NOAA Fisheries has put forth a revised rule to designate critical habitat for five endangered reef-building coral species in the Pacific Islands region. This updated proposal builds upon the 2020 initiative for Indo-Pacific coral species under the Endangered Species Act, incorporating new data and insights from the community.
Assistant Regional Administrator for NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office, Dawn Golden, emphasized the pivotal role played by Pacific coral reefs in shoreline protection, economic support, and biodiversity. Despite facing challenges such as rising temperatures and pollution, the designation of critical habitat aims to mitigate these threats and foster coral resilience.
Under the proposed rule, NOAA Fisheries aims to identify areas crucial for the reproduction, dispersal, settlement, and maturation of Acropora globiceps, A. retusa, A. speciosa, Euphyllia paradivisa, and Isopora crateriformis. The designated locations include waters around 16 islands and atolls across the Pacific Islands region.
The proposed critical habitat spans various regions, including American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and the Pacific Remote Islands Area. The depth range varies based on the occurrence of specific coral species, ranging from 0 to 10 meters to 0 to 50 meters.
Importantly, if finalized, this designation will not impose new regulations or restrictions on fisheries. While federal agencies will be directly impacted, non-federal entities may be affected if their activities involve federal funding, permitting, or authorization.
Dawn Golden expressed gratitude for the engagement and feedback from territories and local communities, acknowledging their instrumental role in refining the proposed rule. The adjustments include the removal of two species and four islands from consideration, the addition of three islands, and more specific mapping of critical habitat.
This proposed rule marks a significant step toward safeguarding the future of threatened coral species in the Pacific Islands, highlighting the collaborative efforts between NOAA Fisheries and local communities.
