Listing Endangered and Threatened Species: Completion of a Review of the Status of the Oregon Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit of Coho Salmon; Proposal to Promulgate Rule Classifying Species as Threatened

Resumen

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), propose to affirm the Endangered Species Act (ESA) status for the Oregon Coast (OC) Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) by promulgating a rule that will supersede our February 11, 2008, listing determination for this ESU. This proposal will also serve as our announcement of the outcome of a new review of the status of this ESU and request for public comment on the proposal to promulgate the OC coho salmon ESU listing determination. On February 11, 2008, we listed the OC coho salmon ESU as threatened, designated critical habitat, and issued final protective regulations under section the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (February 11, 2008). The ESA listing status of the OC coho salmon ESU has been controversial and has attracted litigation in the past. This listing determination is the result of a settlement agreement. This new listing determination will supersede our February 11, 2008, listing determination for this ESU. Our February 11, 2008, determination establishing protective regulations under the ESA and designating critical habitat for this ESU will remain in effect.