The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has proposed to maintain the marbled murrelet on the state’s endangered species list due to ongoing population declines. This small seabird, which forages in the Salish Sea but nests in old-growth forests, has faced significant threats from habitat loss, oil spills, and fishing activities.
Since being listed as threatened in 1993 and later as endangered in 2016, the marbled murrelet’s numbers have continued to dwindle at an alarming rate of approximately 5% per year. Recent population estimates indicate a drop from 7,500 birds in 2015 to just 4,400 in 2023. The department’s draft periodic status review highlights the urgent need for effective conservation measures to prevent the species from disappearing from parts of Washington in the coming decades.
The review process, conducted every five years, assesses the status of endangered species in the state, focusing on population trends, habitat loss, and management strategies. The latest findings reveal that the marbled murrelet continues to face significant habitat challenges, reinforcing the department’s recommendation to keep the species listed as endangered.
In a statement, Jen Mannas, the department’s marine species lead, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Without effective action soon, Washington’s marbled murrelet population may become extinct in Washington in the coming decades,” she stated. Mannas underscored the importance of continued protection and expanded conservation efforts to avert this outcome.
Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the conversation regarding the potential extension of the species’ endangered status. Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected] or mailed to Taylor Cotten at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA, 98504. The comment period is open until September 28.
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission is tentatively scheduled to review the proposal in November. As the state evaluates its conservation strategies, the fate of the marbled murrelet hangs in the balance, highlighting the critical need for ongoing efforts to protect this unique species and its habitat.
