Fate of ribbon seals to be studied

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA -- The National Marine Fisheries Service says it will review arctic seals for possible listing under the Endangered Species Act.

A spokesman says the agency has accepted a petition from a California environmental group seeking protection for ribbon seals, which inhabit the Bering Sea.

Acting Administrator Doug Mecum says the agency also will prepare status reviews for bearded, spotted and ringed seals for possible listing.

He says the four species of seals in Alaska all use various types of sea ice habitats in different ways.

The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned NOAA Fisheries to list ribbon seals because their sea ice habitat is disappearing due to climate change brought on by humans.

The federal government also is weighing whether to grant endangered-species status to the polar bear, which depends on sea ice to hunt seals.