The protection of endangered and threatened species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and promoting ecological balance. Scaling back the authority of the National Marine Fisheries Service to designate critical habitats would undermine conservation efforts and potentially lead to further decline of vulnerable species. As human activities continue to exacerbate environmental challenges like climate change, it becomes increasingly imperative to strengthen, rather than weaken, existing safeguards for endangered species and their habitats. We urge you to uphold and bolster the National Marine Fisheries Service's authority to designate critical habitats, ensuring the preservation of these vital ecosystems for present and future generations.
