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NOAA Fisheries received a petition from the Delaware Riverkeeper Network on July 19, 2023, stating that the Delaware River population of Atlantic sturgeon warrants listing as its own Distinct Population Segment (DPS) because the population is genetically unique, clearly recognizable based on genetic testing, and is reproductively isolated from all other river populations.
NOAA Fisheries reviewed the petition, references provided by the petitioner, and information readily available in our files, and found that the petition did not provide substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. Therefore, a negative 90-day finding was made. The Delaware River population of Atlantic sturgeon will, however, remain part of the ESA-listed New York Bight DPS of Atlantic sturgeon and, as such, Atlantic sturgeon originating from the Delaware River population will continue to be afforded the protections of a federal endangered species under the ESA.
Read the notice as published in the Federal Register today.
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