Action timeline

June 3, 2009 – The Center submitted a scientific petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the western gull-billed tern under the federal Endangered Species Act. On the same day, we learned that the Service decided not to move forward — at least not immediately — with a plan to reduce the tern's population by destroying eggs on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

June 8, 2010 ? The Fish and Wildlife Service announced a 90-day finding that the western gull-billed tern may warrant protection. Unfortunately, the Service was still late on its 12-month finding.

June 16, 2010 ? The Center filed a notice of intent to sue the Service for failing to make its required 12-month finding on our petition to protect the tern, as well as for failing to make findings on petitions for six other species.

Western gull-billed tern photo © Kimball L. Garrett