Proposed Rules. Proposed rule; extension of public comment period

Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce
Action: Proposed rule; extension of public comment period
Citation: FR Doc. 2011-2753 · RIN 0648-XZ58 · 50 CFR 223

Summary

We, NMFS, are extending the date by which public comments are due concerning the proposed rule to list the Beringia and Okhotsk Distinct Population Segments (DPSs) of the bearded seal ( Erignathus barbatus ) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). On December 10, 2010, we published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to list these DPSs as threatened. As part of that proposal, we announced a public comment period to end on February 8, 2011. Today we extend the public comment period to March 25, 2011.

Dates

The deadline for receipt of comments on the proposed rule published on December 10, 2010 (75 FR 77496), is extended from February 8, 2011, to March 25, 2011.

Supplementary Information

Background On December 10, 2010 (75 FR 77496), we published a proposed rule to list the Beringia and Okhotsk DPSs of the bearded seal as threatened under the ESA. Based on the status of these DPSs, we also proposed protective regulations pursuant to section 4(d) of the ESA for these DPSs to include all of the prohibitions in section 9(a)(1) of the ESA. We received requests to extend the public comment period on the proposed rule due to partial overlap of the comment period with the holiday season, and also because the comment period is scheduled concurrently with the comment period for the proposed listing of subspecies of the ringed seal ( Phoca hispida ) (75 FR 77476). Three requesters asked for an additional 30 days; and one requester asked for an additional 60 days. We have considered these requests and conclude that a 45-day extension should allow sufficient time for responders to submit comments without significantly delaying this rulemaking process. We are therefore extending the public comment period, which was scheduled to end February 8, 2011, to March 25, 2011, to allow additional time for public comment. A 45-day extension of the public comment period on the proposed rule to list subspecies of the ringed seal is published concurrently as a separate notice. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1533 et seq. Dated: January 31, 2011. James H. Lecky, Director, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2011-2753 Filed 2-7-11; 8:45 am]