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authorizing the changes by direct final DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE ( viridis), and rule. EPA did not make a proposal prior blackbar devil or Dick’s damselfish to the direct final rule because we National Oceanic and Atmospheric (Plectroglyphidodon dickii). believe this action is not controversial Administration DATES: Information and comments on and do not expect comments that the subject action must be received by oppose it. We have explained the 50 CFR Part 223 November 3, 2014. reasons for this authorization in the [Docket No. 130718637–3637–01] ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, preamble to the direct final rule. Unless information, or data on this document, RIN 0648–XC775 we get written comments which oppose identified by the code NOAA–NMFS– this authorization during the comment Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 2014–0072, by any of the following period, the direct final rule will become methods: 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List • effective on the date it establishes, and Seven Indo-Pacific of Electronic Submissions: Submit all we will not take further action on this Pomacentrid Reef Fish as Threatened electronic comments via the Federal proposal. If we receive comments that or Endangered Under the Endangered eRulemaking Portal. Go to oppose this action, we will withdraw Species Act www.regulations.gov/ the direct final rule and it will not take #!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014- effect. We will then respond to public AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries 0072, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon, complete the required fields, and enter comments in a later final rule based on Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), or attach your comments. this proposal. You may not have another Department of Commerce. • Mail: Submit written comments to opportunity for comment. If you want to Regulatory Branch Chief, Protected comment on this action, you must do so ACTION: Notice of 90-day petition finding, request for information. Resources Division, Pacific Islands at this time. Regional Office, NMFS Protected DATES: Send your written comments by SUMMARY: We (NMFS) announce a 90- Resources Division, 1845 Wasp Blvd., October 3, 2014. day finding on seven Indo-Pacific Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818. species included in a petition to list Instructions: Comments sent by any ADDRESSES: Send written comments to eight species of pomacentrid reef fish as other method, to any other address or Alima Patterson, Region 6, Regional threatened or endangered under the individual, or received after the end of Authorization Coordinator, (6PD–O), Endangered Species Act (ESA). These the comment period, may not be Multimedia Planning and Permitting are the orange clownfish ( considered by us. All comments Division, at the address shown below. percula) and six other : The received are a part of the public record You can examine copies of the materials Hawaiian dascyllus (Dascyllus and will generally be posted for public submitted by the State of Texas during albisella), blue-eyed damselfish viewing on www.regulations.gov normal business hours at the following (Plectroglyphidodon johnstonianus), without change. All personal identifying locations: EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross black-axil chromis (Chromis information (e.g., name, address, etc.), Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75202–2733, atripectoralis), blue-green damselfish confidential business information, or phone number (214) 665–8533; or Texas (Chromis viridis), reticulated damselfish otherwise sensitive information Commission on Environmental Quality, (Dascyllus reticulatus), and blackbar submitted voluntarily by the sender will (TCEQ) 12100 Park S. Circle, and devil or Dick’s damselfish be publicly accessible. We will accept Austin, Texas 78753–3087, (512) 239– (Plectroglyphidodon dickii). Another of anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in 6079. Comments may also be submitted our regional offices is leading the the required fields if you wish to remain electronically or through hand delivery/ response to the petition to list the anonymous), although submitting comments anonymously will prevent us courier; please follow the detailed yellowtail damselfish (Microspathodon from contacting you if we have instructions in the ADDRESSES section of chrysurus) and a separate 90-day finding difficulty retrieving your submission. the direct final rule which is located in will be issued later for this species. We find that the petition presents Attachments to electronic comments the Rules section of this Federal substantial information indicating that will be accepted in Microsoft Word, Register. the petitioned action may be warranted Excel, or Adobe PDF file formats only. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: for the orange clownfish (Amphiprion Copies of the petition and references Alima Patterson (214) 665–8533. percula). We will conduct a status are available upon request from the review for this species to determine if Regulatory Branch Chief, Protected SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: For the petitioned action is warranted. To Resources Division, Pacific Islands additional information, please see the ensure that the status review is Regional Office, NMFS Protected direct final rule published in the ‘‘Rules comprehensive, we are soliciting Resources Division, 1845 Wasp Blvd., and Regulations’’ section of this Federal scientific and commercial information Building 176, Honolulu, HI 96818, or Register. pertaining to Amphiprion percula from online at: http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/ PRD/prd_esa_section_4.html. Dated: August 5, 2014. any interested party. We find that the petition fails to present substantial FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jean Ron Curry, scientific or commercial information Higgins, NMFS Pacific Islands Regional Regional Administrator, Region 6. indicating that the petitioned action Office, 808–725–5151. [FR Doc. 2014–20788 Filed 9–2–14; 8:45 am] may be warranted for the remaining six SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: BILLING CODE 6560–50–P petitioned Indo-Pacific species: The Hawaiian dascyllus (Dascyllus Background albisella), reticulated damselfish On September 14, 2012, we received (Dascyllus reticulatus), blue-eyed a petition from the Center for Biological damselfish (Plectroglyphidodon Diversity to list eight species of johnstonianus), black-axil chromis pomacentrid reef fish as threatened or (), blue-green endangered under the ESA and to

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designate critical habitat for these which is defined to also include day finding stage, in making a species concurrent with the listing. The subspecies and, for any vertebrate determination whether a petitioned species are the orange clownfish species, any distinct population action ‘‘may be’’ warranted. As a general (Amphiprion percula) and seven other segment (DPS) that interbreeds when matter, these decisions hold that a damselfishes: The yellowtail damselfish mature (16 U.S.C. 1532(16)). A joint petition need not establish a ‘‘strong (Microspathodon chrysurus), Hawaiian NMFS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife likelihood’’ or a ‘‘high probability’’ that dascyllus (Dascyllus albisella), blue- Service (USFWS) policy clarifies the a species is either threatened or eyed damselfish (Plectroglyphidodon agencies’ interpretation of the phrase endangered to support a positive 90-day johnstonianus), black-axil chromis ‘‘distinct population segment’’ for the finding. (Chromis atripectoralis), blue-green purposes of listing, delisting, and At the 90-day stage, we evaluate the damselfish (Chromis viridis), reticulated reclassifying a species under the ESA petitioner’s request based upon the damselfish (Dascyllus reticulatus), and (‘‘DPS Policy’’; 61 FR 4722; February 7, information in the petition including its blackbar devil or Dick’s damselfish 1996). A species, subspecies, or DPS is references, and the information readily (Plectroglyphidodon dickii). Copies of ‘‘endangered’’ if it is in danger of available in our files. We do not conduct this petition are available from us online extinction throughout all or a significant additional research, and we do not (http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/ portion of its range, and ‘‘threatened’’ if solicit information from parties outside petitions/pomacentrid_reef_fish_ it is likely to become endangered within the agency to help us in evaluating the petition_2012.pdf) or by mail (see the foreseeable future throughout all or petition. We will accept the petitioner’s ADDRESSES, above). Given the a significant portion of its range (ESA sources and characterizations of the geographic range of these species, we sections 3(6) and 3(20), respectively; 16 information presented, if they appear to divided our initial response to the U.S.C. 1532(6) and (20)). Pursuant to the be based on accepted scientific petition between our Southeast Regional ESA and our implementing regulations, principles, unless we have specific Office (SERO) and Pacific Islands the determination of whether a species information in our files that indicates Regional Office (PIRO). PIRO led the is threatened or endangered shall be the petition’s information is incorrect, response for the seven Indo-Pacific based on any one or a combination of unreliable, obsolete, or otherwise species reported herein. SERO is leading the following five section 4(a)(1) factors: irrelevant to the requested action. the response to the petition to list the The present or threatened destruction, Information that is susceptible to more yellowtail damselfish (Microspathodon modification, or curtailment of habitat than one interpretation or that is chrysurus) and a separate 90-day finding or range; overutilization for commercial, contradicted by other available will be issued for this species. recreational, scientific, or educational information will not be dismissed at the purposes; disease or predation; 90-day finding stage, so long as it is ESA Statutory and Regulatory inadequacy of existing regulatory reliable and a reasonable person would Provisions and Evaluation Framework mechanisms; and any other natural or conclude that it supports the Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the ESA of 1973, manmade factors affecting the species’ petitioner’s assertions. Conclusive as amended (U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), existence (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)(1), 50 CFR information indicating the species may requires, to the maximum extent 424.11(c)). meet the ESA’s requirements for listing practicable, that within 90 days of ESA-implementing regulations issued is not required to make a positive 90- receipt of a petition to list a species as jointly by NMFS and USFWS (50 CFR day finding. We will not conclude that threatened or endangered, the Secretary 424.14(b)) define ‘‘substantial a lack of specific information alone of Commerce make a finding on whether information’’ in the context of reviewing negates a positive 90-day finding, if a that petition presents substantial a petition to list, delist, or reclassify a reasonable person would conclude that scientific or commercial information species as the amount of information the unknown information itself suggests indicating that the petitioned action that would lead a reasonable person to an extinction risk of concern for the may be warranted, and promptly believe that the measure proposed in the species at issue. publish such finding in the Federal petition may be warranted. In evaluating To make a 90-day finding on a Register (16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(3)(A)). When whether substantial information is petition to list a species, we evaluate we find that substantial scientific or contained in a petition, we must whether the petition presents commercial information in a petition consider whether the petition: (1) substantial scientific or commercial indicates the petitioned action may be Clearly indicates the administrative information indicating the subject warranted (a ‘‘positive 90-day finding’’), measure recommended and gives the species may be either threatened or we are required to promptly commence scientific and any common name of the endangered, as defined by the ESA. a review of the status of the species species involved; (2) contains detailed First, we evaluate whether the concerned, which includes conducting a narrative justification for the information presented in the petition, comprehensive review of the best recommended measure, describing, along with the information readily available scientific and commercial based on available information, past and available in our files, indicates that the information. Within 12 months of present numbers and distribution of the petitioned entity constitutes a ‘‘species’’ receiving the petition, we must species involved and any threats faced eligible for listing under the ESA. Next, conclude the review with a finding as to by the species; (3) provides information we evaluate whether the information whether, in fact, the petitioned action is regarding the status of the species over indicates that the species at issue faces warranted. Because the finding at the all or a significant portion of its range; extinction risk that is cause for concern; 12-month stage is based on a and (4) is accompanied by appropriate this may be indicated in information significantly more thorough review of supporting documentation in the form expressly discussing the species’ status the available information, as compared of bibliographic references, reprints of and trends, or in information describing to the narrow scope of review at the 90- pertinent publications, copies of reports impacts and threats to the species. We day stage, a ‘‘may be warranted’’ finding or letters from authorities, and maps (50 evaluate any information on specific at the 90-day stage does not prejudge the CFR 424.14(b)(2)). demographic factors pertinent to outcome of a status review. Judicial decisions have clarified the evaluating extinction risk for the species Under the ESA, a listing appropriate scope and limitations of the at issue (e.g., population abundance and determination may address a ‘‘species,’’ Services’ review of petitions at the 90- trends, productivity, spatial structure,

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age structure, sex ratio, diversity, Triangle area of the Pacific (with Data from surveys conducted roughly current and historical range, habitat the exception of the northern GBR). It biennially since 2009 provides some integrity or fragmentation), and the does not occur anywhere within U.S. insight into this species’ abundance in potential contribution of identified jurisdiction. It is a non-migratory the outer edges of this species range. demographic risks to extinction risk for species that inhabits and Since this is relatively recent, we the species. We then evaluate the seaward reefs at depths of one to 15 m consider all of these surveys to potential links between these (Florida Museum of Natural History, represent current estimates of density demographic risks and the causative 2011). The petition did not present any and not to contain any trend impacts and threats identified in section information on the global population information. For the C. atripectoralis/C. 4(a)(1). size or trends of A. percula and we do viridis complex, CRED provided us an Information presented on impacts or not have any information on A. average population estimate from within threats should be specific to the species percula’s global population size in our U.S. Pacific possessions of and should reasonably suggest that one files. approximately 770,000 based on or more of these factors may be Amphiprion percula individuals live calculations of density and habitat area operative threats that act or have acted in symbiotic association with three at survey sites; the estimated population on the species to the point that it may species of anemone, Heteractis crispa, range was identified as 0 to 1,500,000 warrant protection under the ESA. H. magnifica, and Stichodactyla (one standard error on either side of the Broad statements about generalized gigantea (Ollerton et al., 2007). This mean). Although these abundance threats to the species, or identification species forages on and as estimates have large error bars of factors that could negatively impact well as bits of food leftover on its host associated with them and must be a species, do not constitute substantial anemone tentacles (Florida Museum of interpreted with caution, they represent information that listing may be Natural History, 2011). Reproduction the best available information regarding warranted. We look for information occurs throughout the year when the the species’ current abundance. These indicating that not only is the particular male prepares a nest site. The petition survey areas only represent a small species exposed to a factor, but that the states that females lay anywhere from portion of the broad geographic ranges species may be responding in a negative 100 to over 1,000 eggs depending on for these two species. Density is likely fashion; then we assess the potential body size and age citing Buston and higher in other parts of their ranges significance of that negative response. Elith (2011), however the authors because CRED survey sites are located at Many petitions identify risk actually report an average of 324 eggs the edges of their geographic ranges, classifications made by non- per clutch (ranged from 1 to 878) in where we would expect population governmental organizations, such as the their results. Incubation takes six to densities to be lower in comparison to International Union on the Conservation seven days, after which larvae hatch and the core range. However, even if we of Nature (IUCN), the American enter an eight to twelve day pelagic assume the densities measured by CRED Fisheries Society, or NatureServe, as larval phase (Buston et al., 2007). The and applied to the total habitat area evidence of extinction risk for a species. expected life span for a female within survey sites apply throughout Risk classifications by other clownfish is 30 years (Buston and the entire ranges of these species which organizations or made under other Garcia, 2007). includes hundreds of thousands of Federal or state statutes may be Black-axil Chromis (Chromis square kilometers of habitat informative, but the classification alone atripectoralis) area, the current global population size may not provide the rationale for a is likely in the hundreds of millions. The Black-axil chromis is a positive 90-day finding under the ESA. Chromis atripectoralis individuals are damselfish with a broad geographic Thus, when a petition cites such blue-green in color shading to white range occurring throughout most of the classifications, we will evaluate the ventrally and can grow up to 11 cm in Indo-Pacific; they range from the Ryuku source of information upon which the length. While very similar in Islands to the , Lord classification is based in light of the appearance to C. viridis, C. atripectoralis Howe Island, east through the islands of is distinguished by the black base (axil) species extinction risk and impacts or Oceania except the Hawaiian Islands, threats discussed above. of the pectoral fin and more branched Marquesas, and Pitcairn Islands, and pectoral rays (Froukh and Kochzius, Species Descriptions west in the to the 2008). This species is commonly and (Randall, Orange Clownfish (Amphiprion percula) observed associated with branching 2005). Within U.S. Pacific possessions , primarily and The orange clownfish is also referred this species occurs in American Samoa Pocillopora, in a depth range of two to to as an anemone fish because of its and the Marianas archipelago (Allen, 15 m. Adults are typically seen in symbiotic relationship with host sea 1991). Chromis atripectoralis and C. foraging aggregations above corals anemones. Individuals are orange with viridis are difficult to distinguish in the where they feed on in the three white bands, with the middle field and have overlapping ranges. They water column (Randall, 2005). Chromis band bulging forward toward the head have often been treated as a species species exhibit a pelagic larval phase centrally. Black stripes separate the complex by researchers. that ranges from 17 to 47 days (Allen, orange and white coloration on the The petition did not present any 1991). The petition provided no body. They can reach a maximum information regarding the global additional biological information for length of 11 cm (Florida Museum of population size or trends of C. this species, nor do we have any in our Natural History, 2011). Amphiprion atripectoralis. The NMFS Coral Reef files. percula ranges from Queensland, Ecosystem Division (CRED) conducts to parts of , surveys on coral reefs throughout the Blue-green Damselfish (Chromis viridis) including the northern Great Barrier U.S. Pacific territories including the The blue-green damselfish has a broad Reef (GBR), northern New Guinea, New Main and Northwestern Hawaiian geographic range occurring throughout Britain, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana most of the Indo-Pacific; they range Islands (Fishbase.org). This range is Islands, American Samoa, and the from the and east coast of mostly restricted to areas inside the Pacific Remote Island Areas (PRIAs). to the Line Islands and Tuamotu

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Archipelago, Ryuku Islands to the Great mean estimate of 11,493,000. However, Again, although these abundance Barrier Reef and because D. albisella is common at estimates have large error bars (Randall, 2005). Within U.S. Pacific depths down to 80 meters, far deeper associated with them and must be possessions, C. viridis occurs in than the 30 meter maximum depth of interpreted with caution, they represent American Samoa, the Marianas CRED surveys and the estimated 20 the best available information regarding archipelago (Allen, 1991), and the meter depth of coral reef area figures, the species’ current abundance. These PRIAs (NMFS’ Pacific Islands Fisheries the entire population may be even survey areas only represent a small Science Center (PIFSC) unpublished larger. portion of the broad geographic range data). Individuals are small and deep- for D. reticulatus. Density is likely The petition did not present any bodied, reaching a maximum length of higher in other parts of its range because information regarding the global 13 cm. Adults are pale or dark with CRED survey sites are located at the population size or trends of C. viridis. white spots fading with age, while edges of its geographic range. However, As noted above, we treated C. juveniles are black with a white spot on even if we assume the densities atripectoralis and C. viridis as a species each side and a turquoise spot on the measured by CRED and applied to the complex and estimate a current global head (Stevenson, 1963). Dascyllus total habitat area within survey sites population size in the hundreds of albisella is commonly observed applies throughout the entire range of millions, based on CRED data from associated with branching corals (Allen, this species which includes hundreds of survey areas within U.S. Pacific 1991; Randall, 1985) in a depth range of thousands of square kilometers of coral possessions. one to 84 m. This species is reef habitat, the current global Individuals are blue-green in color planktivorous, feeding in schools above population size is likely in the billions. shading to white ventrally with a blue the reef on the larvae of mysid shrimp, Individuals are pale blue-grey, the line from the front of the snout to the shrimp and crabs, , pelagic edges of the scales are narrowly black eye and can reach 10 cm in length , and other zooplankton with a blackish bar anteriorly on the (Randall, 2005). Chromis viridis inhabits (Randall, 1985). Spawning occurs body continuing as a broad outer border shallow protected inshore and lagoon cyclically throughout the year, though on the spinous portion of the dorsal fin. reefs and is commonly observed spawning activity peaks from June to They can attain 8.5 cm in length associated with branching corals, September or October (Asoh and (Randall, 2005). Dascyllus reticulatus is primarily Acropora and Pocillopora, in Yoshikawa, 2002). Cycles last two to commonly observed associated with a depth range of one to 12 meters (Allen, three days and subsequent cycles occur branching corals, primarily Acropora 1991). This species is planktivorous, every five to seven days (Asoh, 2003). and Pocillopora, in a depth range of one feeding mainly on copepods and Increasing temperature appears to cue to 50 m (Allen, 1991; Randall, 2005). larvae in large aggregations the initiation of spawning and females This species is planktivorous and feeds above branching corals (Randall, 2005). spawn repeatedly over a season with on zooplankton a short distance above Spawning involves a large number of various partners (Asoh and Yoshikawa, the reef (Sweatman, 1983; Randall, eggs that hatch in two to three days. The 2002). Females lay an average of 25,000 2005). Dascyllus species exhibit a species is oviparous with distinct eggs per clutch (Danilowicz, 1995). The pelagic larval phase that ranges from 17 pairing during breeding (Fishbase.org). species has a pelagic larval phase to 47 days (Allen, 1991). The petition Chromis species exhibit a pelagic larval estimated to last for 25 to 29 days did not provide any other biological phase that ranges from 17 to 47 days (Booth, 1992). Life expectancy is information for this species, nor do we (Allen, 1991). The petition provided no estimated at up to 11 years. The petition have any in our files. additional biological information for provided no other biological Blackbar Devil or Dick’s Damselfish this species, nor do we have any in our information for this species, nor do we (Plectroglyphidodon dickii) files. have any in our files. Plectroglyphidodon dickii is a Hawaiian Dascyllus (Dascyllus albisella) Reticulated Damselfish (Dascyllus damselfish with a broad geographic The Hawaiian dascyllus, also known reticulatus) range occurring throughout most of the as the domino damselfish, is endemic to Dascyllus reticulatus is a damselfish Indo-Pacific; it ranges from the Red Sea the United States, occurring only in with a broad geographic range occurring and east coast of Africa to the Islands of and Johnston Atoll (Danilowicz, throughout most of the Indo-Pacific; it French , and from the Ryuku 1995; Asoh and Yoshikawa, 2002). ranges from southern to the Great Islands to New South Wales and Lord The petition provided no estimate of Barrier Reef, Lord Howe Island, New Howe Island in Australia (Randall, global population size or trends for this Caledonia, and Micronesia, east to the 2005). Within U.S. Pacific possessions, species. The entire range of D. albisella Tuamotu Archipelago and Pitcairn it occurs in American Samoa (Allen, is within CRED survey areas so we have Islands, and west to western Australia, 1991), the Marianas archipelago, and the information in our files regarding Cocos-Keeling Islands, and the PRIAs (PIFSC, unpublished data). current density. CRED then calculated (Randall, 2005). Within The petition did not present any for us estimates of abundance based on U.S. Pacific possessions, they occur in information regarding the global the density data and habitat area at American Samoa, the Marianas population size or trends of P. dickii. survey sites as described above. These archipelago (Allen, 1991), and the For P. dickii, CRED provided us a abundance estimates have large error PRIAs (PIFSC, unpublished data). population estimate from within U.S. bars associated with them and must be The petition did not present any Pacific possessions ranging from 5.3 interpreted with caution, however, they information regarding the global million to 9 million (one standard error represent the best available information population size or trends of D. on either side of the mean), with a mean regarding the species’ current reticulatus. For D. reticulatus, CRED of 7.2 million. Again, although these abundance. The current global provided us a population estimate from abundance estimates have large error population estimate provided to us by within U.S. Pacific possessions ranging bars associated with them and must be CRED for D. albisella ranges from from 1.5 million to 7.7 million (one interpreted with caution, they represent 5,866,000 to 17,121,000 (one standard standard error on either side of the the best available information regarding error on either side of the mean) with a mean) with a mean of 4.6 million. the species’ current abundance. These

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survey areas only represent a small population size or trends of P. population numbers and it states that portion of the broad geographic range johnstonianus. For P. johnstonianus, abundance and population trends are for P. dickii. Density is likely higher in CRED provided us a current population unknown for all petitioned species. The other parts of its range because CRED estimate from within U.S. Pacific petition does not identify any risk survey sites are located at the edges of possessions ranging from 9.6 million to classifications by other organizations for its geographic range. However, even if 20.3 million (one standard error on any petitioned species. The petition we assume the density measured by either side of the mean), with a mean of includes supporting references. The CRED and applied to the total habitat 15 million. Again, although these petition states that primary threats to area within survey sites applies abundance estimates have large error the petitioned species include loss of throughout the entire range of this bars associated with them and must be coral reef habitat due to climate change, species which includes hundreds of interpreted with caution, they represent overharvest for the thousands of square kilometers of coral the best available information regarding fish trade, inadequate regulatory reef habitat, the current global the species’ current abundance. These mechanisms, and direct harm to population size is likely in the billions. survey areas only represent a small essential biological functions from Individuals are light brown with a portion of the broad geographic range and ocean warming. sharp black band toward the back end for P. johnstonianus. Density is likely The petition begins with general with a white back end and tail; they higher in other parts of its range because biological and ecological information reach a maximum length of 8.5 cm CRED survey sites are located at the about pomacentrids, and then provides (Randall, 2005). They are commonly edges of its geographic range. However, sections for each petitioned species that observed associated with branching even if we assume the densities contain a brief discussion of unique corals, primarily Acropora and measured by CRED and applied to the material for each species, including a Pocillopora (Allen, 1991; Randall, total habitat area within the survey sites species description, information on 2005). The petition states this species apply throughout the entire range of this distribution, habitat, natural history, has a depth range of one to 12 meters, species which includes hundreds of and threats, each with a range map. however information in our files from thousands of square kilometers of coral These sections are followed by sections survey data collected by CRED indicates reef habitat, the current global providing generalized discussion of four this species has been recorded in the 18 population size is likely well into the of the five ESA listing factors that the to 30 meter depth range in the Marianas, billions. petition states are affecting the PRIAs, and American Samoa. Individuals have a pale yellowish extinction risk of the petitioned species, Plectroglyphidodon dickii is a territorial grey body with a very broad black some of which contain limited species- grazer that feeds on filamentous algae posterior bar, a head that is gray specific information for one or more of and small benthic invertebrates (Walsh dorsally shading to yellowish grey the petitioned species. et al., 2012). Cole et al. (2008) report ventrally, a violet-blue line on the sides In the following sections, we use the this species to be a facultative of the snout, and lavender scales information presented in the petition corallivore (i.e., coral may make up rimming the eyes (Randall, 2005). This and in our files to determine whether some portion of its diet but is not an species inhabits passes and outer reefs the petitioned action may be warranted. obligate diet requirement). Additional and is often observed associated with We summarize our analysis and references provided by the petitioner Acropora or Pocillopora corals (Allen, conclusions regarding the information indicate this species is primarily 1991; Randall, 2005). The petition presented by the petitioner and in our herbivorous, feeding on diatoms, blue- provides a depth range for this species files on the specific ESA section 4(a)(1) green algae, other types of filamentous of two to 18 meters, however CRED data factors affecting each of the species’ risk red algae, small benthic invertebrates, indicate this species has also been of global extinction below. and occasionally small fishes (Jones et recorded in the 18 to 30 meter depth al., 2006; Walsh et al., 2012; range in all U.S. territories in which it General Threat Information Fishbase.org), and has been observed occurs. Plectroglyphidodon According to the petition, four of the actively killing coral polyps in order to johnstonianus may be an obligate five causal threat factors in section make more room for algae growth corallivore feeding primarily on live 4(a)(1) of the ESA are adversely affecting within its territory (Jones et al., 2006). coral polyps from Acropora, Monitpora, the continued existence of each of the The petition provided no other Porites, and Pocillopora species (Cole et seven Indo-Pacific petitioned species: biological information for this species, al., 2008), although their diet is also (A) The present or threatened nor do we have any in our files. reported to include benthic algae destruction, modification, or (Fishbase.org). curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) Blue-eyed Damselfish overutilization for commercial, (Plectroglyphidodon johnstonianus) Analysis of the Petition recreational, scientific, or educational The blue-eyed damselfish has a broad For each of the seven petitioned purposes; (D) inadequacy of existing geographic range occurring throughout species, we evaluated whether the regulatory mechanisms; and (E) other most of the Indo-Pacific; it ranges from petition provides the information and natural or manmade factors affecting its the east coast of Africa to the Hawaiian documentation required in 50 CFR continued existence. Islands, French Polynesia, and Pitcairn 424.14(b)(2). The petition clearly In this section we assess the Islands, and from the Ryuku and indicates the administrative measure generalized information that was Ogasawara Islands to the Great Barrier recommended and gives the scientific provided regarding these four threats; Reef, Lord Howe, and Norfolk Island and any common name of the species the species-specific threat information (Randall, 2005). Within U.S. Pacific involved. The petition also contains a will be addressed below in the possessions, it occurs in Hawaii, narrative justification for the individual species sections. American Samoa, the Marianas recommended measures and provides archipelago (Allen, 1991) and the PRIAs limited information on the species’ Climate Change Effects on Coral Habitat (PIFSC, unpublished data). geographic distribution, habitat use, and Under Listing Factor A, the petition The petition did not present any threats. The petition did not include any states the petitioned species are information regarding the global information on past or present ‘‘threatened by the loss and degradation

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of coral reef habitat due to temperature- et al., 2012; Teneva et al., 2012; van acidification. Thus at the broad level of induced mass bleaching events and Hooidonk and Huber, 2012). coral reefs, the information in the ocean acidification. . . .’’ The petition Vulnerability of a coral species to a petition and in our files does not allow states broadly that ‘‘the petitioned threat is a function of susceptibility and us to conclude that coral reefs generally pomacentrid reef fish are habitat exposure, considered at the appropriate are at such risk from climate change specialists that directly depend on live spatial and temporal scales. effects to threaten the viability of the corals for survival, including shelter, Susceptibility is primarily a function of petitioned species. reproduction, recruitment, and food.’’ biological processes and characteristics, In addition to predicted The petition explains this by stating and can vary greatly between and vulnerabilities based on biological and ‘‘[t]hese damselfish all specialize on within coral taxa (i.e., family, genus, or demographic characteristics, we sensitive branching corals such as species). Susceptibility depends on consider empirical information on Acropora and Pocillopora which are direct effects of the threat on the overall trends of live coral cover within particularly prone to bleaching. . . .’’ species, and it also depends on the the range of the petitioned species. No The petition discusses at length cumulative (i.e., additive) and recent, region-wide reports of current climate change impacts to corals and interactive (i.e., synergistic or overall live coral cover are available for coral reefs and future predictions for antagonistic) effects of multiple threats the Indo-Pacific as a whole. However, worsening impacts to corals at a global acting simultaneously on the species. recent reports from parts of the region scale. In general terms, ‘‘climate’’ refers For example, ocean warming affects have found current live coral cover to be to average weather conditions, as well coral colonies through the direct effect stable or increasing in many areas, of bleaching, together with the as associated variability, over a long while others have experienced some interactive effect of bleaching and period of time (e.g., decades, centuries, decreases. Monitoring data collected disease, because there is evidence that or thousands of years). Thus we define annually from 47 sites on the GBR from bleaching increases disease ‘‘climate change’’ as a non-random 1995 to 2009 averaged 29 percent live susceptibility in some species. change in the state of the climate coral cover (Osborne et al., 2011). More Vulnerability of a coral species to a (whether due to natural variability, importantly, this study found no threat also depends on the proportion of human activity, or both) that can be evidence of consistent, system-wide colonies that are exposed to the threat. identified by changes in the mean or decline in coral cover since 1995. Exposure is primarily a function of variability of its properties and that Instead, fluctuations in coral cover at location and physical processes and persists for an extended period, characteristics that limit or moderate the sub-regional scales (10–100 km), driven typically decades or longer. In the impact of the threat across the range of mostly by changes in fast-growing context of coral reefs, the primary the species. Information in our files Acropora species, occurred as a result of climate variables described relevant to suggests that not all coral species are localized disturbance events and climate change are ocean temperatures highly vulnerable to the threats subsequent recovery (Osborne et al., and acidity. Many of the climate-change associated with global climate change 2011). However, another recent study, references provided by the petitioner (Brainard et al., 2011; van Woesik et al., based on 2,258 surveys of 214 GBR reefs offer global predictions on future rises 2011; Darling et al., 2012; van Woesik et over 1985–2012, showed declines in in sea surface temperature (Donner et al., 2012; Foden et al., 2013). Even live coral cover from 28 percent to 14 al., 2005; Donner, 2009), ocean acidity species that may be moderately percent, a loss of half of the initial coral (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2007), coral vulnerable to ocean warming and cover (the majority of which occurred at bleaching (Hoegh-Guldberg, 1999; acidification can have low extinction the end of the study period and after the Donner et al., 2005; 2007; Burke et al., risk because demographic Osborne et al. (2011) study had 2011) or coral reef decline in general characteristics such as high abundance concluded) (Sweatman et al., 2011). A (Hoegh-Guldberg, 1999; Veron et al., and/or a broad spatial (e.g., depth) and study of 317 sites in the 2009) based on regional or global geographic distribution can moderate from 1981 to 2010 showed live coral averages. exposure to the threat which is cover increased from 29 percent in 1981 We have additional information predicted to occur in a spatially non- to 37 percent in 2010 (Magdaong et al., regarding climate change impacts and uniform pattern. 2013). A study of 366 sites from 1977 to predictions for coral reefs readily The petition’s general discussion of 2005 in the Indian Ocean documented available in our files, much of which is climate change acknowledges that some significant variation in coral cover more recent than the literature corals are resistant to bleaching, but trends over time and space, but overall presented in the petition. This continues to attempt to generalize following the mass 1998 bleaching event information indicates a highly nuanced bleaching as an extinction threat to all there was a large decline of 44 percent and variable pattern of exposure, corals. Likewise the petition implies of the original live coral cover followed susceptibility, resilience, and recovery that ocean acidification is a threat to all by partial recovery to 72.6 percent of of coral reefs to climate change over coral species with which the petitioned pre-disturbance levels (Ateweberhan et regionally and locally different spatial species may associate. Data in our files al., 2011). A study in Western Australia and temporal scales, and reflects the as summarized by Brainard et al. (2011) from 2005 to 2009, following a 1998 and high level of uncertainty associated with show that adaptation and 2003 bleaching events which left the future predictions. The literature acclimatization to increased ocean area with relatively low coral cover, underscores the multitude of factors temperatures are possible; that there is documented recovery to 10 percent total contributing to coral response to intra-genus variation in susceptibility to live hard coral cover and 5 percent soft thermal stress, including taxa, bleaching, ocean acidification, and coral cover in 2005 and 30 percent hard geographic location, biomass, previous sedimentation; that at least some coral coral cover and 22 percent soft coral exposure, frequency, intensity, and species have already expanded their cover in 2009 (Ceccarelli et al., 2011). duration of thermal stress events, gene range in response to climate change Further, a study in the Andaman Islands expression, and symbiotic relationships (thus decreasing their extinction risk); of India following a 2010 bleaching (Pandolfi et al., 2011; Putman et al., and that not all coral species are where corals were bleached from 74–77 2011; Buddemeier et al., 2012; Sridhar seriously affected by ocean percent documented recovery of live

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coral cover from 13 to 21 percent in two degrees by bleaching. A majority of two of them are limited to small ranges years (Marimuthu et al., 2012). These those species exhibited moderate in the East Pacific, outside the ranges of recent studies illustrate the dynamic bleaching susceptibility (less than 50 the petitioned reef fish species, one nature of live coral cover. It is likely that percent of colonies severely bleached or occurs in deep water, and the other has the overall region-wide live coral cover dead). The incidence of severe a restricted range limited to waters in the Indo-Pacific is declining over the bleaching (more than 50 percent of around , which only decade to century scales (Birkeland colony with strong pigmentation loss) represents a small fraction of the 2004; Fenner 2012; Pandolfi et al. 2003; among species ranged from zero to 62 expansive ranges of the petitioned Sale and Szmant 2012), but with percent, with an average of 25 percent chromis and plectroglyphidodon fluctuations on shorter time scales. among the 16 species. The incidence of species. Other information in our files In conclusion, information in our files unbleached colonies (healthy colonies also indicates that Acropora corals are regarding live coral cover confirms that with no visible loss of color) ranged some of the fastest to re-grow and there has been a long-term overall from zero to 46 percent among species recover from disturbance (Adjeroud et decline in live coral cover in the Indo- with an average of 20 percent. Mortality al., 2009; Diaz-Pulido et al., 2009; Pacific (Birkeland 2004; Fenner 2012; among the 16 species evaluated ranged Osborne et al., 2011). Pandolfi et al. 2003; Sale and Szmant from zero to 40 percent, with an average The petition presented site specific 2012), and that those declines are likely of 5.2 percent mortality. His surveys studies from bleaching events in ongoing and likely to continue in the were conducted in two to six meters of Okinawa, Japan (Loya et al., 2001) and future due to a multitude of global and water in Kimbe Bay, Papua New Guinea. the Great Barrier Reef (Marshall and local threats at all spatial scales. In such a narrow and shallow depth Baird, 2000) indicating branching However, as the above information range within the coral triangle area, Acropora and Pocillopora corals were illustrates, live coral cover trends are we’d expect to see severe results from a among the most susceptible to highly variable both spatially and bleaching event, yet this site still shows bleaching. Marshall and Baird (2000) temporally, producing patterns on small high variability among the 16 Acropora reported a mixed response to bleaching scales that may not be extrapolated species evaluated. with fewer than 10 percent of colonies beyond the localized area. Live coral of Pocillopora damicornis unbleached In another study from our files, Foden cover trends are complex, dynamic, and and the majority of Pocillopora species et al. (2013) developed a framework for highly variable across space and time. were either severely bleached or dead identifying the species most vulnerable Thus their interpretation requires the six weeks after a large scale bleaching appropriate spatiotemporal context, and to extinction from a range of climate event in 1998. They also observed a an understanding of the various change induced stresses. Their mixed response to bleaching among physical, biological, and ecological evaluations included 797 species of reef Acropora corals. For example, 25 processes at work within coral building corals, including 165 species of percent of caespitose (tufted) and communities and coral reef ecosystems. Acropora and 17 species of Pocillopora, corymbose (bushy) species of Acropora The ranges of the petitioned reef fish are and incorporated species’ physiological, were severely bleached or dead, yet over expansive and encompass much of the ecological, and evolutionary 60 percent of the colonies of these variability in environmental conditions characteristics, in conjunction with species remained unbleached. They discussed above, indicating that while their predicted climate change found significantly different bleaching overall habitat may have declined, some exposure. The results indicate that just responses among sites, depths, and taxa. portions of their range may have eight of those 165 Acropora species, and Spatial variation in bleaching impacts experienced declines in coral cover four of the 17 Pocillopora species, have may be driven by variation between while some have experienced stability high overall vulnerability to climate sites in environmental conditions, or increasing coral cover over the last change. The remaining 157 Acropora including differences in temperature at few decades. and 13 Pocillopora have low overall a particular site. However, Marshall and The petitioner goes on to discuss vulnerability, indicating they are the Baird (2000) noted that the local-scale more specific coral habitat and least vulnerable to extinction due to variation in this study was likely driven describes the preferred habitat for most climate change stresses within this by ecological factors such as assemblage of the petitioned species, excluding group. In fact, acroporids (which composition or biological factors such Amphiprion, as ‘‘branching corals, includes the Genus Acropora) were as acclimatization, because bleaching mostly Acropora and Pocillopora.’’ The highlighted by the authors as one of was less severe at sites with consistently petition did not provide information on three coral families that have a mean higher temperatures. Site specific the extent to which Acropora and climate change vulnerability score studies like these present a localized Pocillopora corals are no longer significantly lower than the mean for all picture, the results of which can be available as preferred habitat within the corals. Of the eight species of Acropora extremely variable depending on the ranges of the petitioned species, or that were rated as highly vulnerable to environmental and ecological variables predictions for future distribution or climate change, several have plating or associated with the study site, and have availability of these coral genera as a short bushy morphologies and all of limited usefulness in predicting range- result of climate change impacts. them occur in very restricted ranges in wide impacts to habitat for the Information in our files (and provided either the western Indian Ocean or in petitioned species. in Bonin, 2012) indicates that Acropora Japan. Thus, these highly vulnerable Foden et al. (2013) provide an overall and Pocillopora species may respond species are unlikely to represent habitat range-wide perspective that negatively to a bleaching event; of significance to the petitioned reef fish incorporates species’ physiological, however, there is high variability in that occur in these waters because the ecological and evolutionary susceptibility to bleaching and reef fish have expansive ranges (beyond characteristics, in conjunction with acidification among them, which is the Indian Ocean and/or Japan). their predicted climate change exposure demonstrated in observed responses to Similarly, the four Pocillopora species to identify those coral species most at bleaching events. For example, Bonin rated as highly vulnerable are also risk from climate change. We find (2012) shows the 16 species of Acropora unlikely to represent significant habitat Foden et al.’s (2013) approach to be he studied being affected to varying for the petitioned species. Specifically, informative for considering the potential

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for range-wide impacts to Acropora and that has experienced bleaching and all or a significant portion of the range Pocillopora habitat that may threaten some level of bleaching-induced of these species. All hard corals are the continued existence of the mortality. This is discussed further for listed in Appendix II of the Convention petitioned reef fish species that each species in the species sections on International Trade in Endangered commonly associate with these coral because, as discussed previously, Species of Wild Fauna and Flora species because it provides information exposure and response to threats is (CITES), which allows trade but requires on a wide range of species within those variable between species. findings that trade is sustainable. There genera and the results are not specific or In general, considering the effects of is no evidence presented in the petition limited to any particular geographic climate change on damselfishes and or in our files that trade in corals may area. Data in our files demonstrates that their habitat based on the information in be significantly impacting the available most Acropora and Pocillopora corals the petition and in our files, we habitat for the petitioned reef fish have low vulnerability to bleaching due acknowledge the growing threat that species. As such, the assertion made in to ocean warming. Thus, even though ocean warming and acidification the petition is unsupported and no all Acropora and Pocillopora species are present to coral reef ecosystems. Even information was presented to allow us likely to be negatively affected by coral though all species of Acropora and to infer a possible increased extinction bleaching to some degree, or in some Pocillopora are likely to be negatively risk for any of the petitioned reef fish locations depending on environmental affected by climate change to some species due to the harvest of corals. variables, the information in the petition degree, the information in the petition Adequacy of Regulatory Mechanisms and in our files suggests the effects and in our files suggests the effects are overall are likely to be low for most of likely be low to moderate for most Under listing Factor D, the petitioner those species and we cannot reasonably species and will be variable both asserts that the petitioned species are infer that there may be a risk to the spatially and temporally throughout the warranted for listing under the ESA due petitioned species because of high ranges of the petitioned species, to the inadequacy of regulatory mortality of these corals. providing areas of refuge from the mechanisms, specifically addressing Based on the information in the potential effects of habitat disturbance. greenhouse gas pollution, coral reef petition and our files, we cannot infer Thus we cannot infer from the general habitat protection, and the marine that the general information on coral information presented that climate aquarium trade. The petition states that bleaching and acidification effects on change induced habitat loss by itself is both international and domestic laws pomacentrid habitat, in conjunction a threat that may warrant protection for controlling greenhouse gas emissions with the high variability in response to these pomacentrids under the ESA. are inadequate and/or have failed to climate change, indicates a threat that control emissions: ‘‘As acknowledged Overharvest may warrant protection for the by NMFS in its Status Review Report of petitioned fishes under the ESA. Under Listing Factor B, the petitioner 82 Candidate Coral Species and Species-specific issues related to this identified four of the seven petitioned accompanying Management Report, threat are discussed in species-specific Indo-Pacific species as potentially national and international regulatory sections below. threatened by overharvest for the marine mechanisms have been ineffective in The petition also presents scientific aquarium fish trade and stated that the reducing emissions to levels that do not studies indicating pomacentrid reef harvest of corals threatens all of the jeopardize coral reef habitats.’’ fishes show a strong preference for petitioned species by removing their Information in our files and from inhabiting live coral rather than sub- habitat. This section addresses scientific literature indeed indicates that lethally bleached or dead corals, and overharvest of corals only. The threat of greenhouse gas emissions have a pomacentrid recruitment on bleached overharvest to the four identified fish negative impact to reef building corals and dead corals declines quickly after a species, A. percula, C. atripectoralis, C. (NMFS, 2012). However, beyond this bleaching event. However, Bonin et al. viridis, and D. albisella, is discussed in generalized global threat to coral reefs, (2009) and Coker et al. (2012), cited in the relevant species-specific sections we do not find that the petition presents the petition, show no significant below. substantial information indicating that difference in settlement of Pomacentrus The petition states ‘‘[t]he widespread the effects of greenhouse gas emissions moluccensis or density of Dascyllus and growing trade in and are negatively affecting the petitioned aruanus (respectively) on healthy versus corals adds to the cumulative stresses species or their habitat such that they sub-lethally bleached corals. These two that the petitioned pomacentrids face may be at an increased risk of studies only found significantly fewer from ocean warming and ocean extinction. In particular, the information recruits and lower density on dead acidification.’’ The petition provides no in the petition, and in our files, does not corals. As noted earlier, not all corals further information on the threat of indicate that the petitioned species may are subject to mortality from bleaching; harvest of corals as it pertains to the be at risk of extinction that is cause for for example, Bonin (2012) found an petitioned species. Information in our concern due to the loss of coral reef average of only 5.2 percent mortality files suggests that coral trade can have habitat or the direct effects of ocean from bleaching. In addition, the petition significant local effects on targeted coral warming and acidification. Therefore, argues that bleaching reduces available species, but the overall contribution of inadequate regulatory mechanisms habitat, leading to increased ornamental trade to the extinction risk controlling greenhouse gas emissions is competition effects, reduced growth of 82 species of reef building corals was not considered a factor that may be rates, and generally negative fitness determined to be a threat of low causing extinction risk of concern for consequences for pomacentrids. The importance (Brainard et al., 2011). The the petitioned species. results of Bonin et al. (2009) and Coker petition has presented no information, With respect to coral reef habitat et al. (2012) only support this claim for and we have no information in our files, protection from localized impacts, the bleaching-induced mortality and not to suggest that the petitioned species are petition quotes Burke et al. (2011) as bleaching alone. The implications of particularly dependent on species of stating, ‘‘more than sixty per cent of the this for the petitioned species would coral that are targeted for trade. Further, world’s coral reefs are under immediate depend on their individual levels of we have no information to suggest that and direct threat from one or more local exposure and susceptibility to habitat this may be an operative threat across sources,’’ despite international and

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domestic efforts to reduce threats to and ocean warming, in addition to they highlight no less than four other reefs. The petition states ‘‘this high level causing habitat loss, ‘‘directly threaten studies that also examined the effects of of threat clearly indicates that existing the survival of the petitioned species El Nin˜ o and La Nin˜ a events on reef fish regulatory mechanisms are inadequate through a wide array of adverse impacts larval supply and present results which to protect the coral reefs on which the that are predicted to lead to negative contrast with their results in French petitioned Pomacentrids depend.’’ The fitness consequences and population Polynesia, leading the authors to petition did not provide an explanation declines.’’ We acknowledge that the conclude that ‘‘our work and the of how petitioned species may be potential for physiological impacts as a outcomes of these earlier studies suggest threatened by local sources of impacts result of changing temperatures and that the effect of climatic phenomena to coral reefs. We therefore conclude changing CO2 levels is not unique to such as ENSO [El Nin˜ o Southern that the petition does not provide a corals; marine species associated with Oscillation] cycles on reef fish relevant explanation on how existing coral reef ecosystems also have the assemblages may be species, context, regulatory mechanisms for coral reef potential to be impacted physiologically and location-specific and therefore protection are inadequate and therefore by rising ocean temperatures and extremely difficult to predict.’’ Munday may be increasing the extinction risk of increased acidification. Similar to our (2008) and Pankhurst and Munday the petitioned Indo-Pacific species. previous discussion on habitat (coral) (2011) provide general summaries of The petition states that ‘‘United States impacts, considering the likelihood and reef fish physiology and the potential and international regulations are extent of this threat requires an future impacts of climate change. inadequate to protect the petitioned understanding of the petitioned species’ Pankhurst and Munday (2011) pomacentrids from threats from the susceptibility and exposure to the threat summarize their conclusion as follows: global marine aquarium trade.’’ The considered at the appropriate spatial ‘‘Climate change will, or is already, petition cites Tissot et al. (2010) for and temporal scales. The petitioner has affecting reproductive and early life evidence of ‘‘weak governance capacity provided no information to indicate that history events of most fishes. This is in major source countries such as this threat is currently creating an occurring at a variety of levels and and the Philippines; high extinction risk for the petitioned species through a range of mechanisms which international demand, particularly from in the wild, either through impacts to as our understanding develops are the United States . . . and inadequate fitness of a significant magnitude or emerging as increasingly complex. enforcement of the few existing laws, declines in their populations. Thus, we There is also the very strong suspicion allowing collectors to use illegal and have assessed the information provided that we are substantially under- harmful collection methods such as by the petitioner and in our files as it informed to make useful predictions sodium cyanide.’’ Information presented pertains to the potential for future about likely effects beyond general in the petition and in our files does not impacts to the statuses of the petitioned assumptions, except for the relatively indicate that C. atripectoralis, C. viridis, species. For reasons explained below, few species that have received the bulk or D. albisella may be harvested at we are unable to infer that any of these of research attention.’’ As stated unsustainable levels for the marine petitioned species may face an previously, vulnerability to a threat is a aquarium fish trade (see species specific increased extinction risk due to combination of susceptibility and sections below); accordingly, we potential future physiological impacts exposure. We are unable to draw conclude the characterization of the risk associated with projections of ocean reasonable inferences from this of harvest to these three petitioned warming and ocean acidification. generalized information because it species presented in the petition is identifies the susceptibility of the unsubstantiated. No information was The petition states that elevated sea petitioned species to a potential future presented in the petition related to the surface temperatures ‘‘can influence the threat but provides no information on harvest of D. reticulatus, P. dickii, or P. physiological condition, developmental the likely level of exposure in the johnstonianus. Because overharvest for rate, growth rate, early life history traits, future. trade has not been established as an and reproductive performance of coral Other references in the petition do operative threat that may be impacting reef fishes, all of which can affect their offer species-specific results (although extinction risk for these six petitioned population dynamics, community not for any petitioned species) showing species, regulatory mechanisms structure, and geographical reduced breeding success of addressing this threat are not considered distributions.’’ The section of the Acanthochromis polyacanthus to be a factor influencing their petition asserting that ocean warming (Donelson et al., 2010) and increased extinction risk. However, we are unable impacts reproductive success and mortality rates among juvenile to estimate the magnitude of impact that development for the petitioned species Dascyllus aruanus (Pini et al., 2011) in the marine aquarium trade may be relies on references that are general in response to increased ocean having on A. percula’s population, nature and lack species specific temperatures that may be experienced because we have inadequate information. (i.e., Munday, 2008; Lo-Yat later this century. Multiple references information to estimate population size et al., 2010; Pankhurst and Munday, provided state that the effects of for this species. 2011). Lo-yat et al. (2010) examined temperature changes appear to be In summary, we find the petition does larval supply of coral reef fishes species specific (Nilsson et al., 2009; Lo- not provide substantial information to (including some pomacentrid species) Yat et al., 2010; Johansen and Jones, suggest existing regulatory mechanisms and found that, at their study site in 2011); therefore these results are not are inadequate and may be causing an French Polynesia, warmer El Nin˜ o easily applied to the petitioned species extinction risk for six of the petitioned conditions reduced larval supply overall and, due to unknown variation in species Indo-Pacific species. This listing by 51 percent, while cooler La Nin˜ a predicted exposure, are not applicable factor will be addressed more conditions increased larval supply by across an expansive range. Therefore, specifically for A. percula below. 249 percent. The authors note, however, we are unable to draw reasonable that outcomes of future climate inferences from these reports that the Other Natural or Manmade Factors projections are contradictory when it petitioned action may be warranted. Under Listing Factor E, the petition comes to whether or not El Nin˜ o events With regard to ocean warming states generally that ocean acidification will become more frequent. In addition, impacts to respiratory and metabolic

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processes, Nilsson et al. (2009) and The information provided indicates half of the juvenile Pomacentrus wardi Johansen and Jones (2011) compared both the potential for declines of some in a high CO2 treatment of 703 matm (pH results of exposure to increased species in low-latitude reefs, as well as 7.98) were unaffected and exhibited the temperatures across multiple families or the potential for expansion for these same behaviors as fish in the control genera and species of reef fish. Nilsson species in higher latitudes or more treatment of 425 matm CO2 (pH 8.16) et al. (2009) found that elevated thermally favorable areas. Both studies when presented with the odor of a temperatures (31, 32, or 33 degrees C) suggest species that are specialized to a predator in lab experiments. Fish reduced aerobic capacity 41 to 93 narrow thermal environment, especially categorized as both affected and percent for two cardinalfish and three those optimized for colder temperatures, unaffected based on their response to damselfish species tested, indicating are likely to be the most sensitive to predator odor in the lab, as well as variation both between families tested projected changes in temperature. We control fish, were then released in the and among species. Cardinalfish have no information that suggests the wild and monitored for mortality over response to increasing temperatures was petitioned species are specialized to 70 hours. The unaffected individuals stronger and where cardinalfish lost narrow thermal environments or from the high CO2 treatment had 49 virtually all capacity for oxygen uptake optimized to colder temperatures. To percent survival, not significantly by 33 degrees C, damselfish species the contrary, the petitioned species are different from the control fish, which retained over half of their aerobic scope widely distributed in geographic range had 44 percent survival. The affected at this maximum temperature. With and/or depth, which suggests they are individuals in the high CO2 treatment temperature increases in the future, less likely to be among the most had significantly lower survival at 32 Nilsson et al. (2009) predicted that sensitive to projected changes in percent. As noted by Munday et al. thermally sensitive species, such as the temperature. (2012), these results demonstrate that cardinalfish studied, could decline on Many of the authors of the physiology rapid selection of CO2 tolerant low-latitude reefs but also expand at studies discussed above acknowledge phenotypes can occur in nature. higher latitudes where water that acclimation, developmental Miller et al. (2012) also report that temperatures are more favorable, plasticity, and genetic adaptation may trans-generational acclimation can resulting in pronounced range shifts or may not alleviate some physical and mediate the physiological impacts of towards higher latitudes. Further, physiological limitations, although ocean acidification on reef fish. Their Nilsson et al. (2009) described capacity for acclimation or adaptation is results show ocean temperature and damselfish species, such as C. unknown and was not factored into the acidity conditions projected for the end atripectoralis, as more thermally experiments. Donelson et al. (2011), of the century cause an increase in tolerant and predicted that range shifts however, did examine trans- metabolic rate and decreases in length, towards higher latitudes may happen generational plasticity and found rapid weight, condition, and survival of more gradually for these species. acclimation for the damselfish juvenile anemonefish (Amphiprion Acanthochromis polyacanthus when melanopus), but all of those effects were Johansen and Jones (2011) tested both parents and offspring were reared absent or reversed when parents also wild-captured adult fish in a laboratory throughout their lives at elevated experience high CO2 concentrations. setting, exposing them to two temperature. As noted earlier in this In summary, we acknowledge the temperature treatments representing finding, adaptation and acclimatization potential for physiological and current average summer temperatures has been demonstrated in some species behavioral impacts to the marine around their habitat (29 degrees C) and of coral (Brainard et al. 2011) and the species due to ocean warming and the predicted average summer results from Donelson et al.’s (2011), acidification levels that may occur later temperature after three degrees C while not specific to the petitioned this century. However, we find the increase in sea temperature following species, indicates that some tropical petition did not present substantial current climate change predictions for marine fish species are likely to have information to indicate this may the end of this century. They found that the capacity for acclimation and increase extinction risk for the increased temperature (32 degrees C) adaptation to temperature increases at petitioned species. References provided had a significant negative effect across timescales exceeding the rate of climate in the petition acknowledge that there all performance measures examined (for change. are limitations associated with applying all species except C. atripectoralis, The petition also states ‘‘ocean results from laboratory studies to the where no significant difference was acidification impairs the sensory complex natural environment where found in swimming ability or metabolic capacity and behavior of larval impacts will be experienced gradually performance), with the magnitude of the clownfish and damselfish’’ but only over the next century at various effect varying greatly among closely provides species-specific information magnitudes in a non-uniform spatial related species and genera. The results for A. percula which is discussed below. pattern. Lab experiments presented do indicate increasing temperatures may Importantly, studies cited in the petition not reflect the conditions the petitioned impair certain species’ ability to (e.g., Ferrari et al., 2011) demonstrate species will experience in nature; perform within current habitats (i.e., that there is significant variation in instead of experiencing changes in swimming capacity is reduced below response to increased CO2, leading to levels of ocean warming and prevailing water flow speeds for some acidification, among species, even acidification predicted for the end of the species). Similar to Nilsson et al. (2009), among four congeneric pomacentrid century within a single generation, Johansen and Jones (2011) suggest that species sharing the same habitat and species in nature are likely to the ecological impacts could include a ecology in Australia. Additionally, the experience gradual increases over many reduction in species abundance and a studies cited by the petition and in our generations. The few multi-generational shift in distribution ranges, such that files emphasize that there is significant studies that have been completed show some species are forced into different individual variation in the response to evidence of rapid trans-generational habitats where water flow is weaker to artificially elevated CO2. Results from a acclimation and individual variation accommodate their reduced swimming study by Munday et al. (2012) on that could lead to rapid selection for capacity or into higher latitudes where selective mortality associated with tolerant phenotypes. These are likely to performance is retained. variation in CO2 tolerance show that be influential factors in how changing

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environmental conditions are reflected three host anemone species for A. animated film in 2003, but provide no in future populations. The petitioned percula (Hattori, 2002). additional information about the species (with the exception of A. In addition, the geographic range of A. overharvest threats to this species in the percula for which no population percula is more restricted than the other wild (Osterhoudt, 2004; Prosek, 2010). information was available) have high petitioned species and occurs largely in In the absence of information on estimated abundances and most are the Coral Triangle area. A hot spot of abundance, we are unable to determine distributed across the entire Indo-Pacific ocean warming occurs in the equatorial how the harvest of up to 200,000 region. While there is much uncertainty western Pacific where regional warming individuals annually may impact the regarding the magnitude and spatial is higher than overall warming in the status of A. percula. patterns of these environmental Indo-Pacific, exposing coral reef conditions that may occur sometime in ecosystems, including anemones, in this Factor D: Inadequacy of Regulatory the future, they will not occur uniformly area to a higher risk of warming-induced Mechanisms or as rapidly as they were experienced bleaching. The hot spot overlaps the There was no discussion in the in laboratory studies. Therefore, we Coral Triangle and a large part of A. petition of regulatory mechanisms cannot draw reasonable inferences percula’s range (Couce et al. 2013; specific to this species. However, about the extinction risk of the Lough 2012; Teneva et al. 2012; van references provided by the petitioner petitioned species from this Hooidonk et al. 2013b). question the sustainability of information. For these reasons, Factor B: Overutilization for management practices associated with information in the petition and in our Commercial, Recreational, Scientific or the global aquarium trade indicating files does not constitute substantial Educational Purposes that in many cases the status of targeted information that listing may be The petitioner claims that A. percula species is largely unknown (Jones et al. warranted based on the potential future 2008; Rhyne et al. 2012). With no physiological impacts of ocean warming is being overharvested for the marine aquarium trade. Rhyne et al. (2012) additional information regarding the and acidification. Species-specific abundance of A. percula, we are unable information is addressed below. indicate that in 2005 the species complex of A. ocellaris/percula was the to determine if current management Species Specific Threat Information fifth most commonly imported marine regimes are sufficient to prevent overharvest. Because we have A. percula aquarium species into the United States, with more than 400,000 individuals in determined that substantial information Factor A: Present or Threatened that year. These numbers are an has been presented to indicate that Destruction, Modification, or accumulation of data from 39 countries listing may be warranted for A. percula Curtailment of Habitat or Range where the Philippines, Indonesia, and due to potential impacts from habitat Although the petition broadly states are listed as the top three disturbance, we will need to further that the petitioned species are habitat exporting countries, but we do not have evaluate whether regulatory specialists that depend on live corals, A. data on the exact amount of exports of mechanisms may be inadequate to percula is the exception. It is described this species complex from each country. address these threats. as a habitat specialist due to its We do know that the Philippines and In summary, we find that the petition symbiotic association with three species Indonesia alone accounted for 86.6% of presents substantial information that A. of anemone: Heteractis crispa, all reef fish individuals imported to the percula may be warranted for listing due , and Stichodactyla U.S. in 2005 (Rhyne et al., 2012). It is to species specific threats identified gigantea (Ollerton et al., 2007). As of note that the Philippines and under listing Factor A. We will be habitat specialists, the symbiotic Indonesia are outside the reported range seeking additional information on all relationship between A. percula and of A. percula, but inside the range of A. threats to A. percula and conducting a their hosts makes this species ocellaris, so import estimates from these full status review for this species (see susceptible to threats that are likely to countries are not relevant to the below), at which time we will fully impact their host anemones; petition’s statements regarding harvest analyze the level of extinction risk accordingly, we must consider the or trade of A. percula. We also know posed by all of the identified threats, susceptibility and vulnerability of their from Rhyne et al. (2012) that within the both individually and combined. host species. The petition states that A. range of A. percula, at least 255 different percula is threatened by ‘‘bleaching and species of reef fish, totaling just over C. atripectoralis subsequent loss of anemone habitat 200,000 individuals, were exported to Factor A: Present or Threatened resulting from ocean warming’’ and the U.S in 2005. Data in Rhyne et al. Destruction, Modification, or cites multiple references as evidence (2012) for the countries within A. Curtailment of Habitat or Range that ocean warming has led to anemone percula’s range do not suggest that total bleaching, which can lead to reductions import numbers were skewed heavily In the species section, the petition in anemone abundance and size as well toward one or a few species. Given the states that C. atripectoralis, ‘‘is closely as reduce the density, reproduction, and above information we can only infer associated with branching corals, recruitment of anemone fish. We that total A. percula imports to the U.S. especially Acropora and Pocillopora, for acknowledge that information presented were less than 200,000 individuals. As shelter, reproduction, and recruitment,’’ indicates bleaching events may impact noted in the species description above, citing Wilson et al. (2008a) and Lewis host anemone species by causing A. percula does not occur within U.S. (1998). The petition also states that reductions in abundance of anemones Pacific possessions and we therefore declines in C. atripectoralis have and/or a reduction in size of bleached have no information in our files resulted from coral loss due to this close anemones (Hattori, 2002; Saenz- regarding estimated global population association (Lewis, 1998; Wilson et al., Agudelo et al., 2011; Hill and Scott, size. Additional references in the 2006). With regard to these references, 2012). In particular, the petition petition regarding trade of A. percula we consider whether the species- presents information indicating that indicate an increased consumer interest specific information on declines bleaching events have been shown to in A. percula following the release of resulting from changes to coral habitat negatively impact H. crispa, one of the the ‘‘Finding Nemo,’’ computer- may indicate the possibility of increased

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extinction risk for C. atripectoralis as a timeframe, or the cause of coral cover others. These results for C. atripectoralis species. loss in relation to this species. As such, are representative of this natural cycle Lewis (1998) examined impacts to the we reviewed the studies on which this on a local scale. While these examples C. atripectoralis/viridis species complex analysis was based. We found C. of localized decline due to habitat after coral bommies (coral heads) were atripectoralis was included in five disturbance show some negative effects physically destroyed by a hammer. studies showing variable results in on C. atripectoralis in at least one Lewis (1998) found that numbers of the response to coral loss. These results location on the Great Barrier Reef, we do C. atripectoralis/viridis species complex range from an observed increase over not believe these negative effects are varied after disturbance of coral time after the 1998 mass bleaching event large enough to impact the status of the bommies, but overall these species in the Seychelles (Spalding and Jarvis, global population of C. atripectoralis showed a significant decline post 2002), to showing no impact in response because best available data indicate it disturbance. At the same time, several of to coral cover loss of 16–59 percent due likely numbers in the hundreds of the undisturbed (or control) bommies to a crown of thorns starfish outbreak millions and is distributed across the showed large increases of the species (Pratchett, 2001) or coral loss due to a entire Indo-Pacific region. The evidence complex after the disturbance that could tropical cyclone (Cheal et al., 2002). In of mostly neutral or positive responses not be explained by recruitment, and Lewis (1998), addressed above, the C. to habitat disturbance does not allow us Lewis (1998) noted that immigration atripectoralis/C. viridis complex to reasonably infer that C. atripectoralis likely occurred from disturbed declined 38 percent in response to a 34 may be at increased extinction risk in locations. Coral loss in the Lewis (1998) percent decline in coral cover due to the future either, even when considering study was described by the authors as destruction with a mallet, which means the potential for increased habitat comparable to small scale the fish decline was 112 percent of coral disturbances due to climate change. anthropogenic disturbances like anchor cover decline in this case which heavily We find that substantial information damage and destructive fishing. Results influences the average overall reported has not been presented to indicate a from this study indicate that C. in Wilson et al. (2006) (although as concern for the extinction risk of this atripectoralis shows a preference for noted above, some of the reduced species due to the destruction, structurally intact coral habitat over abundance on damaged bommies was modification, or curtailment of its damaged habitat. However, we find this immigration to nearby control sites, not habitat or range. conclusion unhelpful for extrapolating mortality). Again, we find the cause of Factor B: Overutilization for the likely impacts to this species due to disturbance in this study dissimilar to Commercial, Recreational, Scientific or climate change affecting corals since the impacts associated with bleaching Educational Purposes cause of disturbance is dissimilar to events, which generally leave the impacts associated with bleaching The petitioner asserts that analyses of structural integrity of corals intact for at the aquarium fisheries in Hawaii, the events, which generally leave the least a period of time, and do not always structural integrity of corals intact for at Philippines, and Florida indicate that result in coral mortality. Given that the damselfish, including C. atripectoralis, least a period of time, and do not always majority of studies showed increases or result in coral mortality. The results may face threats from overharvest. The no effect to C. atripectoralis, we cannot only reference provided in the petition from this study suggest that small reasonably infer from this study that habitat disturbance may result in small with information specific to C. this species may be at increased risk of atripectoralis (Nanola et al., 2010) area declines or shifts to areas where extinction from this threat. habitat conditions are more favorable. indicates its density is lower in one As discussed in the general impacts Overall, the petition establishes that region of the Philippines compared to section above, future climate change this species prefers branching corals as its densities in other regions of the impacts to coral reef habitat will be adults and branching and plate corals as Philippines. The authors note that there highly variable within the range of C. juveniles, but can be found with other are reports of intense fishing and habitat atripectoralis and the available coral species in its territory (Wilson et degradation in the area with lower C. information suggests that bleaching al., 2008b). Pratchett (2001) observed C. atripectoralis density; however, no impacts to Acropora and Pocillopora atripectoralis to commonly inhabit dead causal relationship was investigated to corals thus far, and in the foreseeable corals as well. The information also determine why the density of the future, will be low to moderate on shows positive and neutral responses to species was lower in one region versus average, with a subset of species habitat disturbance at the local scale. In others. No additional information was showing higher vulnerability. order to evaluate the significance of the provided in this reference with regard to Wilson et al. (2006) is a meta-analysis evidence presented, we consider the harvest of C. atripectoralis. of species-specific results from 17 whether the conditions that led to, or The petitioner also cited Rhyne et al. independent studies (including Lewis may lead to, declines may be (2012) which state C. viridis is the most (1998)) and presents mean values for experienced throughout all or a commonly imported marine aquarium change in fish abundance for 55 species significant portion of the species range. species into the U.S., accounting for of reef fish related to change in coral Based on the information in the petition nine percent of imports and more than cover due to various types of and in our files, we cannot reasonably 900,000 individuals each year. Figures disturbances calculated from four or infer that C. atripectoralis is likely to be reported for C. viridis actually represent more locations. The authors note that C. experiencing the type or magnitude of a complex of three species, including C. atripectoralis did not show consistency coral loss exhibited in the studies atripectoralis. No further explanation of in response, though overall decline discussed above throughout all or a what proportions those three species averaged about 60 percent of coral loss. significant portion of its expansive make up of the total, the magnitude of This review paper does not provide any geographic range. Coral reefs are harvest in relation to global population further detail regarding which or how naturally dynamic environments that size, or how harvest for the marine many of the 17 studies included C. experience regular cycles of disturbance aquarium trade affects extinction risk atripectoralis and therefore in how and recovery on a local scale from a for any of the three species in the many cases there was decline, the range of impacts including storms, species complex was provided. As magnitude of decline, the sampling bleaching events, predator outbreaks, or noted in the species description above,

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we estimate the current global potential for increased ocean (2002) found that numbers of C. viridis abundance of the C. atripectoralis/C. temperatures that may occur later this collapsed after the bleaching event. viridis species complex to be in the century to have physiological impacts . . .’’ Booth and Beretta (2002) hundreds of millions. The import of on the petitioned species, however the examined changes in recruitment and 900,000 individuals per year represents information presented in the petition for density of reef fish after a coral a very small percentage of that overall C. atripectoralis shows that the potential bleaching event in One Tree Island global population estimate. Notably, a negative effect by itself, combined with lagoon in Australia and found that the third species of Chromis is also the thermal tolerance demonstrated, density of three different species of represented in the import numbers so does not allow us to infer an extinction pomacentrids dropped at bleached sites. the proportion of C. atripectoralis risk due to the potential future The authors note that the numbers of harvested in relation to its overall physiological impacts of climate change several species, including C. viridis, abundance may be even smaller. that is cause for concern. may have been seriously reduced as a The petitioners do not provide result of the bleaching event; however, C. viridis information that the level of harvest of they were unable to quantitatively this species may be unsustainable. They Factor A: Present or Threatened assess density changes for this species have simply identified a potential threat Destruction, Modification, or because survey methods were and provided no other demographic Curtailment of Habitat or Range unsuitable for assessing species that had information, leaving no basis upon The petition argues that C. viridis is a highly patchy distribution at the study which to reasonably infer that harvest site. may be increasing the extinction risk of threatened by habitat loss and Overall, the petition establishes that this species. Accordingly, we cannot degradation of coral reef habitat due to this species is commonly observed reasonably infer from these reports that temperature-induced mass bleaching associated with branching corals and this species may be facing an extinction events and ocean acidification. The the work of Ben-Tzvi et al. (2008) shows risk across all or a significant portion of petitioner describes C. viridis as a coral preference for settlement and its range due to overharvest. habitat specialist and states that, ‘‘many studies have reported C. viridis’ close recruitment of juveniles to Acropora Factor D: Inadequacy of Existing association with a narrow set of species. The information also provides Regulatory Mechanisms branching coral species as juveniles and two examples of negative responses to There was no discussion in the adults,’’ citing multiple references habitat disturbance at the local scale petition of regulatory mechanisms (Allen, 1991; Booth, 2002; Lecchini et (Booth and Beretta 2002; Lewis 1998). In specific to this species. The evaluation al., 2005; Ben-Tzvi et al., 2008; Froukh order to evaluate the significance of the of the general information provided in and Kochzius, 2008). Although it is not evidence of a negative response to a the petition regarding inadequacy of apparent from the references provided threat that has been presented, we regulatory mechanisms above applies that this species relies on a ‘‘narrow set consider whether the conditions that led here. As such, substantial information of branching coral species,’’ we do to declines may be experienced has not been provided to indicate that acknowledge that this species is throughout all or a significant portion of inadequacy of regulatory mechanisms commonly observed associated with the species range. Based on the may be contributing to increased branching corals. information in the petition and in our extinction risk for C. atripectoralis. The petition cites several references to files, we do not believe that C. viridis is demonstrate that C. viridis is negatively likely to be experiencing the type or Factor E: Other Natural or Manmade impacted by coral habitat loss or magnitude of coral loss exhibited in Factors Affecting Its Continued degradation, which are discussed below. Lewis (1998) or Booth and Beretta Existence The petitioner asserts that C. viridis has (2002) throughout all or a significant For C. atripectoralis, the petitioner ‘‘been shown to decline sharply portion of its expansive geographic discusses two studies to suggest that following the loss of live coral habitat range, nor is it likely to in the future. increased ocean temperatures will from bleaching and other disturbances,’’ Coral reefs are naturally dynamic reduce aerobic capacity for this species. citing Nilsson et al. (2009). However, environments that experience regular One of the references provided with the Nilsson et al. (2009) study examined cycles of disturbance and recovery on a species-specific information reports C. how elevated temperature impacts local scale from a range of impacts atripectoralis showed no significant respiratory scope for several species of including storms, bleaching events, changes in consumption of oxygen at a pomacentrids (not including C. viridis) predator outbreaks, or other threats. resting rate or maximum oxygen uptake and does not examine impacts of habitat These results for C. viridis are during swimming, but displayed a loss on any species. Rather the study representative of this natural cycle on a significant fall in aerobic scope from cites two other papers referenced in the local scale. While these examples of 300 (with a standard deviation of 28 petition for habitat loss (Wilson et al., localized decline due to habitat percent) at 29 degrees C to 178 (with a 2006 and Pratchett et al., 2008), neither disturbance show clear negative effects standard deviation of 55 percent) at 33 of which include any information on C. on C. viridis at two locations on the degrees C; the authors also describe C. viridis. As discussed in the previous Great Barrier Reef, we have no atripectoralis as a thermally tolerant section, C. viridis was reported as part information to suggest that these species (Nilsson et al., 2009). These of a species complex with C. localized effects are large enough to authors suggest that thermally tolerant atripectoralis in Lewis (1998) and this impact the status of the entire species species such as C. atripectoralis may study provides no additional because the best available data indicate experience gradual range shifts information to suggest that extinction it likely numbers in the hundreds of overtime. Johansen and Jones (2011) risk is heightened for either of these millions and is distributed across the showed no significant difference for C. species. entire Indo-Pacific region. As atripectoralis in swimming or metabolic The petition states, ‘‘[i]n a survey of summarized above, information in our performance in response to a three a portion of the GBR that experienced files regarding live coral cover confirms degrees C increase in water temperature bleaching during the 1997–98 mass that there has been a long-term overall (29 to 32 degrees). We acknowledge the bleaching event, Booth and Beretta decline in live coral cover in the Indo-

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Pacific, and that those declines are which to infer that harvest may be requirements as obligately associated likely ongoing and likely to continue in increasing the extinction risk of this with rugose corals, which describes the the future due to a multitude of global species. Accordingly, we cannot infer species’ need for structure during the and local threats at all spatial scales. from this information that this species recruitment stage, not a constraint to a However, live coral cover trends are may be facing increased extinction risk particular taxa of corals. The study also complex, dynamic, and highly variable across all or a significant portion of its showed that rugose corals within the across space and time. Even though all range due to overharvest. study area ranged from low to high species of Acropora and Pocillopora are susceptibility to bleaching, similar to likely to be negatively affected by Factor D: Inadequacy of Existing the coral response variation discussed climate change to some degree, the Regulatory Mechanisms above. information in the petition and in our There was no discussion in the The petitioner provides no abundance files suggests low to moderate effects for petition of regulatory mechanisms or density information for this species, most species that will be variable both specific to this species. The evaluation however our internal files indicate that spatially and temporally throughout the of the general information provided in D. albisella is a commonly observed range of C. viridis, providing areas of the petition regarding inadequacy of species at multiple depths throughout refuge from the potential effects of regulatory mechanisms above applies its range, associating with multiple habitat disturbance. We find that here. As such, substantial information habitat types. In shallow waters (less substantial information has not been has not been provided to indicate that than 15 meters), it was ranked first (out presented to indicate a concern for the inadequacy of regulatory mechanisms of 113 taxa) in mean numerical density extinction risk of this species at the may be contributing to increased over seven years of surveys and second population level due to the destruction, extinction risk for C. viridis. in mean biomass surveyed over seven modification, or curtailment of its years at one site, and second (out of 109 habitat or range. Factor E: Other Natural or Manmade taxa) in density and fifth in biomass at Factors Affecting its Continued another site (DeMartini et al., 2002). In Factor B: Overutilization for Existence a depth range of 30 to 40 meters, it was Commercial, Recreational, Scientific or ranked third out of 35 species of fish in Educational Purposes No species-specific information was provided regarding the effects of terms of how many survey stations at The petitioner cited Rhyne et al. increased ocean warming or which it was observed and third in (2012) which states C. viridis is the most acidification on C. viridis. The terms of mean number observed per commonly imported marine aquarium evaluation of the general information station (Parrish and Boland, 2004). The species into the U.S., accounting for provided in the petition above regarding authors note that all available data nine percent of imports and more than ocean acidification and warming applies indicate the 30 to 40 meter habitats of 900,000 individuals each year. here. While we acknowledge the northwestern Hawaiian island banks are However, this study is based on one potential for C. viridis to experience substantially different from shallower year of information collected from physiological impacts due to levels of reef habitats, like those in DeMartini et import invoices in the U.S. and does not ocean warming and/or acidification that al. (2010), however they still observed report annual averages as characterized may occur later this century, we find D. albisella as a common species. In by the petition. Nevertheless, we have that the petition does not present deeper waters (50 to 73 meters), it was no information to indicate the figures substantial information indicating this ranked first in terms of the number of cited do not represent a typical year. In species may be warranted for listing due black coral trees in which it was addition, figures reported for C. viridis to these factors affecting its extinction observed, and ninth for mean fishes per represent a complex of three species risk. tree out of 40 taxa (Boland and Parrish, (which also includes the petitioned 2005). In addition, Chave and Munday species C. atripectoralis), not C. viridis D. albisella (1994) report D. albisella as common alone, indicating that the numbers for C. Factor A: Present or Threatened down to 84 meters depth on or above viridis are actually lower than those Destruction, Modification, or various substrates. presented in the petition. No further Curtailment of Habitat or Range Additional information readily explanation of the magnitude of harvest available in our files includes a study in relation to global population size of The petition claims that D. albisella is that documented D. albisella juvenile C. viridis or how harvest for the marine threatened by habitat loss and recruitment to experimental wire mesh aquarium trade affects its extinction risk degradation of coral reef habitat due to coils in depths of four to eight meters on was provided. temperature-induced mass bleaching open sand flats (Schroeder, 1985). As noted in the species description events and ocean acidification, Results of this study indicate that above, we estimate the global specifically arguing that D. albisella is recruitment is not dependent upon live abundance of the C. atripectoralis and dependent on live branching branching Pocillopora corals, as stated C. viridis species complex to be in the Pocillopora species for larval settlement in the petition, as we believe these hundreds of millions. The annual and juvenile habitat. The petition cites results show that the species is only import of a maximum of 900,000 Allen (1991), Booth (1992), and Randall dependent on three-dimensional represents a very small percentage of (1985) to describe the habitat structure, which the wire mesh coils this global population estimate. Notably, characteristics for D. albisella. represent. Thus, the information in our this percent may be lower as a third Additional information in our files files does not support the petitioner’s species of Chromis is also represented in provides more detail with respect to D. claim that D. albisella is dependent on the harvest numbers. albisella’s habitat use, as discussed live branching Pocillopora for larval The petitioners do not provide below. The petitioner cites DeMartini et settlement and juvenile habitat or other information that the level of harvest of al. (2010) to support the claim that D. aspects of survival. It does, however, this species may be unsustainable. They albisella juveniles are obligately support the fact the D. albisella is have simply identified a potential threat associated with branching Pocillopora commonly observed among branching and given no other demographic corals. However, DeMartini et al. (2010) corals or other rugose habitat structures information, leaving no basis upon actually describe D. albisella’s habitat over a broad depth range.

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The petition does not provide any that the petition does not present variable responses to coral loss ranging specific information indicating coral substantial information indicating this from a slight increase at one site and habitat loss due to temperature-induced species may be warranted for listing due slight decrease at another one year after mass bleaching events and ocean to these factors affecting its extinction a tropical cyclone (Cheal et al., 2002), to acidification (or any other cause) has risk. a 70 percent decline one year after a affected the status of the species. As crown of thorns starfish outbreak that D. reticulatus such, we cannot infer that loss or resulted in 16–59 percent coral cover degradation of coral reef habitat is a Factor A: Present or Threatened loss (Pratchett, 2001), to exhibiting threat to the species to the extent it may Destruction, Modification, or dramatic declines of near 100 percent warrant protection under the ESA. Curtailment of Habitat or Range after experimental habitat disturbance Factor B: Overutilization for As noted above, the petition states consisting of breaking up all hard corals Commercial, Recreational, Scientific or that ‘‘the petitioned pomacentrid reef on the patch reef, resulting in Educational Purposes fish are habitat specialists that directly essentially 100 percent coral loss (Syms and Jones, 2000). The petitioner argues that analyses of depend on live corals for survival, In order to evaluate the significance of the aquarium fisheries in Hawaii, the including shelter, reproduction, the evidence presented, we consider Philippines, and Florida indicate that recruitment, and food.’’ In the species whether the conditions that led to damselfish, including D. albisella, may section, the petitioner provides more declines may be experienced throughout face threats from overharvest. The only details on this species and states that D. all or a significant portion of the species reference provided with information reticulatus is ‘‘closely associated with specific to D. albisella (Stevenson et al., branching corals as juveniles and range. Based on the information in the 2011) reports information from fisher adults,’’ citing Allen (1991), Lewis petition and in our files, we do not surveys indicating D. albisella has a (1998), Randall (2005), and Wilson et al. believe that D. reticulatus is likely to be high ‘electivity index’ which is a (2008a). We acknowledge that this experiencing the type or magnitude of measure of fisher’s preference for fish species is commonly associated with coral loss exhibited in the studies caught. No actual catch information was branching corals based on the discussed above throughout all or a provided for D. albisella. No information provided in the petition. significant portion of its range, nor is it information was presented on the Wilson et al. (2008) established that likely to in the future. Coral reefs are magnitude of harvest in relation to adults show a preference for branching naturally dynamic environments that global population size or how harvest and plate corals while avoiding soft experience regular cycles of disturbance for the marine aquarium trade affects corals. and recovery on a local scale from a extinction risk for these species. As The petition also states that declines range of impacts including storms, noted above in the species description, in D. reticulatus have been documented bleaching events, predator outbreaks, or the mean global population estimate for as a result of coral loss and cites Lewis others. These results for D. reticulatus D. albisella is 11,493,000. We found no (1998). Lewis found that numbers of D. are representative of this natural cycle additional information in our files reticulatus declined after disturbance of on a local scale. While these examples indicating that overharvest may be an coral bommies (coral heads). Again, we of localized decline due to habitat operative threat acting on this species find the cause of disturbance in this disturbance show some negative effects and affecting its extinction risk. study (e.g., by mallet) dissimilar to on D. reticulatus at three locations on impacts associated with bleaching the Great Barrier Reef, we have no Factor D: Inadequacy of Existing events, which generally leave the information to suggest that these Regulatory Mechanisms structural integrity of corals intact for at localized effects are large enough to There was no discussion in the least a period of time, and do not always impact the status of the entire species petition of regulatory mechanisms result in coral mortality. Dascyllus because best available data indicate it specific to this species. The evaluation reticulatus is also included in the likely numbers in the billions and is of the general information provided in results reported in Wilson et al. (2006). distributed across the entire Indo-Pacific the petition regarding inadequacy of As discussed above, Wilson et al. (2006) region. As summarized above, regulatory mechanisms above applies is a meta-analysis of 17 independent information in our files regarding live here. As such, substantial information studies (including Lewis, 1998) and coral cover confirms that there has been has not been provided to indicate that present mean values for changes in fish a long-term overall decline in live coral inadequacy of regulatory mechanisms abundance for 55 species of reef fish cover in the Indo-Pacific, and that those may be contributing to increased related to changes in coral cover due to declines are likely ongoing and likely to extinction risk for D. albisella. various types of disturbance calculated continue in the future due to a from four or more locations. Dascyllus multitude of global and local threats at Factor E: Other Natural or Manmade reticulatus showed average declines all spatial scales. However, live coral Factors Affecting Its Continued larger than the declines in coral but was cover trends are complex, dynamic, and Existence included in the group of species that did highly variable across space and time. No species-specific information was not show consistent responses to coral Even though all species of Acropora and provided regarding the effects of loss in all cases. This review paper does Pocillopora are likely to be negatively increased ocean warming or not provide any further detail regarding affected by climate change to some acidification on D. albisella. The which of the 17 studies included D. degree, the information in the petition evaluation of the general information reticulatus and therefore in how many and in our files suggests low to provided in the petition above regarding cases there was decline, the magnitude moderate effects for most species that ocean acidification and warming applies of decline, the sampling timeframe, or will be variable both spatially and here. While we acknowledge the the cause of coral cover loss in relation temporally throughout the range of D. potential for D. albisella to experience to this species. We found D. reticulatus reticulatus, providing areas of refuge physiological impacts due to levels of was included in four studies conducted from potential future threats that are not ocean warming and/or acidification that at three sites on the Great Barrier Reef. spatially uniform. We find that may occur later this century, we find The results for D. reticulatus show substantial information has not been

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presented to indicate a concern for the commonly observed associated with Even though all species of Acropora and extinction risk of this species at the branching corals, based on the Pocillopora are likely to be negatively population level due to the destruction, information provided in the petition, affected by climate change to some modification, or curtailment of its and relies on coral branches for algal degree, the information in the petition habitat or range. farming and nest sites. As such, the and in our files only suggests effects are species may therefore be impacted by likely be low to moderate for most Factor D: Inadequacy of Existing changes to this habitat type. species and will be variable both Regulatory Mechanisms The petition references studies by spatially and temporally throughout the There was no discussion in the Wilson et al. (2008b) and the Australian range of P. dickii, providing areas of petition of regulatory mechanisms Institute of Marine Science (AIMS, refuge from habitat disturbances that are specific to this species. The evaluation 2012) to describe impacts of habitat loss, not spatially uniform. We find that of the general information provided in reporting that both studies found P. substantial information has not been the petition regarding inadequacy of dickii declined significantly following presented to indicate a concern for the regulatory mechanisms above applies the loss of Acropora coral cover in Fiji extinction risk of this species at the here. As such, substantial information and loss of hard coral cover due to population level due to the destruction, has not been provided to indicate that storm damage at Hoskyn’s Reef on the modification, or curtailment of its inadequacy of regulatory mechanisms Great Barrier Reef, respectively. habitat or range. may be contributing to increased Plectroglyphidodon dickii is also extinction risk for D. reticulatus. Factor D: Inadequacy of Existing included in just one of the studies Regulatory Mechanisms Factor E: Other Natural or Manmade considered in the Wilson et al. (2006) There was no discussion in the Factors Affecting Its Continued meta-analysis. Lindahl et al. (2001) petition of regulatory mechanisms Existence found a significant decline of approximately 68 percent in P. dickii specific to this species. The evaluation For D. reticulatus, the petitioner states after the 1998 mass bleaching event in of the general information provided in increased temperature will negatively Tanzania in response to an 88 percent the petition regarding inadequacy of affect aerobic performance and coral loss. In order to evaluate the regulatory mechanisms above applies swimming ability, citing Johansen and significance of the evidence presented, here. As such, substantial information Jones (2011). In this study, D. reticulatus we consider whether the conditions that has not been provided to indicate that adults exposed to a high temperature led to declines may be experienced inadequacy of regulatory mechanisms (32 degrees C) environment in a throughout all or a significant portion of may be contributing to increased laboratory setting displayed the species range. Based on the extinction risk for P. dickii. significantly reduced swimming and information in the petition and in our Factor E: Other Natural or Manmade metabolic performance (Johansen and files, we do not believe that P. dickii is Jones, 2011). In addition, there is some Factors Affecting its Continued likely to be experiencing the type or Existence evidence of adaptation/acclimation to magnitude of coral loss exhibited in the future environmental conditions in studies discussed above throughout all No species-specific information was pomacentrid species. Dascyllus or a significant portion of its expansive provided regarding the effects of reticulatus has high estimated geographic range, nor is it likely to in increased ocean warming or abundance and is distributed across the the future. Coral reefs are naturally acidification on P. dickii. The entire Indo-Pacific region; though there dynamic environments that experience evaluation of the general information is much uncertainty regarding the regular cycles of disturbance and provided in the petition above regarding magnitude and spatial patterns of these recovery on a local scale from a range ocean acidification and warming applies environmental conditions that may of impacts including storms, bleaching here. While we acknowledge the occur sometime in the future, they will events, predator outbreaks, or others. potential for P. dickii to experience not occur uniformly or as rapidly as These results for P. dickii are physiological impacts due to levels of they were experienced in laboratory representative of this natural cycle on a ocean warming and/or acidification that studies. Therefore, we cannot draw local scale. While these examples of may occur later this century, we find reasonable inferences about the localized decline due to habitat that the petition does not present extinction risk of D. reticulatus from disturbance show clear negative effects substantial information indicating this this information. on assemblages of P. dickii at one species may be warranted for listing due to these factors affecting its extinction P. dickii location on the Great Barrier Reef and one in Fiji, we do not believe these risk. Factor A: Present or Threatened negative effects are large enough to P. johnstonianus Destruction, Modification, or impact the status of P. dickii because the Curtailment of Habitat or Range best available data indicate it likely Factor A: Present or Threatened As noted above, the petition states numbers in the billions and is Destruction, Modification, or that ‘‘the petitioned pomacentrid reef distributed across the entire Indo-Pacific Curtailment of Habitat or Range fish are habitat specialists that directly region. As summarized above, The petitioner argues that P. depend on live corals for survival, information in our files regarding live johnstonianus is threatened by coral including shelter, reproduction, coral cover does not dispute that there habitat loss or degradation due to the recruitment, and food.’’ More has been a long-term overall decline in species’ dependence on live coral for specifically in the species section, the live coral cover in the Indo-Pacific, and shelter, food, and reproduction. petitioner claims that many sources that those declines are likely ongoing Specifically, the petition states this report a ‘‘strong association’’ of P. dickii and likely to continue in the future due species is ‘‘considered highly dependent adults with live branching Acropora to a multitude of global and local threats on live coral for shelter, food, and and Pocillopora corals, citing Jones et at all spatial scales. However, live coral reproduction,’’ citing Cole et al. (2008) al. (2006) and Emslie et al. (2012). We cover trends are complex, dynamic, and and Emslie et al. (2012). They also cite acknowledge that this species is highly variable across space and time. Allen (1991) and Randall (2005)

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generally with regard to use of Acropora Two additional references (Wilson et term overall decline in live coral cover and Pocillopora corals as habitat. We al., 2006; Pratchett et al., 2008) are in the Indo-Pacific, and that those acknowledge that this species is meta-analyses of multiple studies declines are likely ongoing and likely to commonly observed associated with showing changes in coral reef fish continue in the future due to a branching corals and is likely a abundance concurrent with coral loss multitude of global and local threats at corallivore based on the information over variable periods of time due to all spatial scales. However, live coral provided in the petition. As such, the various types of disturbance (Wilson et cover trends are complex, dynamic, and species may therefore be impacted by al., 2006) or specifically a mass highly variable across space and time. changes to this habitat type. bleaching event (Pratchett et al., 2008). Even though all species of Acropora and The petitioner reports P. Pratchett et al. (2008) combine species Pocillopora are likely to be negatively johnstonianus to be an obligate specific results from six independent affected by climate change to some corallivore, listing Acropora and studies that collectively report on 116 degree, the information in the petition Montipora species as ‘‘major’’ dietary species of reef fish, while Wilson et al. and in our files suggests the effects are items and Pocillopora and Porites (2006) combine species specific results likely be low to moderate for most species as ‘‘moderate’’ dietary items from 17 independent studies that species and will be variable both based on Cole et al. (2008). In Cole et collectively report on 55 species of reef spatially and temporally throughout the al. (2008), corallivores are defined as fish. We found only one study (cited in range of P. johnstonianus, providing obligate when more than 80 percent of both meta-analyses) that includes areas of refuge from the potential effects their diet is centered on coral. Cole et information for P. johnstonianus. of habitat disturbance that is not al. (2008) base their assessment of Spalding and Jarvis (2002) found P. spatially uniform. We find that obligate corallivory on two studies they johnstonianus declined significantly at substantial information has not been cite. The petition also cites Randall all three Seychelles survey sites one presented to indicate a concern for the (2005) that the species feeds mainly on year after the 1998 mass bleaching extinction risk of this species at the coral polyps. event. Declines ranged from 74 percent population level due to the destruction, The four coral genera that are reported with 84 percent coral loss, to 75 percent modification, or curtailment of its to be included in P. johnstonianus’ diet with 95 percent coral loss, to 38 percent habitat or range. are comprised of more than 300 with 65 percent coral loss at the three Factor D: Inadequacy of Existing individual species. As discussed study sites. throughout this finding, thermal As noted with the other species, Regulatory Mechanisms tolerance varies widely between even localized decline in response to habitat There was no discussion in the closely related coral species and disturbance is not unexpected for any petition of regulatory mechanisms depends on a multitude of factors species. In order to evaluate the specific to this species. The evaluation including taxa, geographic location, significance of the evidence presented, of the general information provided in biomass, previous exposure, frequency, we consider whether the conditions that the petition regarding inadequacy of intensity, and duration of thermal stress led to declines may impact the species regulatory mechanisms above applies events, gene expression, and symbiotic throughout all or a significant portion of here. As such, substantial information relationships. The petition did not the species range. Based on the has not been provided to indicate that provide further detail on, or any climate information in the petition and in our inadequacy of regulatory mechanisms change susceptibility information for files, we have no basis to infer that P. may be contributing to increased preferred dietary items. According to johnstonianus, an apparently abundant extinction risk for P. johnstonianus. Foden et al. (2013), 85 percent of the and widely distributed species, is 308 species they assessed within those experiencing the type or magnitude of Factor E: Other Natural or Manmade four genera have low vulnerability to coral loss exhibited in the studies Factors Affecting Its Continued climate change threats. In the absence of discussed such that it is threatened with Existence more detailed information regarding the extinction throughout all or a significant No species-specific information was diet requirements of P. johnstonianus, portion of its range. Coral reefs are provided regarding the effects of we defer back to our assessment of naturally dynamic environments that increased ocean warming or information in our files which indicates experience regular cycles of disturbance acidification on P. johnstonianus. The that even though all species of and recovery on the local scale from a evaluation of the general information branching coral are likely to be range of impacts including storms, provided in the petition above regarding negatively affected by coral bleaching to bleaching events, predator outbreaks, or ocean acidification and warming applies some degree, the information in the others. These results for P. here. While we acknowledge the petition and in our files suggests the johnstonianus are representative of this potential for P. johnstonianus to effects are likely be low or moderate for natural cycle on a local scale. While experience physiological impacts due to most branching coral species. As such, these examples of localized decline due levels of ocean warming and/or we cannot infer that climate change to habitat disturbance show clear acidification that may occur later this impacts to P. johnstonianus’ preferred negative effects on assemblages of P. century, we find that the petition does food items may be cause for concern for johnstonianus at three locations (one not present substantial information increased extinction risk of this species. site on the Great Barrier Reef, Fiji and indicating this species may be The petition references studies by the Seychelles), there is no basis to infer warranted for listing due to these factors Wilson et al. (2008b) and the Australian that these negative effects are large affecting its extinction risk. Institute of Marine Science (AIMS, enough to impact the status of P. 2012) to describe impacts of habitat loss, johnstonianus. The best available data Interaction and Summation of Section reporting that both studies found P. indicate that the species likely numbers 4(a)(1) Factors johnstonianus declined significantly in the billions and is distributed across Finally, we have considered whether following the loss of Acropora coral the entire Indo-Pacific region. there are cumulative or synergistic cover in Fiji and loss of hard coral cover As summarized above, information in effects to any of the petitioned reef fish due to storm damage at Hoskyn’s Reef our files regarding live coral cover does species from the combined impacts of on the Great Barrier Reef, respectively. not dispute that there has been a long- threats identified in the petition, such

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that even if each threat individually information in our files, we cannot may adversely impact the species; (6) does not result in population-level reasonably infer that the combined ongoing or planned efforts to protect effects that may warrant protection for effects of these threats will occur with and restore A. percula and its habitat; these fishes under the ESA, those such frequency, intensity, or geographic and (7) management, regulatory, and cumulative or synergistic effects may be scope as to present an extinction risk to enforcement information pertaining to significant and meet our 90-day finding these six petitioned species. A. percula. We request that all standard. Accordingly, we find that for the information be accompanied by: (1) For A. percula, we find the petition Hawaiian dascyllus (Dascyllus Supporting documentation such as presents substantial information to albisella), blue-eyed damselfish maps, bibliographic references, or indicate this species may be warranted (Plectroglyphidodon johnstonianus), reprints of pertinent publications; and for listing. As such, we will conduct a black-axil chromis (Chromis (2) the submitter’s name, address, and status review and include a detailed atripectoralis), blue-green damselfish any association, institution, or business assessment of the potential for (Chromis viridis), reticulated damselfish that the person represents. synergistic effects of the Section 4(a)(1) (Dascyllus reticulatus), and blackbar factors on this species. We request devil or Dick’s damselfish References Cited information on any potential (Plectroglyphidodon dickii), the petition A complete list of references is interactions through the public does not present substantial scientific or available upon request (see ADDRESSES). comment process (see below). commercial information indicating that For the other six petitioned species, ESA-listing may be warranted under any Authority we have specifically considered of the five section 4(a)(1) factors, alone The authority for this action is the whether two or more of the threats or in combination. Endangered Species Act of 1973, as assessed above (loss of coral reef habitat amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). due to climate change, harm to essential Petition Finding Dated: August 28, 2014. functions from ocean acidification and After reviewing the information ocean warming, overharvest for the contained in the petition, as well as Eileen Sobeck, aquarium trade, and inadequacy of information readily available in our Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, regulatory mechanisms) are files, and based on the above analysis, National Marine Fisheries Service. cumulatively or synergistically likely to we find that the petition presents [FR Doc. 2014–20955 Filed 9–2–14; 8:45 am] interact and result in significant impacts substantial information indicating that BILLING CODE 3510–22–P to the species, either now or in the the petitioned action may be warranted foreseeable future. We have no for the orange clownfish (Amphiprion information to suggest that the percula). We will conduct a status DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE review for this species to determine if identified threats to the species will National Oceanic and Atmospheric work synergistically, thereby enhancing the petitioned action is warranted. We Administration impacts to the six petitioned species find that the petition fails to present populations. With regard to cumulative substantial scientific or commercial 50 CFR Part 648 impacts, we must consider whether the information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for information provided would suggest [Docket No. 140822715–4715–01] that the additive impacts from the the remaining six petitioned Indo- Pacific species: the Hawaiian dascyllus various threats indicate that the species RIN 0648–BE37 may warrant protection under the ESA. (Dascyllus albisella), reticulated Because of the expansive ranges of the damselfish (Dascyllus reticulatus), blue- Magnuson-Stevens Fishery petitioned species and the non-uniform eyed damselfish (Plectroglyphidodon Conservation and Management Act nature of the potential future threats we johnstonianus), black-axil chromis Provisions; Fisheries of the do not expect the petitioned species to (Chromis atripectoralis), blue-green Northeastern United States; Tilefish be exposed to all threats simultaneously damselfish (Chromis viridis), and Fishery; 2015–2017 Specifications throughout all or a significant portion of blackbar devil or Dick’s damselfish their ranges. Additionally, in places (Plectroglyphidodon dickii). AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries where they experience multiple threats Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Information Solicited simultaneously, e.g., coral bleaching Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), impacts combined with harvest, impacts To ensure that the status review is Commerce. are likely to be localized. The lack of comprehensive, we are soliciting ACTION: Proposed rule; request for any evidence of declining populations is scientific and commercial information comments. true for all six species. pertaining to A. percula from any In summary, we cannot reasonably interested party. Specifically, we are SUMMARY: NMFS proposes specifications infer that studies referenced in the soliciting information, including for the commercial tilefish fishery for petition showing localized declines or unpublished information, in the the 2015, 2016, and 2017 fishing years. generalized threats may describe an following areas: (1) Historical and This action would set the acceptable extinction risk of these widely- current distribution and abundance of biological catch, annual catch limit, distributed and abundant species. A. percula throughout its range; (2) total allowable landings, and harvest Overall, the petitioner presented historical and current population trends allocations for the individual fishing insufficient information to suggest the for A. percula; (3) life history and quota and incidental fishery global population of any of these six habitat requirements of A. percula; (4) components of the commercial tilefish petitioned species is so depressed or genetics and population structure fishery. The intent of this action is to declining due to any of the threats information (including morphology, establish allowable harvest levels and identified in the petition such that it ecology, behavior, etc) for populations other management measures to prevent may require ESA listing. Based on the of A. percula; (5) past, current, and overfishing while allowing optimum lack of population-level impacts future threats to A. percula, including yield, consistent with the Magnuson- identified in the petition and the any current or planned activities that Stevens Fishery Conservation and

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