Ringed Seal Five-Year Status Review: Summary and Evaluation February 2024
February 28, 2024
The ESA, under section 4(c)(2), directs NMFS to review the listing classification of each listed species at least once every five years. This ringed seal five-year review was led by the NMFS Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC).
Per the 5-Year Review Guidance, information available on the four ringed seal subspecies’ biology and habitat, threats, and conservation measures was summarized and analyzed relative to the ESA definition of endangered and threatened, and in light of the ESA section 4(a)(1) factors, to determine whether reclassification or delisting may be warranted for any of these subspecies.