The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration proposed designating critical habitat for honu (green sea turtles), according to a news release. 

What You Need To Know

  • The designation of critical habitat is a conservation tool that lets federal agencies, landowners and the public know what areas are important for honu

  • It requires federal agencies to consult with USFWS or NOAA to ensure actions they take will not destroy or adversely change the critical habitat

  • In the Hawaiian archipelago, the agencies proposed designating 2,223 acres of land as critical habitat

  • The proposed rule will be available for 90 days for public comment

Honu are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Historically, honu were killed for their meat and eggs, leading to population declines. They are now threatened by habitat loss, climate change and more. 

“Green sea turtles continue to face threats in the marine environment, including human interactions like bycatch and marine debris, as well as habitat loss and the ongoing impacts of climate change,” said NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit. 

The designation of critical habitat is a conservation tool that lets federal agencies, landowners, and the public know what areas are important for honu. It requires federal agencies to consult with USFWS or NOAA to ensure actions they take will not destroy or adversely change the critical habitat. Designating critical habitat under the ESA does not affect private landowners, unless they seek federal funds or permits. It does not grant government or public access to private lands.

The jurisdiction includes 8,870 acres across the U.S. states, territories and commonwealths where green sea turtles bask, nest, incubate, hatch and travel to sea. The proposed habitat includes areas in Hawaii, California, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico. 

In the Hawaiian archipelago, the agencies proposed designating 2,223 acres of land as critical habitat. About half are federal and state lands in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, while the other half are federal, state, private and uncategorized lands in the main Hawaiian islands. 

“Endangered Species Act protections are benefiting the species by raising awareness about its threats, inspiring diverse partnerships on its behalf, and now helping conserve habitat critical to its conservation and recovery,” said Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz. 

The proposed rule will be available for 90 days for public comment. USFWS and NOAA will also hold a virtual meeting on Aug. 10 from 6-8 p.m. to inform the public about the new proposal. 

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