Similar prohibitions may also be extended to species listed as threatened under the ESA. Once a species is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, it becomes illegal to "take" that species (harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or attempt to do these things). NOAA Fisheries and partners monitor a delisted species status for at least five years afterward to ensure its recovery is sustained. Once a species is determined to be recovered, it can then be removed from the list of endangered and threatened species. Some factors that managers may consider when determining if a species is eligible for downlisting (i.e., from endangered to threatened) or delisting (i.e., removal from the list) are population increases, mechanisms to conserve a species and its habitat, and reduction of threats. We evaluate this information against the definitions of threatened and endangered and the species’ recovery criteria, where identified, to determine if the species is still in danger of extinction or likely to become endangered in the future. This information is gathered from the states, members of the public, the scientific community, and various other sources. To determine if an endangered or threatened species has recovered, NOAA Fisheries reviews the best available data about the species. Recovery is the process of restoring endangered and threatened species to the point where they no longer require the safeguards of the Endangered Species Act. As a nation that enjoys the benefits provided by a diverse natural environment, it is everyone’s shared responsibility to help recover endangered and threatened species. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies, the states, tribes, and other stakeholders to recover listed species. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA Fisheries also share jurisdiction over several other species such as sea turtles and Atlantic salmon. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for terrestrial and freshwater species, but also has responsibility over several marine species like sea otters, manatees, and polar bears.
NOAA Fisheries is responsible for endangered and threatened marine and anadromous species-from whales and seals to sharks, salmon, and corals. The purpose of the act is to conserve endangered and threatened species and their ecosystems. Fish and Wildlife Service share responsibility for implementing the Endangered Species Act, which is the primary way the federal government protects species in danger of extinction.