Alaska state wins as U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason for Alaska vacated the Endangered Species Act (ESA) critical habitat designations for the Arctic subspecies of ringed seals and the Beringia population of bearded seals. Alaska Attorney General Treg Taylor argued that federal land use restrictions hinder Alaskans’ access to their land and resources. He claimed these restrictions often disguise themselves under the pretense of conservation.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) originally recognized vast regions roughly the size of Texas as critical habitats for both seal species. The Court overturned this designation because NMFS failed to explain why such large regions were vital to the species’ survival. The NMFS ignored Alaska’s economic impact, particularly in coastal regions, and the huge ecosystem beyond U.S. authority.
Citing projections of sea ice loss by 2100, the ESA listed both Beringia bearded and Arctic ringed seals as endangered in 2012. Despite these predictions, seal populations have remained resilient across the Arctic. Based on data gathered over the last ten years, Alaska state biologists have concluded that seals are in excellent condition. They have solid rates of reproduction and no substantial population decreases expected over the next 25 years.
Nevertheless, the NMFS maintained critical habitat designations in 2022, which imposed unnecessarily restrictive restrictions on economic activity in Alaskan waters. Doug Vincent-Lang, Commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, highlighted that the Court’s ruling prohibits the NMFS from designating extensive areas unless there is compelling evidence that such areas are crucial to the species’ survival.
Alaska state wins and celebrates the decision as a victory because it restores balance in federal regulations governing state resources. The litigation was led by Assistant Attorney General Ron Opsahl and funded through the Statehood Defense budget. Alaska’s fund aims to uphold its rights to manage resources and protect statehood promises.
This news story was originally published by The Delta Discovery.
