For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost
February 8, 2008(323) 951-9620

Emeryville, CA – Today’s announcement that the U.S. Department of the Interior has proposed removing the Brown Pelican from the Endangered Species List highlights the remarkable recovery of this bird over the last several decades. Officials at Audubon California called for a thorough review into the proposal, as the bird still faces a number of environmental challenges.

“Obviously, the dramatic return of the Brown Pelican over the last few decades is a tremendous victory for the Endangered Species Act,” said Glenn Olson, executive director of Audubon California. “But given the threats that still exist, it is important that the Department of Interior conduct a thorough review of this proposal before taking any action.”

The Brown Pelican was first declared endangered in 1970 under the Endangered Species Conservation Act, the precursor to the current Endangered Species Act. At that time, pollutants such as DDT had driven the species to near extinction. Brown Pelicans along the Atlantic Coast and in the South were removed from the list in 1985.

It is estimated that there are now more than 620,000 Brown Pelicans across Florida and the Gulf and Pacific Coasts. The latest proposal would remove all Endangered Species Act protections for the bird.

Although the Brown Pelican population has increased substantially, much of its breeding grounds face near constant threat from human activity, particularly pollution risks such as oil and sewage spills. Moreover, the Brown Pelican needs fish to survive, which links the species to the continued health of marine fisheries.

“For many Californians, our magnificent coastline is part of our natural identity, and the Brown Pelican is a treasured part of that image,” added Olson. “That is all the more reason why we must take this process seriously and do this right.”

Olson noted that Audubon would actively participate in the 60-day comment period, once the Interior proposal is published in the federal register.

About Audubon California

Audubon California is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of Audubon. This relationship links Audubon California to a national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engaging millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.