Federal agencies seek science about right whale, orangutan

The National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have each begun a five-year review of species currently listed as federally endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Each agency has submitted a request for information to collect the best scientific and commercial data available with which to conduct these reviews and determine if continued listing of these species is warranted. TWS members and other wildlife professionals have an opportunity to provide scientific data that will help determine the appropriate Endangered Species Act listing of two species.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is reviewing the status of the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), and requests that information be submitted by Oct. 27, 2016. The right whale has been listed due to threats such as ship collisions and entanglement in fishing gear.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has begun a review for the orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), and information should be submitted to USFWS no later than Sept. 30, 2016. The orangutan has been listed primarily due to habitat loss and illegal hunting.

TWS supports efforts by NMFS, USFWS, and other agencies to include sound science in decisions affecting wildlife conservation.