The California Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks public comments on whether the northeastern Pacific Ocean population of white sharks should be listed as a threatened or endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act.
The Fish and Game Commission declared the white shark as a candidate species March 1 after receiving a petition for candidacy in August 2012.
State wildlife officials are now conducting an in-depth status review slated for completion by March 2014 to provide the commission with the necessary information to determine if the species will be listed as threatened or endangered.
Public comments are solicited for the status review. Information sought includes data on potential habitat destruction or modification, overexploitation, predation or any other natural or human related dangers that may affect the status of the white shark.
Comments may be e-mailed to whiteshark@wildlife.ca.gov. Information on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s evaluation of the white shark can be found at www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/whiteshark.asp#cesa.