Endangered And Threatened Species; Proposed Endangered Status for North Atlantic Right Whales

Proposed rule; request for comments. CFR Part: "50 CFR Part 224" RIN Number: "RIN 0648-XB58" Citation: "71 FR 77704" Document Number: "Docket No. 061212328-6328-01; I.D. 120706B" Page Number: "77704" "Proposed Rules" SUMMARY: We, NMFS, have completed a comprehensive status review of right whales in the northern hemisphere under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Based on the findings from the status review, we have concluded these right whales exist as two species, the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) and the North Pacific right whale (E. japonicus). We have also determined that each of these species is in danger of extinction throughout its range. To reflect this taxonomic revision, we are issuing two proposed rules to designate each separately as an endangered species. This proposed rule is to list the North Atlantic right whale; a proposed rule to list the North Pacific right whale is issued separately. We are soliciting public comment on this proposed listing determination.