WDFW seeks comment on periodic status review for brown pelicans and American white pelicans

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on its draft periodic status review for brown pelicans and American white pelicans.

The Department is recommending a change from threatened to sensitive status for American white pelican. As a migratory bird, the brown pelican will retain status as a federally protected species.

The brown pelican was removed from the state’s list of sensitive species in 2016. The Department is recommending maintaining its status with robust numbers occurring seasonally in Washington.

The draft periodic status review for the brown pelican is available for review at WDFW’s publications webpage. The public can provide comments on the drafts through May 5, 2022. 

"The recovery of the brown pelican is a conservation success story," said Taylor Cotten, WDFW conservation assessment manager. "Coming from an endangered listing in 1980 to removal from the sensitive species list in 2016 is something to celebrate.”

The Department down-listed American white pelican from endangered to threatened in 2016.

"Given their substantial numbers and protections at primary nesting colonies, we now recommend down-listing again to sensitive in the 2022 Periodic Status Review," added Cotten.

The draft periodic status review for the white pelican is available for review at WDFW’s publications webpage. The public can provide comments on the drafts through May 5, 2022. 

The public can submit written comments on the review and recommendation via email or by mail to Taylor Cotten, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504-3200.

WDFW prepares recovery plans to guide conservation and recovery efforts and periodically reviews the status of protected species in the state.

WDFW works to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.