Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5- Year Status Reviews for the Eskimo Curlew, Spectacled Eider, and Southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment of the Northern Sea Otter

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is providing information and literature for the 5-year status review of the Spectacled Eider. They suggest evaluating whether continued ESA listing is warranted based on global population size and request the inclusion of specific recent research and data.

The Center for Biological Diversity submitted comments on behalf of the organization to support the 5-Year Status Review for the Spectacled Eider. They argue that the species is facing significant population declines and increased threats from climate change, habitat loss, and disease, necessitating continued protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) submitted scientific data and analysis in response to the request for information regarding the 5-year status review of the Southwest Alaska distinct population segment of the northern sea otter. They argue that the species may be at a low-density equilibrium due to predation and suggest that the Fish and Wildlife Service should consider delisting the species if it is determined that they are no longer truly threatened with extinction.

Two researchers (Lauren Schmuck and Alex Berryman) are sharing the results of their scientific assessment regarding the extinction status of the Eskimo Curlew. They provide data from threats-based and records-and-surveys models to support a forthcoming recommendation to list the species as extinct.