Endangered and Threatened Species: Designation of Critical Habitat for 22 Species in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of Guam

Mike Gawel, a wildlife ecology researcher with extensive experience in the Pacific Islands, supports the designation of critical habitats but criticizes the Fish and Wildlife Service's procedural approach. He argues that the agency failed to provide adequate time for public review, lacked sufficient coordination with the Department of War, and did not meaningfully engage with local and traditional knowledge holders.

Ashley Alvord supports the proposed critical habitat designation but urges the Fish and Wildlife Service to minimize exclusions based on speculative economic or national security claims. The commenter argues that the long-term ecological and economic benefits of habitat protection, such as ecosystem services and eco-tourism, outweigh short-term development gains.