Public Hearings on Proposed Protections for Oceanic Whitetip Sharks

NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on a proposed rule to extend protective regulations for threatened oceanic whitetip sharks under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act. The public is invited to learn more about this effort and to provide comments on the proposed rule during public hearings on August 20 and 21, 2024.

Hearing Details

We will start the hearings with a brief presentation about: oceanic whitetip sharks, the need for additional protections, and details regarding the proposed protections. Attendees are invited to ask clarifying questions following the presentation. 

After the question and answer portion, attendees are invited to provide oral comments on the proposed protections. All oral comments will be recorded, transcribed, and added to the public comment record for this action. Attendees can also submit comments in writing.

In-Person Hearing

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Courtyard King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel, Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi

• 5:30 p.m. HST – Doors open
• 6 p.m. HST – Presentation/Questions and Answers
• 7 p.m. HST – Oral comments

Virtual Hearing

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

• 8 p.m. HST – Presentation/Questions and Answers
• 9 p.m. HST – Oral comments

The virtual hearing will be conducted as a Webex meeting. You can join several ways: using a web browser; the Webex desktop app (app installation required); a mobile app on a phone (app installation required); or a phone (audio only), as specified below:

• Join online: Webex

  • Webinar number: 2830 072 6586

  • Webinar password: fTJBNncM788 (38526626 when dialing from a phone or video system)

• Join by phone: (415) 527-5035

  • Access code: 283 007 26586

Submitting Comments

In addition to the hearings, comments can be provided online or via mail. All comments must be received by September 15, 2024.

• Online: Submit electronic comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal
• Mail: Adrienne Lohe, Office of Protected Resources, NOAA Fisheries, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Questions?

Please contact Adrienne Lohe, (301) 427-8442, NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources; or Chelsey Young, (808) 725-5154, NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office.