{"abstract":"We, NMFS, issue a final determination to list the Beringia and Okhotsk distinct populations segments (DPSs) of the Erignathus barbatus nauticus subspecies of the bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We will propose to designate critical habitat for the Beringia DPS in a future rulemaking. To assist us with this effort, we solicit information that may be relevant to the designation of critical habitat for the Beringia DPS. In light of public comments and upon further review, we are withdrawing the proposed ESA section 4(d) protective regulations for the Beringia and Okhotsk DPSs because we have determined that such regulations are not necessary or advisable for the conservation of the Beringia and Okhotsk DPSs at this time. Given their current population sizes, the long-term nature of the primary threat to these DPSs (habitat alteration stemming from climate change), and the existing protections under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is unlikely that the proposed protective regulations would provide appreciable conservation benefits.","action":"Final rule.","agencies":[{"raw_name":"DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE","name":"Commerce Department","id":54,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/commerce-department","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/54","parent_id":null,"slug":"commerce-department"},{"raw_name":"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration","name":"National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration","id":361,"url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/agencies/national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration","json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/agencies/361","parent_id":54,"slug":"national-oceanic-and-atmospheric-administration"}],"body_html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/full_text/html/2012/12/28/2012-31068.html","cfr_references":[{"chapter":null,"citation_url":null,"part":223,"title":50}],"citation":"77 FR 76740","comment_url":null,"comments_close_on":null,"correction_of":null,"corrections":[],"dates":"This final rule is effective on February 26, 2013. Replies to the request for information regarding designation of critical habitat for the Beringia DPS must be received by February 26, 2013.","disposition_notes":null,"docket_ids":["Docket No. 101126591-2477-03"],"dockets":[],"document_number":"2012-31068","effective_on":"2013-02-26","end_page":76768,"executive_order_notes":null,"executive_order_number":null,"explanation":null,"full_text_xml_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/full_text/xml/2012/12/28/2012-31068.xml","html_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2012/12/28/2012-31068/endangered-and-threatened-species-threatened-status-for-the-beringia-and-okhotsk-distinct-population","images":{},"images_metadata":{},"json_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/api/v1/documents/2012-31068?publication_date=2012-12-28","mods_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/metadata/granule/FR-2012-12-28/2012-31068/mods.xml","not_received_for_publication":null,"page_length":29,"page_views":{"count":1415,"last_updated":"2026-04-22 16:15:04 -0400"},"pdf_url":"https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2012-12-28/pdf/2012-31068.pdf","presidential_document_number":null,"proclamation_number":null,"public_inspection_pdf_url":"https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2012-31068.pdf?1356128120","publication_date":"2012-12-28","raw_text_url":"https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/full_text/text/2012/12/28/2012-31068.txt","regulation_id_number_info":{"0648-XZ58":null},"regulation_id_numbers":["0648-XZ58"],"regulations_dot_gov_info":{"supporting_documents":[{"title":"March 2012 Report on Special Independent Peer Review of the Bearded Seal (Erignathus barbatus)  Status Review Report","document_id":"NOAA-NMFS-2010-0259-0069"}],"comments_url":"https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?rpp=50&so=DESC&sb=postedDate&po=0&dct=PS&D=NOAA-NMFS-2010-0259","supporting_documents_count":1,"docket_id":"NOAA-NMFS-2010-0259","regulation_id_number":"0648-XZ58","title":"Endangered and Threatened Species; Proposed Threatened and Not Warranted Status for Subspecies and Distinct Population Segments of the Bearded Seal","checked_regulationsdotgov_at":"2013-02-10T05:08:39Z"},"regulations_dot_gov_url":null,"significant":null,"signing_date":null,"start_page":76740,"subtype":null,"title":"Endangered and Threatened Species; Threatened Status for the Beringia and Okhotsk Distinct Population Segments of the Erignathus barbatus nauticus Subspecies of the Bearded Seal","toc_doc":"Threatened Status for Beringia and Okhotsk Distinct Population Segments of Erignathus barbatus nauticus Subspecies of Bearded Seal","toc_subject":"Endangered and Threatened Species:","topics":["Endangered and threatened species","Exports","Imports","Transportation"],"type":"Rule","volume":77}