The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has published notice that NMFS has initiated 5-year review of Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that the current ESA listing classification of a species is accurate.
The 5-year review will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, NMFS requests submission of any such information on Southern Resident killer whales that has become available since their original listing as endangered in November 2005 or since the previous 5-year review completed in 2011.
NMFS must receive any information no later than April 25, 2016.
Click here to read NMFS’ Federal Register notice of this action.
