In addition to the map at right, NOAA Fisheries Service has developed a dataset in shapefile format (see link below) for users with access to Geographic Information System (GIS) software.* The dataset is intended to provide the public with a general basemap of areas designated as critical habitat for these whales. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information depicted; however maps produced from this dataset DO NOT constitute a legal description of critical habitat.

For exact legal descriptions of the areas designated as critical habitat (as well as the specific areas not designated) please consult the NOAA Fisheries Service Federal Register notice (PDF 1.2MB).

The GIS dataset has been compressed to reduce file size (1.6MB).

*Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. government.

NOAA Fisheries GIS Committee