Protected Resources Regulations & Actions

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) requires completion of periodic reviews of species that are listed as threatened or endangered to ensure that the listing of these species remains accurate.

Regulations on approaching endangered humpback whales in Alaska, approaching right whales, special prohibitions relating to endangered Steller sea lion protection, and protective regulations for killer whales in Washington. Federal Register: 64 FR 14066,...

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is issuing a final determination to list the Southern Resident killer whale distinct population segment (DPS) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of (ESA) 1973. Following an update of the status review...

We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), announce a 12-month finding on a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity to revise the critical habitat designation for the Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) Distinct Population Segment...

We, NOAA Fisheries, establish regulations under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to prohibit vessels from approaching killer whales within 200 yards (182.9 m) and from parking in the path of whales when in inland waters...

NOAA Fisheries issues a final rule to designate the AT1 group of transient killer whales as a depleted stock of marine mammals pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This action is based upon a status review conducted by NOAA Fisheries in response...

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...