The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service has announced a 5-year review of the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) and sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A 5-year review is a periodic process conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate. A 5-year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. NMFS requests submission of any information on southern right whales and sperm whales that has become available since their last 5-year review in 2007 and 2009, respectively.
NMFS asks to receive the requested information no later than November 7, 2014. However, NMFS will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time.
Click here to read NMFS’ Federal Register notice of this ESA review.