Endangered Species Act (ESA) - Section 7 Interagency Consultations
Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) outlines the procedures for Federal interagency cooperation to conserve Federally listed species and designated critical habitat.
Section 7(a)(1) directs the Secretary of Commerce/Secretary of the Interior to review other programs administered by them and utilize such programs to further the purposes of the ESA. It also directs all other Federal agencies to utilize their authorities in furtherance of the purposes of the ESA by carrying out programs for the conservation of species listed pursuant to the ESA.
Under section 7(a)(2) of the ESA, Federal agencies must consult with NOAA Fisheries on activities that may affect a listed species. These interagency, or section 7, consultations are designed to assist Federal agencies in fulfilling their duty to ensure any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. In fulfilling these requirements, each agency must use the best scientific and commercial data available.
ESA Regulations
- ESA Fact Sheet
- Endangered Species Act
- Section 7 Interagency Consultation Regulation (Title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 402)
- Additional policies, guidance, and regulations associated with Section 7
ESA Species
- Interactive map: Threatened and endangered (T&E) marine mammals and critical habitat under NMFS jurisdiction in Alaska
- ESA Species in Alaska: Endangered, Threatened and Candidate Species (NMFS managed species)
- ESA Species in Alaska: Endangered, Threatened, Proposed, Candidate and Delisted Species (USFWS and NMFS managed species)
- ESA Species in the U.S. (under NMFS' jurisdiction)
Interagency Consultation Guidance
- When does an Action Require Consultation with NMFS under Section 7 of the ESA?
- Suggested format for Biological Assessments
- ESA Section 7 Consultation Handbook
NOAA Fisheries' Section 7 Biological Opinions
- All species (by year)
- Bowhead Whales
- Cook Inlet Beluga Whales
- Humpback Whales
- Seabird Species
- Steller Sea Lions
