Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of Johnson's Seagrass From the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Species Including the Corresponding Designated Critical Habitat

We, NMFS, are issuing a final rule to remove Johnson's seagrass (Halophila johnsonii) from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Species. To correspond with this action, we are also removing the critical habitat designation for Johnson's seagrass. These actions are based on newly obtained genetic data that demonstrate that Johnson's seagrass is not a unique taxon but rather a clone of an Indo- Pacific species, Halophila ovalis. Therefore, Johnson's seagrass does not meet the statutory definition of a species and does not qualify for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). After considering public comment on the proposed rule, we are implementing this final rule to execute the proposed changes to the listing and critical habitat for Johnson's seagrass.