Murrelet ESA Listing Review: Public Comment Invited

Washington State Considers Continued Endangered Status for Marbled Murrelet

Olympia, WA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is currently seeking public feedback on a draft status review concerning the marbled murrelet. This review includes a recommendation to maintain the bird’s classification as an endangered species within the state.

The public comment period remains open until September 28,2025,providing an opportunity for citizens to voice their opinions on the future of this struggling seabird. The small seabird, known scientifically as Brachyramphus marmoratus, faces continued threats despite ongoing conservation efforts.

Population Decline Continues to Worry Officials

Jen Mannas, WDFW Marine Species Lead, stated that “despite efforts to conserve nesting habitat and reduce threats at sea, marbled murrelets continue to decline in Washington.”

She further emphasized that “with continued low reproductivity among a decreasing population, we recommend maintaining the species’ endangered classification while continuing to pursue conservation actions.”

How to Provide Your Input

The draft periodic status review for the marbled murrelet is readily available on WDFW’s website.

Members of the public are encouraged to submit their written comments either via email or by sending them to Taylor Cotten at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43141, olympia, WA 98504-3200.

Commission to Review Recommendation

Following the conclusion of the public comment period, WDFW staff will present the periodic status review and its recommendations to the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The commission is tentatively scheduled to purposeful on this matter in November 2025, marking a crucial step in determining the future conservation strategy for the marbled murrelet.

Marbled Murrelet: A Species in Peril

the marbled murrelet is a unique seabird that nests in old-growth forests and seeks sustenance in nearshore marine waters along the Pacific Coast.

Initially listed as threatened in Washington in 1993, it was later reclassified as endangered in 2016 due to persistent population declines. Current estimates place the population at approximately 4,400 birds, a meaningful drop from the estimated 7,500 in 2015.

Key Factors Impeding Recovery

Decades of habitat degradation, diminished food supplies, and escalating human disturbances have collectively hindered the recovery of marbled murrelet populations in Washington.

While both federal and state regulations have played a role in safeguarding nesting habitats, the species has yet to achieve WDFW’s established recovery benchmarks.

did You Know?

Marbled Murrelets can dive up to 100 feet deep to find food!

Urgent Action Needed to prevent Extinction

“Without effective action soon, Washington’s marbled murrelet population may become extinct in Washington in the coming decades,” warns Mannas.

she further asserts that “continued protection and expanded conservation efforts are essential to prevent that outcome.”

WDFW consistently evaluates data to inform status and classification recommendations for species categorized as endangered, threatened, or sensitive within Washington.Additional details can be found on WDFW’s At-Risk Species webpage.

WDFW’s Commitment

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while ensuring sustainable recreational and commercial opportunities.

What conservation measures do you think would be most effective for the marbled murrelet?

How can individuals contribute to the protection of endangered species in their daily lives?

Understanding the Marbled Murrelet’s Role in the Ecosystem

The marbled murrelet plays a vital role in the Pacific Northwest’s coastal ecosystem. As both a predator and prey species, its presence reflects the health and stability of the marine and forest environments.

Their diet primarily consists of small fish and invertebrates, helping to regulate populations within the food chain. In turn,they serve as a food source for larger predators,such as eagles and othre raptors.

Factors Contributing to Population Decline

Several factors contribute to the decline of the marbled murrelet population:

• Habitat Loss: Logging of old-growth forests reduces suitable nesting sites.
• Food Availability: Changes in ocean conditions impact the availability of their primary food sources.
• Predation: Increased predation by species like crows and jays, which thrive in human-altered landscapes.
• Oil spills: vulnerability to oil spills due to their presence in nearshore marine environments.

Conservation Efforts and Strategies

Various conservation strategies are in place to protect marbled murrelets and their habitats:

• Habitat Protection: Establishing protected areas for old-growth forests.
• Marine Conservation: Implementing measures to protect marine ecosystems and food sources.
• Predator Management: Managing predator populations in critical nesting areas.
• Oil Spill Prevention and Response: Enhancing oil spill prevention and response capabilities.

Threat	Impact	Mitigation Strategy
Habitat Loss	Reduced nesting sites	Protect old-growth forests
Food Scarcity	Decreased reproductive success	Marine conservation efforts
Predation	Increased mortality of chicks and eggs	Predator management programs

Frequently Asked Questions about the Marbled murrelet

1. Why is the Marbled Murrelet population declining in Washington State?
   The Marbled Murrelet population is declining primarily due to habitat loss from logging old-growth forests, declining food sources in marine environments, and increased human disturbance.
2. What is the current estimated population of Marbled Murrelets in Washington?
   As of 2023, the estimated population of Marbled Murrelets in Washington is approximately 4,400 birds, a significant decrease from the 7,500 estimated in 2015.
3. When was the Marbled Murrelet first listed as threatened, and then as endangered, in Washington?
   The Marbled Murrelet was initially listed as threatened in Washington in 1993 and was subsequently reclassified as endangered in 2016 due to continued population declines.
4. What specific conservation actions are being taken to protect the Marbled Murrelet?
   Conservation actions include protecting nesting habitat in old-growth forests, reducing threats at sea, and implementing state regulations to safeguard nesting areas.
5. How can the public participate in the conservation efforts for the Marbled Murrelet?
   The public can participate by submitting written comments on the draft periodic status review to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, supporting conservation organizations, and advocating for responsible forest management practices.
6. What will happen after the public comment period for the Marbled Murrelet status review ends?
   Following the public comment period, WDFW staff will brief the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on the periodic status review and recommendation.The Commission is tentatively scheduled to consider this topic in November 2025.

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marbled Murrelet ESA Listing Review: Public Comment Invited

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is conducting a comprehensive review of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing for the Marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), a small seabird inhabiting the coastal forests of North America. This review provides an chance for public input, and your comments are crucial in shaping the future of this vulnerable species. This article provides facts and guidance on how to participate in this important process, covering key aspects around the ESA listing review and focusing on what you need to know to make your voice heard.

Understanding the ESA and its Role in Murrelet Conservation

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a critical piece of legislation designed to protect endangered and threatened species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The Marbled Murrelet has been a focal point for conservation efforts for years due to habitat loss and various environmental threats. A review under the ESA could result in adjustments to the current protections, increased conservation measures, or, in rare cases, delisting. It’s therefore vital that stakeholders, including the public, actively engage in this review.

Why is the Marbled Murrelet Considered Vulnerable?

The Marbled murrelet faces a number of challenges, making its ESA listing essential:

• Habitat Loss: Destruction of old-growth forests, where they nest.
• Logging Practices: Ongoing timber harvesting impacting nesting sites.
• predation: Increasing threats from predators like ravens and owls.
• Climate Change effects: Potential impacts on food sources like fish.

How to Participate: Submitting Your Public Comment

The USFWS encourages public participation in the Marbled Murrelet ESA listing review. Your comments can provide valuable insights, data, and perspectives.Here’s a step-by-step guide to submitting your comment:

1. Find the Official Notice: Locate the Federal Register notice announcing the review. This is your gateway to official documentation.
2. Review the Relevant Documents: Study any supporting documents, reports, and scientific assessments related to the Murrelet.
3. Prepare Your Comments: Structure your comments clearly, providing specific details, supporting data, and citations where possible.
4. Submit Online or by Mail: The USFWS will provide instructions on how to submit your comments, usually through an online portal or by mail. Follow their instructions.
5. Respect the Deadline: Make sure your comments are submitted before the specified deadline. Late submissions might not be considered.

Remember, thorough and well-supported comments have a greater impact. USFWS is seeking information on various aspects regarding the Marbled Murrelet, including its population trends, threats, and on-going conservation efforts.

Key Elements to Include in Your Comments

To make your comments as effective as possible,consider including the following:

• Scientific Data: Provide credible scientific data or research findings.
• Personal Observations: Share any relevant firsthand observations of murrelets or their habitat.
• Expert Opinions: Include perspectives from biologists, ecologists, or other relevant experts.
• Policy Recommendations: Suggest specific policy changes or conservation measures.
• Citations: Document all sources you reference.

Benefits of Public Involvement and Why It Matters

your participation in the public comment phase of the Marbled murrelet ESA listing review offers multiple benefits:

Impact of Public Comments

Public comments can directly influence the decisions and actions taken by the USFWS. Relevant and well-supported comments are considered during the review to guide the decision-making process. Your insights assist in creating more effective conservation strategies and potentially lead to heightened conservation efforts for the Marbled Murrelet and its habit.

Fostering Awareness and Collaboration

The review also encourages greater awareness of the Marbled Murrelet’s plight and fosters collaboration among concerned groups. It can also facilitate vital conversations between biologists, policymakers, scientists, local communities, and conservation organizations, uniting everybody in a collaborative conservation approach.

Real-World Example: Past ESA Reviews

Consider previous high-profile ESA reviews such as for the Northern Spotted Owl, where public comment played a meaningful role in shaping conservation strategies. Public input directly affects the assessment of threats, including habitat destruction, and the implementation of recovery plans.

Species	Key Issue in ESA Review	Impact of Public Comments
Northern Spotted Owl	Habitat Loss (old-growth forests)	Influenced the creation of critical habitat designations.
Gray Wolf	Population recovery and delisting efforts	Helped shape wolf management plans in different states.

By participating, you ensure that decisions regarding the Marbled Murrelet’s future are informed by a range of perspectives. By contributing to this ESA listing review,you are actively participating in the future of this wonderful species – make sure your voice is heard.