Five Year Review for the Fin Whale

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) announce 5-year reviews of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). A 5-year review is a periodic process conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate. A 5-year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any such information on the fin whale, sperm whale and southern right whale that has become available since their last status review in 1999 (Perry, S., D. DeMaster and G. Silber, 1999. The Great Whales: History and Status of Six Species Listed as Endangered Under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973. Marine Fisheries Review. Department of Commerce 61:1). Based on the results of this 5-year review, we will make the requisite findings under the ESA.