Action timeline

March 26, 2008 – In response to a Center petition to grant Endangered Species Act protection to the ribbon seal, along with a subsequent notice of intent to sue, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced it would begin status reviews for the ribbon seal, bearded seal, ringed seal, and spotted seal.

May 28, 2008 – The Center submitted a scientific petition to list the bearded, ringed, and spotted seals under the Endangered Species Act.

September 4, 2008 – The National Marine Fisheries Service announced a positive finding on the Center’s petition and said it would continue status reviews for all three seal species to decide whether they merit federal protection. The deadline for a listing proposal was set for May 2009.