitat for fish and wildlife and major migration corridors while helping to keep agricultural lands in production.

Learn more about conservation area . It does not allow government or public access to private lands or limit public access to public or private lands and waters. The Service does not anticipate that designation of critical habitat for the southwest Alaska DPS of the northern sea otter will result in any closure of commercial fishing in southwest Alaska. Sea otters eat primarily benthic (bottom-dwelling) invertebrates; for example, in the Aleutians their diet consists mostly of sea urchins, crabs, octopus, and some bottom fishes. Because of their dependence on benthic prey items, sea otters spend the vast majority of their time in shallow water, typically close to the shore, and this preference is reflected in those areas proposed for critical habitat designation. The Service recently worked with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to analyze that agency’s commercial fishing database. The results indicated that the species which otters most often prey upon have little or no commercial interest. In addition, the areas proposed as critical habitat, as described above, are not areas where significant commercial fishing occurs. The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

- FWS-