Federal Officials Begin Official Review of Endangered Listing for Atlantic Wolffish: Announcement Marks Major Step Forward in Protection for One of New England’s Most Threatened Fish Species

Contact
Colin Durrant, CLF Director of Communications
617-850-1722

Boston, MA (January 5, 2009) – In a decision that could lead to the first listing of a New England ocean fish species as endangered, federal officials today announced they were beginning an official review of the Atlantic wolffish as a threatened or endangered species. The decision by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that a petition filed by the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), Dr. Les Watling and Dr. Erica Fuller presented substantial scientific and commercial data indicating that an endangered listing may be warranted.

“Unless the federal government takes action quickly, the Atlantic wolffish could face extinction in New England’s ocean waters,” said Peter Shelley, CLF Vice President and Senior Attorney. “Overfishing and the widespread destruction of underwater habitat from modern fishing gear have ravaged native populations of the wolffish, threatening an important species in our marine ecosystem. This is one fish that should be taken off everyone’s menus.”

With a long eel-like tail and a mouth full of large canine teeth, the wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) is one of New England’s most unique ocean fish species and also one of the most endangered. NOAA’s decision, announced in the January 5, 2009 Federal Register, launches a nine month process of reviewing biological, scientific and commercial data by an independent biology team to determine whether or not the wolffish should receive full protection under the Endangered Species Act.

CLF’s petition cited federal and independent scientific studies that show, over the past twenty years, dramatic declines in wolffish population and destruction of the deep underwater habitat that the fish needs to successfully reproduce and survive. An endangered species listing under the Endangered Species Act would require federal agencies to designate protected critical habitat for the fish and to implement a recovery plan to restore the Atlantic wolfish populations.

BACKGROUND:

>> To view NOAA’s announcement in the federal register visit: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E8-31362.pdf

>> To view the federal government’s “species of concern” fact sheet (PDF) visit:

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/pdfs/species/atlanticwolffish_highlights.pdf

ABOUT THE DECLINE OF THE WOLFFISH:

• According to federal statistics, the number of wolffish landed by commercial fishermen has dropped 95% from over 1,200 metric tons in 1983 to just 64.7 metric tons in 2007.
• More critically, wolffish have virtually disappeared from the annual scientific research trawls that take place twice a year in the state and federal waters of the Atlantic Ocean off the New England coast.
• In addition to fishing, habitat alterations are also suspected as a major threat to the wolffish. One scientist has estimated that virtually every inch of the seafloor in New England’s ocean waters was impacted by commercial trawling (in which football field-sized nets are indiscriminately dragged across the ocean floor) between 1984 and 1990.

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The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovative strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region. Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.