Deadline Approaching to Submit Comments on Protecting Iliamna Lake Seals

The deadline to submit comments to the federal government about protecting Iliamna Lake harbor seals is Friday at 8 p.m.  The National Marine Fisheries Service is determining whether the seals are a distinct population segment of pacific harbor seals.  If so, they could be listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The process started last November when the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the agency, saying that the seals are facing threats that could lead to their extinction.  They cite ocean acidification, climate warming, and the proposed Pebble Mine. You can submit comments at regulations. gov. Through Thursday, NMFS has received a total of 24 comments.