Endangered and Threatened Species; Conservation of Threatened Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals

Resumen

We, NMFS, are proposing to issue protective regulations under of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for two species listed as threatened, the elkhorn coral and the staghorn coral. The proposed regulations would apply all the prohibitions enumerated in the ESA to these two coral species, with limited exceptions for two specified classes of activities that contribute to the conservation of the listed corals. In addition, we are announcing the availability of an environmental assessment (EA) that analyzes the impacts of promulgating these regulations. We are furnishing this notification to allow other agencies and the public an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed rule. All comments received will become part of the public record and will be available for review.