Critical Habitat for White Abalone

Following completion of a comprehensive status review of the white abalone (Haliotis sorenseni) and a review of factors affecting the species, NOAA Fisheries published a proposed rule to list the white abalone as an endangered species on May 5, 2000. After considering public comments on the proposed rule, NOAA Fisheries is now issuing a final rule to list the white abalone as an endangered species. NOAA Fisheries has determined that it is not prudent to designate critical habitat because identification of such habitat is expected to increase the threat of poaching for white abalone.