[Coral-List] NOAA Fisheries proposes to designate critical habitat for five threatened coral species in the Indo-Pacific region

[Lance Smith]

NOAA fisheries is proposing to designate critical habitat for five
threatened coral species in accordance with the Endangered Species Act
(ESA). The ESA requires the agency to designate critical habitat to the
maximum extent prudent and determinable for all ESA species that occur
within U.S. jurisdiction. In 2014, we listed 15 Indo-Pacific reef-building
coral species as threatened under the ESA, which triggered the requirement
to also designate critical habitat. On November 27, 2020, we proposed
critical habitat for the seven listed Indo-Pacific species that were
thought to occur in U.S. waters (*Acropora globiceps, Acropora
jacquelineae, Acropora retusa, Acropora speciosa, Euphyllia paradivisa,
Isopora crateriformis, *and* Seriatopora aculeata*) (85 FR 76262). Based on
public comments and new information, substantial revision of the proposed
rule was needed. Therefore, we are withdrawing the 2020 proposed rule and
publishing a new proposed rule.

The new proposed critical habitats are for five threatened corals: *Acropora
globiceps, Acropora retusa, Acropora speciosa, Euphyllia paradivisa
*and* Isopora
crateriformis*. The proposed designations include 16 island units: 4 in
American Samoa (Tutuila, Ofu-Olosega, Ta`u, Rose Atoll); 1 in Guam; 8 in
CNMI (Rota, Aguijan, Tinian, Saipan, Alamagan, Pagan, Maug Islands,
Uracas); 2 in PRIA (Palmyra and Johnston Atolls); and 1 in Hawaiʻi
(Lalo/French Frigate Shoals). Between one and five listed coral species
occur in each island unit.

Critical habitat is proposed around islands within four Marine National
Monuments, including Rose Atoll in Rose Atoll Marine National Monument, the
Maug Islands and Uracas in Marianas Trench Marine National Monument,
Palmyra and Johnston Atolls in Pacific Remote Islands Marine National
Monument, and Lalo/French Frigate Shoals in Papahānaumokuākea Marine
National Monument.

The major changes in the new proposed rule are:

   1. Development of a methodology for using records of listed coral
   species to determine the occupied areas for critical habitat, the
   implementation of which led to changes #2-4;
   2. Removal of *Acropora jacquelineae *and* Seriatopora aculeata* from
   consideration, reducing the number of species for which critical habitat is
   being proposed from 7 to 5 species (Acropora globiceps, Acropora retusa,
   Acropora speciosa, Euphyllia paradivisa and Isopora crateriformis);
   3. Reduction in the number of proposed critical habitat units from 17 to
   16, including the elimination of 4 units from the 2020 proposed rule and
   addition of 3 new units, including 2 in CNMI and 1 in Hawaiʻi;
   4. Reductions in the depth ranges of all Guam and CNMI units;
   5. Within each unit, more precise delineation of proposed critical
   habitat; and
   6. Denial of the Navy’s request for exclusion from coral critical
   habitat of the Ritidian Point Surface Danger Zone complex on Guam.

Critical habitat designations primarily affect federal projects and
activities that are federally permitted or funded. They do not typically
directly affect people engaged in recreational activities, such as
recreational boating and fishing. The destruction or adverse modification
of critical habitat is evaluated during ESA Section 7 consultations between
federal agencies and NOAA Fisheries. Federal agencies already consult with
NOAA Fisheries for actions that may affect threatened corals and would
reinitiate consultations for actions that may affect critical habitat. The
designation of critical habitat does not impact actions without a federal
nexus.

We are announcing a 90-day public comment period and several public
hearings. This is a proposed rule, and all comments will be considered
before finalizing the critical habitat designation. Public comments will be
accepted through February 28, 2024.

More information on the proposed rule is available on our website
<https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/proposed-rule-designate-critical-habitat-indo-pacific-corals>.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at
lance.smith at noaa.gov. Thank you, Lance

-- 
Lance Smith, Ph.D.
Protected Resources Division
Pacific Islands Regional Office
NOAA Fisheries | U.S. Department of Commerce

Office: (808) 725‐5131