[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 26 (Tuesday, February 8, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6221-6222]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-2764]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Notice of Availability of a Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the 
Southern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) for Review and Comment

AGENCY:  Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:  Notice of document availability.

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SUMMARY:  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the 
availability of a draft revision of the southern sea otter recovery 
plan for public review. This species occurs along the central coast of 
California, from Half Moon Bay south to Gaviota. The Service solicits 
review and comment from the public on this draft revised plan.

[[Page 6222]]


DATE:  Comments on the draft revised recovery plan must be received on 
or before April 10, 2000 to receive consideration by the Service.

ADDRESSES:  Persons wishing to review the draft revised recovery plan 
may obtain a copy by written request addressed to the Field Supervisor, 
Ventura Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2493 Portola 
Road, Suite B, Ventura, California 93003. Written comments and 
materials regarding the plan should be addressed to Mr. Carl Benz at 
the above Ventura, California address. Comments and materials received 
are available upon request for public inspection, by appointment, 
during normal business hours at the above Ventura address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Mr. Carl Benz at the above Ventura 
address (telephone 805-644-1766).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The southern (California) sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) was 
listed as threatened in 1977 under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
as amended. It is also recognized as a depleted population pursuant to 
the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Reduced range and population size, 
vulnerability to oil spills, and the oil spill risk from coastal tanker 
traffic were the primary reasons for the threatened status. The 
southern sea otter population contains about 2,000 individuals and 
ranges between Half Moon Bay south to Gaviota, California. 
Approximately 20 otters, including pups, are at San Nicolas Island as a 
result of translocation efforts to establish an experimental 
population. After review of new biological information, the Service, 
with assistance of the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Team, drafted for 
public review and comment a revised recovery plan in 1991. A second 
revision was drafted for public review in 1996. After review of public 
comments on those drafts, and review of new technical information 
regarding oil spill risk to southern sea otters, the Service, with 
assistance of the Southern Sea Otter Recovery Team and technical 
consultants, has drafted for public review and comment a new draft 
revised recovery plan.

Public Comments Solicited

    The Service solicits written comments on the recovery plan 
described. All comments received by the date specified above will be 
considered prior to approval of the plan.

Authority

    The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered 
Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f).

    Dated: February 2, 2000.
Elizabeth H. Stevens,
Acting Manager, California/Nevada Operations Office, Region 1, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 00-2764 Filed 2-7-00; 8:45 am]
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