NOAA: Public Input Desired for Threatened Seals Listing

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service is holding more public hearings on their proposal to list four subspecies of ringed seals and two populations of bearded seals as threatened.

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By KTVA CBS 11
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Story Created: Mar 6, 2011 at 9:35 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Mar 7, 2011 at 5:34 PM AKDT

The National Marine Fisheries Service with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is asking for your opinion on whether to list some types of ringed and bearded seals as threatened.

NOAA published a proposal to list four subspecies of ringed seals and two distinct populations of bearded seals as threatened back in December but extended the public comment period another 45 days.
 
A NOAA spokesperson says public input does matter when it comes to Endangered Species Act proposals. "It really does,” said Julie Speegle, public affairs officer for the NOAA Alaska region. “Each and every public comment that we receive is carefully considered and factored in when we weigh the various facets of each decision so we definitely value and care about the public opinions. After all, we do work for the public."
 
In Anchorage, a public hearing will be held at the lower level of the Egan Center on March 7, between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. There will also be a hearing in Barrow on March 22; a hearing in Nome will be announced.

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