Ringed Seal (Arctic Subspecies)

Critical habitat for the Arctic subspecies of the ringed seal includes marine waters within one specific area in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas, extending from the nearshore boundary, defined by the 3-m isobath relative to mean lower low water (MLLW), to an offshore limit within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The boundary extends offshore from the northern limit of the United States-Canada border approximately 90 km to 70°26'19'' N/140°11'21'' W, and from this point runs generally westward along the line connecting the following points: 70°55'35'' N/142°33'51'' W, 70°53'25'' N/144°37'19'' W, 71°1'22'' N/146°36'55'' W, 71°17'21'' N/148°34'58'' W, and 71°20'8'' N/150° W. From this point (71°20'8'' N/150° W) the boundary follows longitude 150° W northward to 72°20'4'' N/150°W, then extends westward to 72°20'4'' N/153° W, then follows longitude 153° W northward to the seaward limit of the U.S. EEZ, and then follows the limit of the U.S. EEZ northwestward; then southwestward and south to the intersection of the southern boundary of the critical habitat in the Bering Sea at 61°18'15'' N/177°45'56'' W. The southern boundary extends southeastward from this intersection point to 60°7' N/172°1' W, then northeastward along a line extending to near Cape Romanzof at 61°48'42'' N/166°6'5'' W, with the nearshore boundary defined by the 3-m isobath. Critical habitat does not include permanent manmade structures such as boat ramps, docks, and pilings that were in existence within the legal boundaries as of the effective date of the final rule.Please see the final rule for additional information.

These data depict critical habitat designated for the Arctic subspecies of the ringed seal (87 FR 19232; 04/01/2022).

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