Zimmerman must decide whether to declare the Steller sea lion endangered. We normally would have been done with that long ago, but of course, because of the moratorium, we just put the comments in a file. We hope to get somebody in very soon, to review the public comments and come up with a policy and then a final position on whether to list or not to list. Actually by the middle of July we need to send back to Washington, D.C., what our regional position is. But by the fourth of October we have to publish in the Federal Register our final decision.
Scientists say they are working as fast as they can to catch up on the backlog.
One case has already been resolved. May. For Arctic Science Journeys, this is Debra Damron. Arctic Science Journeys is a radio service highlighting science, culture, and the environment of the circumpolar north. Produced by the Alaska Sea Grant College Program and the University of Alaska Fairbanks.