Another Arctic marine mammal is one step closer to being listed as an Endangered Species. Due to the effect of global warming on their habitat, a petition asking that the Pacific walrus be listed as an Endangered Species passed its first review on Tuesday.

The petition, presented by the Center for Biological Diversity, included enough information that warranted listing the walrus as an endangered or threatened species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced. In the past the Center for Biological Diversity and other groups petitioned for the protection of the polar bear successfully, using the same argument that they did for the walrus: projected changes in the Arctic Sea ice as a result of climate change.

Rebecca Noblin, the Center spokesperson, said that immediate action was needed in order to decrease greenhouse gases so that the walrus does not end up a victim to global warming. While climate change is a large part of the problem, Noblin admits that there are other issues that are affecting the livelihood of the Arctic walrus.

“Climate change is the primary threat, but the offshore oil development in the Chukchi and Bering seas is also a problem,” Noblin said. Because of the offshore development, walruses could end up having to switch to land based living, something Nolin said they are not adapted to.

The Center had petitioned back in February of 2008 for the walrus listing and then in December, when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service missed the 90 day initial finding deadline, the center sued. In May the case was settled when the agency agreed to have its initial decision made by September 10th.

This decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service means that there will now be a detailed status review, which will include a 60 day comment period until November 9th, where the public can have their say.