Service Releases Five-Year Status Review for Marbled Murrelet

LACEY, Wash.- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a five-year status review for the marbled murrelet, a species of seabird that is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act from the Canadian border to central California.

The review has found that the status of the marbled murrelet remains unchanged and it still meets the definition of a threatened species. Under the Endangered Species Act, a threatened species is defined as one likely to become in danger of extinction in the foreseeable future.

The small seabird spends most of its time on the ocean, resting and feeding in near-shore marine waters, but comes inland to nest, generally in old-growth forests. Major threats to the species, which has been federally listed as threatened since 1992, include the loss of nesting habitat and changes in the marine environment.

To make sure all species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act continue to have the appropriate level of protection, the Service conducts assessments of their status once every five years. These reviews assess each listed species to determine whether its status has changed since the time of its listing or its last status review, and whether it should be classified differently or delisted.

The five-year status review is informed by a species biological report, which includes the best available scientific information. The report evaluated the marbled murrelet's current needs, conditions and threats. It also involved significant contributions from scientific experts, including an independent peer review and review by partners.

View the five-year Status review

View the species biological report

Learn more about five-year status reviews