Peer Review Plans

Title and Description:
Status Review Report for the Loggerhead Sea Turtle
The review responds to the recommendation in the 2007 Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) 5-Year Review: Summary and Evaluation (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/species/loggerhead_5yearreview.pdf) to fully assemble and analyze all relevant information in accordance with the distinct population segment policy (DPS). We stated new information indicated a possible separation of populations by ocean basins; however, a more in-depth analysis was needed to determine the application of the DPS policy. The review also responds to two petitions. On July 16, 2007, NMFS and FWS received a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and Turtle Island Restoration Network, requesting that the loggerhead in the North Pacific be reclassified as a DPS with endangered status and that critical habitat be designated. On November 16, 2007, NMFS and FWS received a petition from CBD and Oceana requesting that loggerhead turtles in the western North Atlantic Ocean be reclassified as a DPS with endangered status and that critical habitat be designated.

NMFS and FWS determined that the July 16, 2007, North Pacific petition and the November 16, 2007, North Atlantic petition presented substantial information that the petitioned actions may be warranted and published the findings in the Federal Register (72 FR 64585, November 16, 2007; 73 FR 11849, March 5, 2008).

ID:  126 Info. Type:  ISI
Estimated Dissemination Date:  7/16/2009
Contact Person:  Rebecca Rootes NOAA Locator

Date First Posted in Peer Review Agenda: 6/16/2008

Estimated Peer Review Start Date: 5/29/2009
Review type: individual letters
Expected number of peer reviewers: 4-10
Peer reviewers will be selected by:  the agency

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?  no

How? 

When? 

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: 
(1) genetics related to sea turtle population structure; (2) ecology, behavior, and biology of sea turtles; (3) Endangered Species Act policy and regulations

Comments on Peer Review: