Initiation of a Status Review under the Endangered Species Act for Cusk

Because of concern over declines in abundance, we identified cusk (Brosme brosme) as a species of concern on April 15, 2004 (69 FR 19975). In May 2003, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) completed a status report for cusk in Canada and assessed the species status as threatened. In April 2006, the Minister of the Environment referred the assessment back to COSEWIC for further information and consideration. It is, therefore, unclear whether cusk will be listed in Canada under the Species at Risk Act.