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DOC/NOAA

RIN: 0648-BB41

Publication ID: Fall 2011

Title: ●12-Month Finding on Petitions To Remove the Eastern Distinct Population Segment of the Steller Sea Lion From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; De-list
Abstract: We, NMFS, have completed a comprehensive status review of the eastern DPS of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Based on the findings from the status review and consideration of the factors affecting this species, we have concluded the eastern DPS, as currently identified, meets the definition of a DPS under the ESA. Based on consideration of information presented in the status review, an assessment of the factors in section 4 (a)(1) of the ESA, and efforts being made to protect the species, we have determined that this DPS is not in danger of extinction or likely to become endangered throughout all or a significant portion of its range in the foreseeable future. Thus, it no longer meets the definition of threatened under the ESA. It has met the objective, measurable recovery criteria established for this DPS in the 2008 Recovery Plan. We conclude that the eastern DPS of Steller sea lion should be removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife because (reason given as per 50 CFR 424.11) it has met the recovery criteria established in the Recovery Plan (NMFS 2008a); that is, it has recovered. Thus, we find that the action requested by the petitioners in the two petitions, that this species be de-listed, is warranted. Accordingly, we are now issuing a proposed rule to remove the eastern DPS of Steller sea lion from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We solicit comments on this proposed action. At this time, we do not propose to modify the current designation of critical habitat for the Steller sea lion until we have an opportunity evaluate potential effects of such modification on the western DPS of Steller sea lion.
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)	Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant
RIN Status: First time published in the Unified Agenda	Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage
Major: No	Unfunded Mandates: No
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 223 50 CFR 227 50 CFR 424
Legal Authority: 16 USC 1531 et seq

Legal Deadline:

Action	Source	Description	Date
Final	Statutory	Statutory Final	08/31/2011

Timetable:

Action	Date	FR Cite
NPRM	12/00/2011

Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No	Government Levels Affected: None
Small Entities Affected: No	Federalism: No
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No
Agency Contact: James Balsiger Regional Administrator, Alaska Region Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 709 West Ninth Street, Juneau, AK 99801 Phone:907 586-7221 Email: jim.balsiger@noaa.gov