🌊Critical Habitat Designations and Their Business Implications
Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for Five Species of Threatened Indo-Pacific Corals
Summary
We, NMFS, designate critical habitat for five threatened Indo- Pacific coral species, Acropora globiceps, A. retusa, A. speciosa, Fimbriaphyllia paradivisa (formerly Euphyllia paradivisa), and Isopora crateriformis, pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Final critical habitat includes 18 specific areas encompassing approximately 237 square kilometers (km\2\; 92 square miles, mi\2\) of marine habitat in American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Pacific Remote Island Areas, and Hawai[revaps]i. We have considered economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of the designations, but are not excluding any areas from the critical habitat designations due to anticipated impacts.
Agencies
- Commerce Department
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The regulation's designation of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act could impose compliance requirements and environmental restrictions on businesses operating within designated areas, potentially impacting infrastructure and development projects. Public comments indicate concerns about economic impacts on local communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding these regulatory changes.