Proposed Reclassification of Pillar Coral from Threatened to Endangered

We, NOAA Fisheries, are issuing a proposed rule to change the status of pillar coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) on the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Species from threatened to endangered as recommended in the recent 5-year review of the species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. We propose this action based on population declines and susceptibility to a recently emerged coral disease.

To submit comments in writing, go to www.regulations.gov and enter NOAA-NMFS-2023-0002 in the Search box. Click on the “Comment” icon, complete the fields, and enter or attach your comments. Alternatively, you may email written comments to alison.moulding@noaa.gov.

Public Hearing Information

NOAA Fisheries will hold a virtual public hearing on the proposed rule to change the status of pillar coral under the ESA on September 26, 2023, from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time. Members of the public are invited to attend and may submit oral comments during the hearing. We will give a short presentation followed by a brief opportunity to ask clarifying questions before accepting public comment testimony for the record. We will limit each speaker to 3 minutes to ensure that participants have an opportunity to speak during the hearing. To attend the virtual public hearing, please see the meeting details below for information on how to join. To sign up to give an oral public comment during the virtual public hearing, please fill out this form.

Meeting Details

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EDT

WebEx Meeting Link: https://noaanmfs-meets.webex.com/noaanmfs-meets/j.php?MTID=mb42b41b04a144d66e1dc38538bb9a435
Webinar password: noaa (6622 from phones and video systems)

Join by Phone:
+1-415-527-5035 US Toll
Access code: 276 293 53814

To make an oral comment during the virtual public hearing, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/HxXHoM8D7vTKUQ1P6