Endangered and Threatened Species; Initiation of 5-Year Review for Southern Resident Killer Whales

Samenvatting

NMFS announces a 5-year review of Southern Resident killer whales (Orcinus orca) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). 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; therefore, we are requesting submission of any such information on Southern Resident killer whales that has become available since their original listing as endangered in November 2005. Based on the results of this 5-year review, we will make the requisite finding under the ESA.