The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking additional information on the black-footed albatross as the agency considers the bird for listing as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

The total breeding population of the black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) numbers roughly 61,000 pairs, with 97 percent of the population nesting in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Threats to the species include deaths from longline fishing and mercury and organochlorine contaminants such as PCBs and DDTs. These substances, used in industry and agriculture, pose a toxicological risk and interfere with reproduction, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Rising sea levels and the loss of low-lying islands because of climate change is another threat, the agency said.

Publication of a species status assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey led to the reopening of the comment period to ensure a comprehensive review, the service said. Information received during the first comment period will be incorporated into the final report and need not be resubmitted.

The black-footed albatross can live as long as 40 to 50 years and has a wingspan of up to 7 feet. The birds arrive at their Hawai'i nesting colonies in October, producing a single egg, which hatches between January and February. Chicks are cared for by both parents and fledge by late July.

A surface feeder and scavenger, the primary natural prey of the black-footed albatross is thought to be flying-fish eggs and squid.

The status assessment can be downloaded from the USGS Web site at www.pubs.usgs.gov/sir/2009/5131/.

Comments must be submitted by Sept. 25 via the Internet to www.regulations.gov; or mailed to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2007-0004; Division of Policy and Directives Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222, Arlington, VA 22203.