NOAA's Fisheries Service has proposed 16 areas as critical habitat for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and is inviting public comment. The proposed revision includes expanding the 1988 critical habitat designation in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and adding new areas throughout the main Hawaiian Islands. NOAA's Fisheries Service is accepting comments on the proposed revision through August 31, 2011. Dates, times and venues for public hearings will be available on our website at: http:www.fpir.noaa.gov. NOAA's Fisheries Service will review comments and issue a final rule, expected by June 2, 2012. To submit comments on the proposed critical habitat revision for the Hawaiian monk seal, use any of the following methods: . Submit comments online via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov, *RIN 0648--BA81* . Mail or hand deliver written comments to: Regulatory Branch Chief Protected Resources Division NMFS Pacific Islands Region 1601 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1110 Honolulu, HI 96814 Attn: Proposed Critical Habitat Revision for the Hawaiian monk seal Thank you for your input. -- Jonathan Shannon NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr Outreach Specialist (301) 427-8404 jonathan.shannon@noaa.gov