Regulations Governing the Taking and Importing of Marine Mammals; Eastern North Pacific Southern Resident Killer Whales

Following a review of the status of the eastern North Pacific Southern Resident stock of killer whales (Orcinus orca), NMFS has determined that the stock is below its Optimal Sustainable Population (OSP) and, therefore, is depleted as defined in the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This action is a step in the process to address the decline in the number of Southern Resident killer whales. NMFS also announces the preparation of a Conservation Plan to reverse the decline and to promote recovery of the stock to OSP.