Peer Review Plans

Title and Description:
Critical Habitat Designation for the U.S. Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Smalltooth Sawfish under the Endangered Species Act
The analysis of critical habitat for the U.S. DPS of smalltooth sawfish will consist of a report describing the habitat needs of the species. This report will contain a biological assessment of smalltooth sawfish natural history and habitat use to support a proposed critical habitat designation for the species. The economic analysis will consists of a report describing the potential economic benefits and impacts of designating critical habitat for the species. The report will describe the types and possible extent of impacts stemming from restrictions on economic activities from enforcement of section 7 of the Endangered Species Act for the critical habitat designation of smalltooth sawfish.

ID:  101 Info. Type:  ISI
Estimated Dissemination Date:  6/30/2008  Actual: 12/1/08
Contact Person:  Rebecca Rootes   NOAA Locator

Date First Posted in Peer Review Agenda:  1/2/2008

Estimated Peer Review Start Date: 7/15/2008
Review type:  individual letters
Expected number of peer reviewers: 3 or fewer
Peer reviewers will be selected by:  the agency

Will the public, including scientific or professional societies, be asked to nominate potential peer reviewers?  yes

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

How?  A proposed rule will be published and a public comment period provided prior to publication of the final rule.

When?  Approximately 60 days prior to publication of the final rule. The report will not be disseminated for formal public comment until after the peer review has been conducted.

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:  Biology, ecology, distribution, habitat needs and use patterns, biology of smalltooth sawfish, economics, analysis of regulatory impacts.

Comments on Peer Review:

Charge statement: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/SmalltoothSawfish.htm
Peer review report: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/SmalltoothSawfish.htm
Work product: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/esa.htm