Endangered and Threatened Species; Designation of Critical Habitat for Southern Resident Killer Whale

Summary

The National Marine Fisheries Service has designated critical habitat for the Southern Resident killer whale, excluding 18 military sites due to national security concerns. The critical habitat comprises approximately 2,560 square miles of marine habitat in three specific areas: the Summer Core Area in Haro Strait and waters around the San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.