No. 366, December 30, 2005

ORCAS PROTECTED UNDER ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT - Thanks for your help!

   
   

PUGET SOUND BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT COMPLETED

   
   

FINISH STRONG: RING OUT THE OLD YEAR WITH A GIFT TO THE WILD

   

 

 

 

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ORCAS PROTECTED UNDER ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT - Thanks for your help!

Responding to an unprecedented outpouring of public support, including thousands of letters and emails from Center for Biological Diversity members, the National Marine Fisheries Service placed the Puget Sound killer whale on the endangered species list on November 15, 2005. This is the first step to saving one of America's most treasured wildlife icons.

In response to an orca population crash in Puget Sound, Center scientists and lawyers conducted a population viability assessment, wrote a scientific petition to protect the orca under the Endangered Species Act, and built a large coalition to advocate for its protection.

Amazingly, the Bush administration admitted the orca was going extinct, but refused to protect it on the grounds that Puget Sound is not a "significant" population. Not only did the Center and the orca disagree, so did the agency's own scientists. The coalition took its case to court, winning a victory in 2003 which struck down the refusal and ordered a new decision.

This is a stunning victory for the orcas of Puget Sound, and will also aid in recovery efforts for the ecosystem as a whole.  It was made possible through the dedication and hard work of many individuals and organizations, and the Center sends a sincere "thank you" to everyone who wrote a letter, made a call, or otherwise contributed to this effort.  Our coalition includes Earthjustice, Ocean Advocates, Orca Conservancy, Friends of the San Juans, People for Puget Sound, former Secretary of State Ralph Munro, Karen Munro, and Earth Island Institute.

Press release on endangered listing

More information on Puget Sound orcas and their plight


PUGET SOUND BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT COMPLETED

A new report by the Center for Biological Diversity and Friends of the San Juans found that the Puget Sound Basin is one of the most significant biodiversity "hotspots" in the U.S. today, with more species in its 16,000 square miles than in 31 individual states.  The report was based on an exhaustive review of scientific material, and identifies over 7,000 species in the region.  Unfortunately, it also finds that Puget Sound is confronted with many threats, and that 14% of its species (for a total of 957) are at risk of extinction. 

The study determined that the destruction of habitat, mainly from logging, agriculture, and development, is the largest threat confronting Puget Sound and its native species.  Other problems include water pollution, global climate change, invasion from non-native species, and industrial fishing practices.  The report notes that some efforts are being taken to protect key habitat like coastal rainforests, but that other essential areas for wildlife, like Puget Prairies, are being lost with little to no attention. 

The report also identifies priority habitats for protection, from coastal old-growth forests and prairies to rivers, estuaries, and marine environments of the Sound itself, and recommends specific conservation measures for their recovery.

More information on the report and a link to download it

957 Species At Risk in Puget Sound Area, Seattle-Post Intelligencer Reporter

Center press release on the report

Center's Puget Sound website


FINISH STRONG: RING OUT THE OLD YEAR WITH A GIFT TO THE WILD

A new year is upon us, but there's still time to celebrate the season – and squeeze in a 2005 tax deduction – by giving a gift to endangered species.  Principles alone don't help imperiled plants and animals – it takes action.  Please join more than 15,000 Center for Biological Diversity members who believe that protecting the wild for future generations is one of the most important investments we can make – and make your tax deductible gift to the Center today. 

Your year-end gift is especially critical right now!  So much is at stake in the coming year.  The Center is engaged in a protracted battle with anti-environmentalists to save not just endangered species, but the Endangered Species Act itself. We can't fight back without your help.

The staff and board of the Center thank all our members and supporters for your ongoing dedication and wish you a Happy New Year.


Center for Biological Diversity | PO Box 710 Tucson, AZ 85702 | 520-623-5252 | center@biologicaldiversity.org

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