Posted by Chris on February 18, 2004 at 20:42:14:
San Francisco - The California Fish and Game Commission has decided to give protected status a nocturnal seabird that nests in the Channel Islands.
The commission announced today that it has voted to list the Xantus' (ZAN'-toos) Murrelet as a threatened species.
The state will develop a new set of measures to protect the bird, which could include new restrictions on light and noise near its nesting areas.
But fishermen say they're worried that listing the murrelet will lead to more fishing restrictions.
The move comes after state biologists recommended protecting the bird.
The Xantus' Murrelet is a small seabird that comes ashore to nest on the Channel Islands during its breeding season.
The commission's decision is expected to be finalized in May following a public comment period.