Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of 12-Month Finding on Petitions To List the Northwest Atlantic Population of the Dusky Shark as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Samenvatting

We, NMFS, announce a 12-month finding on two petitions to list the Northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico population of dusky shark (Carcharhinus obscurus) as a threatened or endangered distinct population segment (DPS) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We completed a comprehensive status review of the dusky shark in response to these petitions. Based on the best scientific and commercial information available, including the status review report (McCandless et al., 2014), we have determined that the Northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico (henceforth abbreviated as NWA) population constitutes a DPS but does not warrant listing at this time. We conclude that the NWA DPS is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range and is not likely to become so within the foreseeable future.