MEDIA RELEASE

The scoping comment period for the Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Actions Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) has been extended.

Written comments must be received or postmarked by Nov. 30, 2010. Previously, comments were due Nov. 15.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Regional Office (PIRO) is proposing to implement specific management actions and administer the associated research and enhancement program for Hawaiian monk seals in the Hawaiian Islands.

The scoping period provides an opportunity to express your views and identify issues to be addressed in the PEIS. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), NMFS requests any comments you may have about potential management actions and associated research and enhancement program activities that may be performed on Hawaiian monk seals in an effort to recover the species.

The Notice of Intent was published Oct. 1, 2010 (75 FR 60721), which initiated the formal PEIS Scoping period. NMFS PIRO hosted public Scoping meetings to introduce the project proposal to the public, describe the process of the PEIS, and solicit input on the issues and alternatives to be evaluated.

For more information about the proposed project please visit our project website at: www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/eis/hawaiianmonkseal.htm

Comments can be emailed to:
monkseal@noaa.gov

Or mailed to:
National Marine Fisheries Service
Pacific Islands Regional Office
Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Actions PEIS
1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1110
Honolulu, HI 96814