Peer Review Plans

Title and Description:
Proposed Critical Habitat Designation for the Southern Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the North American Green Sturgeon
The draft critical habitat designation for the Southern DPS of green sturgeon is based upon drafts of a Critical Habitat Analytical Review Team (CHART) Report, an ESA 4(b)2 Report, an Economic Impact Report, and a Regulatory Flexibility Report. These reports provide the basis for determining what areas should be considered for critical habitat designation under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

ID:  109 Info. Type:  ISI
Estimated Dissemination Date: 6/30/09
Contact Person: Rebecca Rootes NOAA Locator

Date First Posted in Peer Review Agenda:  5/6/2008

Estimated Peer Review Start Date:  8/15/2008
Review type:  individual letters
Expected number of peer reviewers:  3 or fewer
Peer reviewers will be selected by:  the agency and an outside organization (Industrial Economics)

Will the public, including scientific or professional societies, be asked to nominate potential peer reviewers?  no

Will there be opportunities for the public to comment on the work product to be peer reviewed?  yes

How?  A proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Southern DPS of green sturgeon under the ESA will be published and a public comment period provided prior to publication of the final rule. The CHART Report, ESA 4(b)2 Report, draft Economic Impact Report, and draft Regulatory Flexibility Report will be released for public comment concurrent with publication of the proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Southern DPS under the ESA.

When?  Public comments must be received within 60 days after publication of the proposed rule in the Federal Register.

Will the agency provide significant and relevant public comments to the peer reviewers before they conduct their review?  no

Primary disciplines or expertise needed in the review:  Economists, Federal water operations/districts in the Central Valley of California, sturgeon policy and management, fisheries biologists

Comments on Peer Review:
Reviewers will be selected by both the agency and a designated outside organization (Industrial Economics).
Charge statements: ID109_Request_Biologists.doc and ID109_Request_Economists.doc