[Coral-List] PROPOSED Rule for Elkhorn & Staghorn Corals

[Sarah Heberling]

Greetings, and apologies for cross/multiple postings of the following 
announcement.

NOAA Fisheries Service is seeking public comments on a proposed rule to 
further protect elkhorn and staghorn corals, which we listed as 
threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on May 9, 2006.  This 
proposed rule, called a 4(d) rule (after section 4(d) of the ESA), 
details prohibitions necessary to provide for the conservation of these 
two coral species.  Specifically, the proposed 4(d) rule would prohibit 
import, export, take, and all commercial activities involving either of 
these threatened species. 

The public comment period for this proposed rule ends on March 13th, 
2008.  Please find the /Federal Register/ notice for the proposed rule, 
supporting documents, and Frequently Asked Questions on our website at: 
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/esa/acropora.htm.  A press release is 
forthcoming.  If you would like a copy of any of the previously listed 
documents emailed, mailed, or faxed to you, please contact me with your 
request (see contact information below).  Additionally, if you have any 
questions, do not hesitate to contact me.  Your participation in the 
public comment process is strongly encouraged.  Instructions for 
providing comments on this action are included in the /Federal Register/ 
notice.

Thank you,
Sarah E. Heberling
Natural Resource Specialist
***
Protected Resources Division
NOAA Fisheries Service
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
***
Phone: (727) 824-5312
Fax: (727) 824-5309
Email: Sarah.Heberling at noaa.gov
Web: http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/esa/acropora.htm