Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews for Endangered and Threatened Species
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is initiating a 5-year status review for three species: the Eskimo curlew, the spectacled eider, and the Southwest Alaska distinct population segment of the northern sea otter. This review is part of the Endangered Species Act requirements to ensure that the status of listed species is accurate based on the latest scientific and commercial data. The agency is requesting new information about these species, particularly regarding their populations, threats, and recovery challenges since their last reviews.
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Key Changes
- Initiation of 5-year status reviews for specific endangered and threatened species
- Request for new information from the public regarding species status
- Focus on gathering data that may indicate the current existence of the Eskimo curlew
Obligations
What this law requires
Submit new information on Eskimo curlew, spectacled eider, and Southwest Alaska northern sea otter population status, threats, and recovery by June 8, 2026, 11:59 p.m. eastern time
Submit comments using only authorized methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal (https://www.regulations.gov with docket number FWS-R7-ES-2026-0991) or U.S. mail to Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS-R7-ES-2026-0991, Policy and Regulations Branch, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB (JAO/3W), 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803
Include docket number FWS-R7-ES-2026-0991 in all submissions
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must conduct 5-year status reviews for Eskimo curlew (Endangered), spectacled eider (Threatened), and Southwest Alaska northern sea otter distinct population segment (Threatened) as required by ESA Section 4(c)(2)(A)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service must publish Federal Register notice announcing each listed species is under active review in accordance with 50 CFR 424.21