Conservation, Protection, and Recovery

NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources has joint responsibility with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for implementing theEndangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Approximately 1,850 species, including marine turtles, fish, invertebrates, and some marine mammals, are listed under the ESA as either threatened or endangered . NMFS also maintains a list of species of concern and a list of species that are candidates for listing under the ESA.

The Office of Protected Resources is devoted to conservation, protection, and recovery of marine resources, through the following activities:

Under the ESA--

• Develop and implement Recovery Plans for species listed under the ESA
• Develop Cooperative Agreements with States (ESA section 6) on species conservation
• Conduct Interagency Cooperation (ESA section 7) on any Federal action that may affect a listed species
• Work in cooperation with private landowners to develop Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) for the long-term conservation of species
• Authorize research permits to learn more about protected species
• Initiate civil or criminal enforcement actions for violations. It is generally illegal to "take" marine mammals and endangered species. It may be illegal to take threatened species.
• Partner with other nations through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to ensure that international trade does not threaten species survival

Under the MMPA--

• Develop and implement Conservation Plans for species designated as depleted
• Authorize research permits to learn more about protected species
• Initiate civil or criminal enforcement actions for violations. It is generally illegal to "take" marine mammals and endangered species. It may be illegal to take threatened species.
• Develop and implement Take Reduction Plans to minimize bycatch of mammals in commercial fishing gear
• Require mitigation and monitoring during activities (other than commercial fishing) that result in the incidental take of marine mammals
• Partner with other nations through the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to ensure that international trade does not threaten species survival