Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultations for Operation of Artificial Propagation Programs

Section 7(a)(1) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires federal agencies to use their authorities to carry out programs for conservation of listed species.

Under ESA Section 7(a)(2), federal agencies must consult with NOAA Fisheries Service on activities that may affect listed species. These interagency, or Section 7, consultations are designed to assist federal agencies in fulfilling their duty to ensure their actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of a species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Should NOAA Fisheries determine that an action would jeopardize a species or adversely modify critical habitat, the agency will suggest reasonable and prudent alternatives (RPAs) that would not violate Section 7(a)(2).

Biological opinions document NOAA Fisheries' opinion as to whether the federal action is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species, or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. Where appropriate, biological opinions provide an exemption for the "take" of listed species, while specifying the extent of take allowed, the reasonable and prudent measures (RPMs) necessary to minimize impacts from the federal action, and the terms and conditions with which the action agency must comply.

Issuance of an hatchery and genetic management plan (HGMP) under ESA section 4(d) (869kb), also require Section 7 consultation. Those programs are listed on the NWR Website on pages specific to those sections of the act; only programs evaluated exclusively under Section 7 are shown on this page.

See the links on the Current HGMP Page for consultations on federal artificial propagation (hatchery) programs in the Northwest Region that are now in effect.