Designation of Southern Resident Killer Whales as a Depleted Stock Under MMPA

Following a review of the status of the eastern North Pacific Southern Resident stock of killer whales (Orcinus orca), NOAA Fisheries has determined that the stock is below its Optimal Sustainable Population (OSP) and, therefore, is depleted as defined in the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This action is a step in the process to address the decline in the number of Southern Resident killer whales. NOAA Fisheries also announces the preparation of a Conservation Plan to reverse the decline and to promote recovery of the stock to OSP.