2019 Alaska Pinniped Research Program - 0 views
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MiamiOH OARS on 19 Dec 18The National Marine Fisheries Service (hereinafter, "NMFS") is responsible for the stewardship, conservation, and management of pinniped species in Alaska, including the Steller sea lion, northern fur seal, ringed seal, bearded seal, spotted seal, ribbon seal, and harbor seal. Three of these pinnipeds are listed under the Endangered Species Act: the endangered western Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Steller sea lions, the threatened Arctic subspecies of ringed seals, and the threatened Beringia DPS of bearded seals. NMFS has the responsibility to foster the recovery of these ESA-listed species and research is necessary to support our recovery programs for these species. Pinniped species or populations in Alaska are listed as strategic stocks under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and/or are important as a subsistence resource to Alaska Natives and co-managed by NMFS and Alaska Native partners. Research is also an important component to successful co-management of these animals.