Service Designates Critical Habitat for Threatened Population of Sea Otters
 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the designation of critical habitat for the southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment of the northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. In December 2008, we proposed designating approximately 5,900 square miles of nearshore, marine waters as critical habitat for this threatened population of sea otters. An economic analysis indicated that designation of critical habitat would not result in a large economic impact to residents of southwest Alaska. After consideration of the economic analysis, public comments submitted in writing and at one public hearing, the final designation is essentially unchanged from what we originally proposed.
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Trampling Likely Cause of Icy Cape Walrus Deaths
 Trampling by other walruses was the most likely cause of death of 131 walruses carcasses found on the shore near Icy Cape, Alaska, according to an investigative team. The carcasses, the majority of which were young animals, were discovered along the beach above the high-tide line on Sept. 14 by a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) survey crew in the area.
In response to the discovery, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service put together a team comprised of representatives from USFWS, USGS, the Alaska SeaLife Center and the North Slope Borough to determine the extent and cause of the die-off. The National Marine Fisheries Service provided additional financial and technical support, with hunters from Barrow and Wainwright also assisting in the investigation. More... |
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Protection of Pacific Walrus Under the Endangered Species Act
May Be Warranted, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Finds
 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that a petition to protect the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) under the Endangered Species Act presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that adding the species to the federal list of threatened and endangered species may be warranted. This preliminary finding is based, in part, upon projected changes in sea ice habitats associated with climate change.
As a result, the Service is initiating a more detailed status review to determine if listing the species is warranted and opening a 60-day public comment period in order to give all interested parties an opportunity to provide information on the status of the Pacific walrus throughout its range. The 60-day public comment period will close November 9, 2009.
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Video Game Takes Kids Outside
 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is launching a new online video game aimed to encourage kids to go outside and learn about the environment. Designed for children ages 8 to 11 years old, Neighborhood Explorers is accessed through the Service’s Let’s Go Outside! website at http://www.fws.gov/letsgooutside/.
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Mike Boylan Receives Meritorious Service Award
On August 14, Assistant Secretary for Fish Wildlife and Parks Thomas L. Strickland presented Region 7 Refuge Supervisor Michael Boylan
with the Meritorious Service Award of the Department of the Interior. The Meritorious Service Award is the second highest Departmental award that
can be given to a career employee. The presentation took place at the conclusion of a Regional all-employee gathering marking the Assistant
Secretary’s first official visit to Alaska.
Learn More (pdf)
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Wildlife Refuge Land Exchange
 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it has published a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed three-party land exchange that would allow a road to be constructed between the communities of King Cove and Cold Bay. The exchange would add 56,393 acres to the Izembek and Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuges, designate 43,000 acres as wilderness, transfer 1,600 acres of refuge lands on Sitkinak Island to the State, and create a 206-acre, 9-mile corridor through Izembek Refuge upon which the road would be constructed.
Learn More (pdf)
Federal Register Notice (pdf)
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No Rats Found, Lab Results on Six Bird Tests Received
 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received laboratory results on an initial group of bird carcasses collected on Rat Island in late May and Early April. Examination of the livers of two bald eagles, two glaucous winged gulls, one peregrine falcon, and one rock sandpiper all tested positive for the rodenticide brodifacoum. We are in the process of analyzing all of the viable bird remains and tissue samples collected, in order to more fully understand the cause of mortalities and more effectively plan future operations in the Aleutians. Results will be released when they are available. In addition, soil and water samples were collected, and will be analyzed to more fully understand the potential movement of the rodenticide into, and degradation from, the ecosystem. More...
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Last updated: October 9, 2009
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