[env-trinity] FWS to consider uplisting delta smelt, FWS Press Release, 7.9.08

[Byron]

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office
News Release
Fish and Wildlife Service to Consider Uplisting Delta Smelt
Service seeks useful information for analysis during 60-day comment period
July 9, 2008

Contacts:

Al Donner, (916) 414-6566
al_donner at fws.gov

Q&A-Questions and Answers

Federal Register Notice Reading Room draft copy (PDF 54KB) (Check here on
7/10/2008 for a link to the official notice.)

As the first step in a process that could change the listing category of the
delta smelt from "threatened" to "endangered," the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service) today asked for submittal of all relevant information
about the delta smelt.

The request is contained in a Service 90-day finding that a petition to
upgrade the listing contains substantial information that current threats to
the delta smelt may be greater than in 1993 when the smelt received
protection as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act
(ESA). The notice opens a 60-day comment period, which ends Sept .8. During
that period, as specified by the ESA, the Service encourages all parties to
submit relevant scientific or commercial information about the species to
help the Service complete the best analysis possible of the small fish.

The 90-day finding, the first step in the process of providing protection
for a species under ESA, is based on information in the petition about
habitat loss, water diversions, inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms
and low population size. Recent surveys have shown a substantial decline in
delta smelt abundance from 2002 through 2007, indicating that the threats
may be of higher magnitude or imminence than was thought at the time of
listing.

The finding comes at a particularly busy time in the regulatory effort to
assist the small species, but is unrelated to those other activities. One is
a federal court order last December for protective actions to help reduce
the killing of delta smelt at two major water export pumps in the South
Delta. The court also ordered the Service to complete a new biological
opinion, in effect a permit, for the pumps by Sept. 15. Other efforts under
way to improve the Delta ecosystem include the Delta Vision Plan, the
Ecosystem Restoration Plan, CalFed, a Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP),
proposals for hatcheries to breed more delta smelt, and a research effort
into the causes of the decline in delta smelt and other species.

"Endangered" is the term in the ESA for a species which is in danger of
extinction, while "threatened" means a species that is likely to become
endangered within the foreseeable future.

A change in listing category for the delta smelt would not by itself trigger
any immediate actions on behalf of the species. While both categories
protect species from unauthorized destruction (take), endangered status also
prohibits issuing permits for incidental take in some situations that can be
allowed for threatened species.

The public is encouraged to submit any scientific or commercial information
that will help it conduct a complete evaluation and determine the correct
classification of the species. Information may be submitted in two ways,
either through www.regulations.gov or by mail to: Public Comments
Processing, Attn: FWS-R8-2008-0067; Division of Policy and Directives
Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, suite
222; Arlington, VA 22203. General statements of support or opposition may be
submitted, but are not part of the informational analysis.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to
conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for
the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and
trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific
excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated
professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our
work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Sacramento Fish & Wildlife Office
www.fws.gov/sacramento
2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 414-6600

Last updated: July 9, 2008

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