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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BL82 Publication ID: Fall 2023 
Title: Designation of Marine Critical Habitat for Six Distinct Population Segments of Green Sea Turtles Under the Endangered Species Act 
Abstract:

In 2012, NMFS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS; collectively, the Services) were petitioned to identify and list distinct population segments (DPSs) of green sea turtles under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1533). In 2016, the Services listed six DPSs of green sea turtles occurring in U.S. waters, which triggered the requirement, under ESA section 4, to designate critical habitat to the maximum extent prudent and determinable for those DPSs. The Services did not do so within the statutory deadline, and subsequently entered into a settlement agreement to submit to the Office of the Federal Register for publication a proposed determination concerning the designation of critical habitat for the six DPSs by June 30, 2023. The rule would propose to designate critical habitat containing reproductive, migratory, foraging and resting features in waters from 0 to 20 m depth. The economic impact will affect Federal agencies, who are required under section 7 of the ESA to consult with the Services on their actions that may affect listed species and designated critical habitat. NMFS is working with the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to review potential national security impacts. Regarding Broadening Public Participation and Community Engagement in the Regulatory Process, we are providing six (3 virtual, 3 in-person) public hearings. We will have Spanish at 2 virtual public hearings. Samoan, Chamorro, or Carolinian cultural liaisons are providing facilitation and translation at the 3 in-person public hearings. This is part of a pilot project meant to address requests made during the public comment period for NMFS' Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy.

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 226   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533   
Legal Deadline:
Action Source Description Date
NPRM  Judicial  Court ordered deadline to submit to the Office of the Federal Register for publication a proposed determination.  06/30/2023 
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  07/19/2023  88 FR 46572   
NPRM Comment Period End  10/17/2023 
Final Action  07/00/2024 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: Yes 
Agency Contact:
Kim Damon-Randall
Director, Office of Protected Resources
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1315 East-West Highway,
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone:301 427-8400
Email: kimberly.damon-randall@noaa.gov