Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status for the Alaska Breeding Population of the Steller's Eider

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determines the Alaska breeding population of the Steller's eider (Polysticta stelleri) to be threatened pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. This determination is based upon a substantial decrease in the species' nesting range in Alaska, a reduction in the number of Steller's eiders nesting in Alaska, and the resulting increased vulnerability of the remaining breeding population to extirpation. This rule implements the Federal protection and recovery provisions of the Act for this species. Critical habitat is not being designated at this time.