NMFS have rescheduled a public hearing related to the proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Rice's whale under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). They are also extending the public comment period for this proposed rule to 6 October 2023. A virtual public hearing on the proposed rule will be held online on 28 September 2023, from 3:00 -5:00 PM (Eastern). The proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Rice's whale under the ESA was published on 24 July 2023 (88 FR 47453), and provided for a public comment period to 22 September 2023. The comment period is now extended to 6 October 2023. Comments must be received by 6 October 2023. POC is Grant Baysinger, NMFS Southeast Region, (727) 551–5790. (Federal Register 12 September 2023 [Proposed Rule] Pages 62522-62523)