The petitioner states that the common thresher shark merits listing as an endangered or threatened species under the ESA because of the following: (1) The species faces threats from historical and continued fishing for both commercial and recreational purposes; (2) life history characteristics and limited ability to recover from fishing pressure makes the species particularly vulnerable to overexploitation; and (3) there is a lack of regulations that specifically protect the common thresher shark.
NMFS finds that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the species worldwide. NMFS also finds that the petition fails to present substantial scientific or commercial information to support the identification of DPSs of the common thresher suggested by the petitioners, and, as such, NMFS finds that the petitioned action of listing one or more of these DPSs is not warranted. Accordingly, NMFS will initiate a review of the status of the common thresher shark at this time. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, NMFS is soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding this species.
Information and comments on the subject action must be received by 4 May 2015.
You may submit comments, information, or data, identified by “NOAA-NMFS-2015-0025” by either of the following methods:
• Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2015-0025. Click the “Comment Now” icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
• Mail or hand-delivery: Office of Protected Resources, NMFS, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.
For more information on the common thresher shark and ESA provisions and policy, visit www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/03/03/2015-04409/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-90-day-finding-on-a-petition-to-list-the-common-thresher-shark-as.
