NMFS Re-Opens Public Comment Period for Deep-Sea Coral and Sponge Habitat Rulemaking Petition

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is reopening the public comment period for a rulemaking petition to protect deep-sea coral and sponge habitats in the United States, following a petition from Oceana, a non-governmental organization, and a previous public comment period that closed in 2004. The re-opening of the comment period aims to ensure thorough public input on the proposed rule.