NOAA Fisheries published in today’s Federal Register a finding that two petitions contain substantial scientific information indicating that the northeastern Pacific Ocean population of great white shark may warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act.  The Federal Register notice also announces that NOAA Fisheries will conduct a comprehensive review of the species’ status to determine if a listing is in fact warranted and requests scientific and commercial information from the public that would be considered in the status review.   

    NOAA Fisheries received two petitions (one on June 25, 2012 and another on August 13, 2012) to list the northeastern Pacific Ocean population of great white sharks. Together the petitions provided enough information to merit additional investigation by NOAA Fisheries on whether federal protection under the ESA is warranted.

    A status review team composed of Federal scientists will now be assembled to review the best available scientific and commercial information concerning the population structure, biological status, and threats facing great white sharks in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.  The results from this investigation will be used by NOAA Fisheries in making a decision about listing the population and designating critical habitat under the ESA.  NOAA Fisheries is expected to complete its review and announce its decision in June 2013.

    Any person interested in submitting information to assist the status review team in making its determination regarding the northeastern Pacific Ocean population of great white shark may do so by November 27, 2012 by one of the following methods:

• Electronic Submission – Via the e-Rulemaking Portal using keyword “NOAA-NMFS-2012-0176.”
• Mail or hand-delivery: Protected Resources Division, Southwest Region, NMFS, 501 West Ocean Blvd., Suite 4200, Long Beach, CA  90802-4213

    For further information contact: Craig Wingert, NMFS, Southwest Region, (562) 980-4021 or Marta Nammack, NMFS, Office of Protected Resources, (301) 427-8469.

    NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov.

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On the web:

How Species Are Listed under the ESA: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/listing/

Federal Register: Federal Register Notice: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/09/28/2012-23963/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-90-day-finding-on-petitions-to-list-the-northeastern-pacific