ESA (16 USC 1531 et seq)

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

16 U.S.C.
United States Code, 2020 Edition
Title 16 - CONSERVATION
CHAPTER 35 - ENDANGERED SPECIES
From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov

CHAPTER 35—ENDANGERED SPECIES
Sec.

1531.
1532.
1533.
1534.
1535.
1536.
1537.
1537a.
1538.
1539.
1540.
1541.
1542.
1543.
1544.

Congressional findings and declaration of purposes and policy.
Definitions.
Determination of endangered species and threatened species.
Land acquisition.
Cooperation with States.
Interagency cooperation.
International cooperation.
Convention implementation.
Prohibited acts.
Exceptions.
Penalties and enforcement.
Endangered plants.
Authorization of appropriations.
Construction with Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.
Annual cost analysis by Fish and Wildlife Service.

§1531. Congressional findings and declaration of purposes and
policy
(a) Findings
The Congress finds and declares that—
(1) various species of fish, wildlife, and plants in the United States have
been rendered extinct as a consequence of economic growth and development
untempered by adequate concern and conservation;
(2) other species of fish, wildlife, and plants have been so depleted in
numbers that they are in danger of or threatened with extinction;
(3) these species of fish, wildlife, and plants are of esthetic, ecological,
educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its
people;
(4) the United States has pledged itself as a sovereign state in the
international community to conserve to the extent practicable the various
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

1/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

species of fish or wildlife and plants facing extinction, pursuant to—
(A) migratory bird treaties with Canada and Mexico;
(B) the Migratory and Endangered Bird Treaty with Japan;
(C) the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the
Western Hemisphere;
(D) the International Convention for the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries;
(E) the International Convention for the High Seas Fisheries of the North
Pacific Ocean;
(F) the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora; and
(G) other international agreements; and
(5) encouraging the States and other interested parties, through Federal
financial assistance and a system of incentives, to develop and maintain
conservation programs which meet national and international standards is a
key to meeting the Nation's international commitments and to better
safeguarding, for the benefit of all citizens, the Nation's heritage in fish,
wildlife, and plants.
(b) Purposes
The purposes of this chapter are to provide a means whereby the ecosystems
upon which endangered species and threatened species depend may be
conserved, to provide a program for the conservation of such endangered species
and threatened species, and to take such steps as may be appropriate to achieve
the purposes of the treaties and conventions set forth in subsection (a) of this
section.
(c) Policy
(1) It is further declared to be the policy of Congress that all Federal
departments and agencies shall seek to conserve endangered species and
threatened species and shall utilize their authorities in furtherance of the
purposes of this chapter.
(2) It is further declared to be the policy of Congress that Federal agencies
shall cooperate with State and local agencies to resolve water resource issues in
concert with conservation of endangered species.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §2, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 884; Pub. L. 96–159, §1, Dec. 28,
1979, 93 Stat. 1225; Pub. L. 97–304, §9(a), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1426; Pub. L.
100–478, title I, §1013(a), Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2315.)
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (c)(1), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–205,
Dec. 28, 1973, 81 Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is classified principally to
this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.
Amendments
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

2/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

1988—Subsec. (a)(4)(G). Pub. L. 100–478 substituted "; and" for period at end.
1982—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–304 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
1979—Subsec. (a)(5). Pub. L. 96–159 substituted "wildlife, and plants" for "wildlife".
Effective Date
Pub. L. 93–205, §16, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 903, provided that: "This Act [enacting this chapter, amending
sections 460k–1, 460l–9, 668dd, 715i, 715s, 1362, 1371, 1372, and 1402 of this title and section 136 of Title
7, Agriculture, repealing sections 668aa to 668cc–6 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under
this section] shall take effect on the date of its enactment [Dec. 28, 1973]."
Short Title of 1982 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–304, §1, Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1411, provided: "That this Act [amending this section and
sections 1532, 1533, 1535, 1536, 1537a, 1538, 1539, 1540, and 1542 of this title and enacting provisions set
out as notes under sections 1533, 1537a, and 1539 of this title] may be cited as the 'Endangered Species Act
Amendments of 1982'."
Short Title of 1978 Amendment
Pub. L. 95–632, §1, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3751, provided: "That this Act [amending sections 1532 to
1536, 1538 to 1540, and 1542 of this title] may be cited as the 'Endangered Species Act Amendments of
1978'."
Short Title
Pub. L. 93–205, §1, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 884, provided: "That this Act [enacting this chapter, amending
sections 460k–1, 460l–9, 668dd, 715i, 715s, 1362, 1371, 1372, and 1402 of this title and section 136 of Title
7, Agriculture, repealing sections 668aa to 668cc–6 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under
this section] may be cited as the 'Endangered Species Act of 1973'."
Wildlife Management and Working Lands for Wildlife Conservation Model
Pub. L. 115–334, title II, §2407, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 4573, provided that:
"(a) In General.—The Secretary [of Agriculture] and the Secretary of the Interior shall continue to carry
out the Working Lands for Wildlife model of conservation on working landscapes, as implemented on the day
before the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2018], in accordance with—
"(1) the document entitled 'Partnership Agreement Between the United States Department of
Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the United States Department of the Interior Fish
and Wildlife Service', numbered A–3A7516–937, and formalized by the Chief of the Natural Resources
Conservation Service on September 15, 2016, and by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service on August 4, 2016, as in effect on September 15, 2016; and
"(2) United States Fish and Wildlife Service Director's Order No. 217, dated August 9, 2016, as in
effect on August 9, 2016.
"(b) Expansion of Model.—The Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior may expand the conservation
model described in subsection (a) through a new partnership agreement between the Farm Service Agency and
the United States Fish and Wildlife Service for the purpose of carrying out conservation activities for species
conservation.
"(c) Extension of Period of Regulatory Predictability.—
"(1) Definition of period of regulatory predictability.—In this subsection, the term 'period of
regulatory predictability' means the period of regulatory predictability under the Endangered Species Act of
1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) initially determined in accordance with the document and order described in
paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively, of subsection (a).
"(2) Extension.—After the period of regulatory predictability, on request of the Secretary, the
Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, may
provide additional consultation under section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1536(a)(2)), or additional conference under section 7(a)(4) of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(4)), as applicable,
with the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service or the Administrator of the Farm Service
Agency, as applicable, to extend the period of regulatory predictability."
Relationship to Endangered Species Act of 1973
Pub. L. 102–251, title III, §305, Mar. 9, 1992, 106 Stat. 66, as amended by Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I,
§101(a) [title II, §211(b)], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009–41, provided that: "The special areas defined
in section 3(24) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802(24))
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

3/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

shall be considered places that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States for the purposes of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)."
Minimization of Conflicts With Recreational Fisheries
For provision that all Federal agencies minimize conflicts between recreational fisheries and administration
of this chapter, see Ex. Ord. No. 12962, §4, June 7, 1995, 60 F.R. 30770, set out as a note under section 1801
of this title.
Ex. Ord. No. 13648. Combating Wildlife Trafficking
Ex. Ord. No. 13648, July 1, 2013, 78 F.R. 40621, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America,
and in order to address the significant effects of wildlife trafficking on the national interests of the United
States, I hereby order as follows:
Section 1. Policy. The poaching of protected species and the illegal trade in wildlife and their derivative
parts and products (together known as "wildlife trafficking") represent an international crisis that continues to
escalate. Poaching operations have expanded beyond small-scale, opportunistic actions to coordinated
slaughter commissioned by armed and organized criminal syndicates. The survival of protected wildlife
species such as elephants, rhinos, great apes, tigers, sharks, tuna, and turtles has beneficial economic, social,
and environmental impacts that are important to all nations. Wildlife trafficking reduces those benefits while
generating billions of dollars in illicit revenues each year, contributing to the illegal economy, fueling
instability, and undermining security. Also, the prevention of trafficking of live animals helps us control the
spread of emerging infectious diseases. For these reasons, it is in the national interest of the United States to
combat wildlife trafficking.
In order to enhance domestic efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, to assist foreign nations in building
capacity to combat wildlife trafficking, and to assist in combating transnational organized crime, executive
departments and agencies (agencies) shall take all appropriate actions within their authority, including the
promulgation of rules and regulations and the provision of technical and financial assistance, to combat
wildlife trafficking in accordance with the following objectives:
(a) in appropriate cases, the United States shall seek to assist those governments in anti-wildlife trafficking
activities when requested by foreign nations experiencing trafficking of protected wildlife;
(b) the United States shall promote and encourage the development and enforcement by foreign nations of
effective laws to prohibit the illegal taking of, and trade in, these species and to prosecute those who engage in
wildlife trafficking, including by building capacity;
(c) in concert with the international community and partner organizations, the United States shall seek to
combat wildlife trafficking; and
(d) the United States shall seek to reduce the demand for illegally traded wildlife, both at home and abroad,
while allowing legal and legitimate commerce involving wildlife.
Sec. 2. Establishment. There is established a Presidential Task Force on Wildlife Trafficking (Task Force),
to be co-chaired by the Secretary of State, Secretary of the Interior, and the Attorney General (Co-Chairs), or
their designees, who shall report to the President through the National Security Advisor. The Task Force shall
develop and implement a National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking in accordance with the
objectives outlined in section 1 of this order, consistent with section 4 of this order.
Sec. 3. Membership. (a) In addition to the Co-Chairs, the Task Force shall include designated senior-level
representatives from:
(i) the Department of the Treasury;
(ii) the Department of Defense;
(iii) the Department of Agriculture;
(iv) the Department of Commerce;
(v) the Department of Transportation;
(vi) the Department of Homeland Security;
(vii) the United States Agency for International Development;
(viii) the Office of the Director of National Intelligence;
(ix) the National Security Staff;
(x) the Domestic Policy Council;
(xi) the Council on Environmental Quality;
(xii) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
(xiii) the Office of Management and Budget;
(xiv) the Office of the United States Trade Representative; and
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

4/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(xv) such agencies and offices as the Co-Chairs may, from time to time, designate.
(b) The Task Force shall meet not later than 60 days from the date of this order and periodically thereafter.
Sec. 4. Functions. Consistent with the authorities and responsibilities of member agencies, the Task Force
shall perform the following functions:
(a) not later than 180 days after the date of this order, produce a National Strategy for Combating Wildlife
Trafficking that shall include consideration of issues relating to combating trafficking and curbing consumer
demand, including:
(i) effective support for anti-poaching activities;
(ii) coordinating regional law enforcement efforts;
(iii)developing and supporting effective legal enforcement mechanisms; and
(iv) developing strategies to reduce illicit trade and reduce consumer demand for trade in protected species;
(b) not later than 90 days from the date of this order, review the Strategy to Combat Transnational
Organized Crime of July 19, 2011, and, if appropriate, make recommendations regarding the inclusion of
crime related to wildlife trafficking as an implementation element for the Federal Government's transnational
organized crime strategy;
(c) coordinate efforts among and consult with agencies, as appropriate and consistent with the Department
of State's foreign affairs role, regarding work with foreign nations and international bodies that monitor and
aid in enforcement against crime related to wildlife trafficking; and
(d) carry out other functions necessary to implement this order.
Sec. 5. Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking. Not later than 180 days from the date of this order, the
Secretary of the Interior (Secretary), in consultation with the other Co-Chairs of the Task Force, shall establish
an Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking (Advisory Council) that shall make recommendations to the Task
Force and provide it with ongoing advice and assistance. The Advisory Council shall have eight members, one
of whom shall be designated by the Secretary as the Chair. Members shall not be employees of the Federal
Government and shall include knowledgeable individuals from the private sector, former governmental
officials, representatives of nongovernmental organizations, and others who are in a position to provide
expertise and support to the Task Force.
Sec. 6. General Provisions. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable domestic and
international law, and subject to the availability of appropriations.
(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof, or the status of that
department or agency within the Federal Government; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary,
administrative, or legislative proposals.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural,
enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its
officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
(d) Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.) (the "Act"), may apply to
the Advisory Council, any functions of the President under the Act, except for that of reporting to the
Congress, shall be performed by the Secretary in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Administrator
of General Services.
(e) The Department of the Interior shall provide funding and administrative support for the Task Force and
Advisory Council to the extent permitted by law and consistent with existing appropriations.

Barack Obama.      
[Reference to the National Security Staff to be understood to refer to the staff of the National Security
Council, see Ex. Ord. No. 13657, set out as a note under section 3021 of Title 50, War and National Defense.]
Extension of Term of Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking
Term of Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking extended until Sept. 30, 2017, by Ex. Ord. No. 13708,
Sept. 30, 2015, 80 F.R. 60271, set out as a note under section 14 of the Federal Advisory Committee Act in the
Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

§1532. Definitions
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

5/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

For the purposes of this chapter—
(1) The term "alternative courses of action" means all alternatives and thus
is not limited to original project objectives and agency jurisdiction.
(2) The term "commercial activity" means all activities of industry and
trade, including, but not limited to, the buying or selling of commodities and
activities conducted for the purpose of facilitating such buying and selling:
Provided, however, That it does not include exhibition of commodities by
museums or similar cultural or historical organizations.
(3) The terms "conserve", "conserving", and "conservation" mean to use
and the use of all methods and procedures which are necessary to bring any
endangered species or threatened species to the point at which the measures
provided pursuant to this chapter are no longer necessary. Such methods and
procedures include, but are not limited to, all activities associated with
scientific resources management such as research, census, law enforcement,
habitat acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live trapping, and
transplantation, and, in the extraordinary case where population pressures
within a given ecosystem cannot be otherwise relieved, may include regulated
taking.
(4) The term "Convention" means the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed on March 3, 1973, and
the appendices thereto.
(5)(A) The term "critical habitat" for a threatened or endangered species
means—
(i) the specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the
species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the provisions of section
1533 of this title, on which are found those physical or biological features
(I) essential to the conservation of the species and (II) which may require
special management considerations or protection; and
(ii) specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species
at the time it is listed in accordance with the provisions of section 1533 of
this title, upon a determination by the Secretary that such areas are essential
for the conservation of the species.
(B) Critical habitat may be established for those species now listed as
threatened or endangered species for which no critical habitat has heretofore
been established as set forth in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph.
(C) Except in those circumstances determined by the Secretary, critical
habitat shall not include the entire geographical area which can be occupied
by the threatened or endangered species.
(6) The term "endangered species" means any species which is in danger of
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range other than a
species of the Class Insecta determined by the Secretary to constitute a pest
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

6/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

whose protection under the provisions of this chapter would present an
overwhelming and overriding risk to man.
(7) The term "Federal agency" means any department, agency, or
instrumentality of the United States.
(8) The term "fish or wildlife" means any member of the animal kingdom,
including without limitation any mammal, fish, bird (including any migratory,
nonmigratory, or endangered bird for which protection is also afforded by
treaty or other international agreement), amphibian, reptile, mollusk,
crustacean, arthropod or other invertebrate, and includes any part, product,
egg, or offspring thereof, or the dead body or parts thereof.
(9) The term "foreign commerce" includes, among other things, any
transaction—
(A) between persons within one foreign country;
(B) between persons in two or more foreign countries;
(C) between a person within the United States and a person in a foreign
country; or
(D) between persons within the United States, where the fish and wildlife
in question are moving in any country or countries outside the United
States.
(10) The term "import" means to land on, bring into, or introduce into, or
attempt to land on, bring into, or introduce into, any place subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States, whether or not such landing, bringing, or
introduction constitutes an importation within the meaning of the customs
laws of the United States.
(11) Repealed. Pub. L. 97–304, §4(b), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1420.
(12) The term "permit or license applicant" means, when used with respect
to an action of a Federal agency for which exemption is sought under section
1536 of this title, any person whose application to such agency for a permit or
license has been denied primarily because of the application of section
1536(a) of this title to such agency action.
(13) The term "person" means an individual, corporation, partnership, trust,
association, or any other private entity; or any officer, employee, agent,
department, or instrumentality of the Federal Government, of any State,
municipality, or political subdivision of a State, or of any foreign government;
any State, municipality, or political subdivision of a State; or any other entity
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
(14) The term "plant" means any member of the plant kingdom, including
seeds, roots and other parts thereof.
(15) The term "Secretary" means, except as otherwise herein provided, the
Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce as program
responsibilities are vested pursuant to the provisions of Reorganization Plan
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

7/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

Numbered 4 of 1970; except that with respect to the enforcement of the
provisions of this chapter and the Convention which pertain to the importation
or exportation of terrestrial plants, the term also means the Secretary of
Agriculture.
(16) The term "species" includes any subspecies of fish or wildlife or
plants, and any distinct population segment of any species of vertebrate fish or
wildlife which interbreeds when mature.
(17) The term "State" means any of the several States, the District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Virgin
Islands, Guam, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
(18) The term "State agency" means any State agency, department, board,
commission, or other governmental entity which is responsible for the
management and conservation of fish, plant, or wildlife resources within a
State.
(19) The term "take" means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound,
kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.
(20) The term "threatened species" means any species which is likely to
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or
a significant portion of its range.
(21) The term "United States", when used in a geographical context,
includes all States.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §3, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 885; Pub. L. 94–359, §5, July 12,
1976, 90 Stat. 913; Pub. L. 95–632, §2, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3751; Pub. L.
96–159, §2, Dec. 28, 1979, 93 Stat. 1225; Pub. L. 97–304, §4(b), Oct. 13, 1982,
96 Stat. 1420; Pub. L. 100–478, title I, §1001, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2306.)
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 81
Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is classified principally to this chapter. For
complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of this title and
Tables.
Reorganization Plan Numbered 4 of 1970, referred to in par. (15), is Reorg. Plan No. 4 of 1970, eff. Oct. 3,
1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and
Employees.
Amendments
1988—Par. (13). Pub. L. 100–478, §1001(a), amended par. (13) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (13)
read as follows: "The term 'person' means an individual, corporation, partnership, trust, association, or any
other private entity, or any officer, employee, agent, department, or instrumentality of the Federal
Government, of any State or political subdivision thereof, or of any foreign government."
Par. (15). Pub. L. 100–478, §1001(b), inserted "also" before "means the Secretary of Agriculture".
1982—Par. (11). Pub. L. 97–304 struck out par. (11) which defined "irresolvable conflict" as, with respect
to any action authorized, funded, or carried out by a Federal agency, a set of circumstances under which, after
consultation as required in section 1536(a) of this title, completion of such action would violate section
1536(a)(2) of this title.
1979—Par. (11). Pub. L. 96–159 substituted "action would violate section 1536(a)(2) of this title" for
"action would (A) jeopardize the continued existence of an endangered or threatened species, or (B) result in
the adverse modification or destruction of a critical habitat".
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

8/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

1978—Pars. (1) to (4). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(1), (7), added par. (1) and redesignated former pars. (1) to (3) as
(2) to (4), respectively. Former par. (4) redesignated (6).
Par. (5). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(2), (7), added par. (5). Former par. (5) redesignated (8).
Par. (6). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(7), redesignated former par. (4) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (9).
Par. (7). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(3), (7), added par. (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (10).
Pars. (8) to (10). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(7), redesignated former pars. (5) to (7) as (8) to (10), respectively.
Former pars. (8) to (10) redesignated (13) to (15), respectively.
Pars. (11), (12). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(4), (7), added pars. (11) and (12). Former pars. (11) and (12)
redesignated (16) and (17), respectively.
Pars. (13) to (15). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(7), redesignated former pars. (8) to (10) as (13) to (15), respectively.
Former pars. (13) to (15) redesignated as (18) to (20), respectively.
Par. (16). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(5), (7), redesignated former par. (11) as (16) and substituted "and any distinct
population segment of any species of vertebrate fish or wildlife which interbreeds when mature" for "and any
other group of fish or wildlife of the same species or smaller taxa in common spatial arrangement that
interbreed when mature". Former par. (16) redesignated (21).
Par. (17). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(7), redesignated former par. (12) as (17).
Par. (18). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(6), (7), redesignated former par. (13) as (18) and substituted "fish, plant, or
wildlife" for "fish or wildlife".
Pars. (19) to (21). Pub. L. 95–632, §2(7), redesignated pars. (14) to (16) as (19) to (21), respectively.
1976—Par. (1). Pub. L. 94–359 inserted ": Provided, however, That it does not include exhibition of
commodities by museums or similar cultural or historical organizations." after "facilitating such buying and
selling".
Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands
For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48,
Territories and Insular Possessions.

§1533. Determination of endangered species and threatened
species
(a) Generally
(1) The Secretary shall by regulation promulgated in accordance with
subsection (b) determine whether any species is an endangered species or a
threatened species because of any of the following factors:
(A) the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its
habitat or range;
(B) overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational
purposes;
(C) disease or predation;
(D) the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or
(E) other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence.
(2) With respect to any species over which program responsibilities have been
vested in the Secretary of Commerce pursuant to Reorganization Plan Numbered
4 of 1970—
(A) in any case in which the Secretary of Commerce determines that such
species should—
(i) be listed as an endangered species or a threatened species, or
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

9/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(ii) be changed in status from a threatened species to an endangered
species,
he shall so inform the Secretary of the Interior; who shall list such species in
accordance with this section;
(B) in any case in which the Secretary of Commerce determines that such
species should—
(i) be removed from any list published pursuant to subsection (c) of this
section, or
(ii) be changed in status from an endangered species to a threatened
species,
he shall recommend such action to the Secretary of the Interior, and the
Secretary of the Interior, if he concurs in the recommendation, shall
implement such action; and
(C) the Secretary of the Interior may not list or remove from any list any
such species, and may not change the status of any such species which are
listed, without a prior favorable determination made pursuant to this section
by the Secretary of Commerce.
(3)(A) The Secretary, by regulation promulgated in accordance with
subsection (b) and to the maximum extent prudent and determinable—
(i) shall, concurrently with making a determination under paragraph (1) that
a species is an endangered species or a threatened species, designate any
habitat of such species which is then considered to be critical habitat; and
(ii) may, from time-to-time thereafter as appropriate, revise such
designation.
(B)(i) The Secretary shall not designate as critical habitat any lands or other
geographical areas owned or controlled by the Department of Defense, or
designated for its use, that are subject to an integrated natural resources
management plan prepared under section 670a of this title, if the Secretary
determines in writing that such plan provides a benefit to the species for which
critical habitat is proposed for designation.
(ii) Nothing in this paragraph affects the requirement to consult under section
1536(a)(2) of this title with respect to an agency action (as that term is defined in
that section).
(iii) Nothing in this paragraph affects the obligation of the Department of
Defense to comply with section 1538 of this title, including the prohibition
preventing extinction and taking of endangered species and threatened species.
(b) Basis for determinations
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

10/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(1)(A) The Secretary shall make determinations required by subsection (a)(1)
solely on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available to him
after conducting a review of the status of the species and after taking into
account those efforts, if any, being made by any State or foreign nation, or any
political subdivision of a State or foreign nation, to protect such species, whether
by predator control, protection of habitat and food supply, or other conservation
practices, within any area under its jurisdiction; or on the high seas.
(B) In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall give consideration to
species which have been—
(i) designated as requiring protection from unrestricted commerce by any
foreign nation, or pursuant to any international agreement; or
(ii) identified as in danger of extinction, or likely to become so within the
foreseeable future, by any State agency or by any agency of a foreign nation
that is responsible for the conservation of fish or wildlife or plants.
(2) The Secretary shall designate critical habitat, and make revisions thereto,
under subsection (a)(3) on the basis of the best scientific data available and after
taking into consideration the economic impact, the impact on national security,
and any other relevant impact, of specifying any particular area as critical
habitat. The Secretary may exclude any area from critical habitat if he
determines that the benefits of such exclusion outweigh the benefits of
specifying such area as part of the critical habitat, unless he determines, based on
the best scientific and commercial data available, that the failure to designate
such area as critical habitat will result in the extinction of the species concerned.
(3)(A) To the maximum extent practicable, within 90 days after receiving the
petition of an interested person under section 553(e) of title 5, to add a species
to, or to remove a species from, either of the lists published under subsection (c),
the Secretary shall make a finding as to whether the petition presents substantial
scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be
warranted. If such a petition is found to present such information, the Secretary
shall promptly commence a review of the status of the species concerned. The
Secretary shall promptly publish each finding made under this subparagraph in
the Federal Register.
(B) Within 12 months after receiving a petition that is found under
subparagraph (A) to present substantial information indicating that the petitioned
action may be warranted, the Secretary shall make one of the following findings:
(i) The petitioned action is not warranted, in which case the Secretary shall
promptly publish such finding in the Federal Register.
(ii) The petitioned action is warranted, in which case the Secretary shall
promptly publish in the Federal Register a general notice and the complete
text of a proposed regulation to implement such action in accordance with
paragraph (5).
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

11/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(iii) The petitioned action is warranted, but that—
(I) the immediate proposal and timely promulgation of a final regulation
implementing the petitioned action in accordance with paragraphs (5) and
(6) is precluded by pending proposals to determine whether any species is
an endangered species or a threatened species, and
(II) expeditious progress is being made to add qualified species to either
of the lists published under subsection (c) and to remove from such lists
species for which the protections of this chapter are no longer necessary,
in which case the Secretary shall promptly publish such finding in the Federal
Register, together with a description and evaluation of the reasons and data on
which the finding is based.
(C)(i) A petition with respect to which a finding is made under subparagraph
(B)(iii) shall be treated as a petition that is resubmitted to the Secretary under
subparagraph (A) on the date of such finding and that presents substantial
scientific or commercial information that the petitioned action may be
warranted.
(ii) Any negative finding described in subparagraph (A) and any finding
described in subparagraph (B)(i) or (iii) shall be subject to judicial review.
(iii) The Secretary shall implement a system to monitor effectively the status
of all species with respect to which a finding is made under subparagraph (B)(iii)
and shall make prompt use of the authority under paragraph 7 1 to prevent a
significant risk to the well being of any such species.
(D)(i) To the maximum extent practicable, within 90 days after receiving the
petition of an interested person under section 553(e) of title 5, to revise a critical
habitat designation, the Secretary shall make a finding as to whether the petition
presents substantial scientific information indicating that the revision may be
warranted. The Secretary shall promptly publish such finding in the Federal
Register.
(ii) Within 12 months after receiving a petition that is found under clause (i) to
present substantial information indicating that the requested revision may be
warranted, the Secretary shall determine how he intends to proceed with the
requested revision, and shall promptly publish notice of such intention in the
Federal Register.
(4) Except as provided in paragraphs (5) and (6) of this subsection, the
provisions of section 553 of title 5 (relating to rulemaking procedures), shall
apply to any regulation promulgated to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(5) With respect to any regulation proposed by the Secretary to implement a
determination, designation, or revision referred to in subsection (a)(1) or (3), the
Secretary shall—
(A) not less than 90 days before the effective date of the regulation—
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

12/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(i) publish a general notice and the complete text of the proposed
regulation in the Federal Register, and
(ii) give actual notice of the proposed regulation (including the complete
text of the regulation) to the State agency in each State in which the species
is believed to occur, and to each county, or equivalent jurisdiction in which
the species is believed to occur, and invite the comment of such agency, and
each such jurisdiction, thereon;
(B) insofar as practical, and in cooperation with the Secretary of State, give
notice of the proposed regulation to each foreign nation in which the species is
believed to occur or whose citizens harvest the species on the high seas, and
invite the comment of such nation thereon;
(C) give notice of the proposed regulation to such professional scientific
organizations as he deems appropriate;
(D) publish a summary of the proposed regulation in a newspaper of
general circulation in each area of the United States in which the species is
believed to occur; and
(E) promptly hold one public hearing on the proposed regulation if any
person files a request for such a hearing within 45 days after the date of
publication of general notice.
(6)(A) Within the one-year period beginning on the date on which general
notice is published in accordance with paragraph (5)(A)(i) regarding a proposed
regulation, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register—
(i) if a determination as to whether a species is an endangered species or a
threatened species, or a revision of critical habitat, is involved, either—
(I) a final regulation to implement such determination,
(II) a final regulation to implement such revision or a finding that such
revision should not be made,
(III) notice that such one-year period is being extended under
subparagraph (B)(i), or
(IV) notice that the proposed regulation is being withdrawn under
subparagraph (B)(ii), together with the finding on which such withdrawal is
based; or
(ii) subject to subparagraph (C), if a designation of critical habitat is
involved, either—
(I) a final regulation to implement such designation, or
(II) notice that such one-year period is being extended under such
subparagraph.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

13/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(B)(i) If the Secretary finds with respect to a proposed regulation referred to in
subparagraph (A)(i) that there is substantial disagreement regarding the
sufficiency or accuracy of the available data relevant to the determination or
revision concerned, the Secretary may extend the one-year period specified in
subparagraph (A) for not more than six months for purposes of soliciting
additional data.
(ii) If a proposed regulation referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) is not
promulgated as a final regulation within such one-year period (or longer period
if extension under clause (i) applies) because the Secretary finds that there is not
sufficient evidence to justify the action proposed by the regulation, the Secretary
shall immediately withdraw the regulation. The finding on which a withdrawal is
based shall be subject to judicial review. The Secretary may not propose a
regulation that has previously been withdrawn under this clause unless he
determines that sufficient new information is available to warrant such proposal.
(iii) If the one-year period specified in subparagraph (A) is extended under
clause (i) with respect to a proposed regulation, then before the close of such
extended period the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register either a final
regulation to implement the determination or revision concerned, a finding that
the revision should not be made, or a notice of withdrawal of the regulation
under clause (ii), together with the finding on which the withdrawal is based.
(C) A final regulation designating critical habitat of an endangered species or
a threatened species shall be published concurrently with the final regulation
implementing the determination that such species is endangered or threatened,
unless the Secretary deems that—
(i) it is essential to the conservation of such species that the regulation
implementing such determination be promptly published; or
(ii) critical habitat of such species is not then determinable, in which case
the Secretary, with respect to the proposed regulation to designate such
habitat, may extend the one-year period specified in subparagraph (A) by not
more than one additional year, but not later than the close of such additional
year the Secretary must publish a final regulation, based on such data as may
be available at that time, designating, to the maximum extent prudent, such
habitat.
(7) Neither paragraph (4), (5), or (6) of this subsection nor section 553 of title
5 shall apply to any regulation issued by the Secretary in regard to any
emergency posing a significant risk to the well-being of any species of fish or
wildlife or plants, but only if—
(A) at the time of publication of the regulation in the Federal Register the
Secretary publishes therein detailed reasons why such regulation is necessary;
and
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

14/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(B) in the case such regulation applies to resident species of fish or wildlife,
or plants, the Secretary gives actual notice of such regulation to the State
agency in each State in which such species is believed to occur.
Such regulation shall, at the discretion of the Secretary, take effect
immediately upon the publication of the regulation in the Federal Register. Any
regulation promulgated under the authority of this paragraph shall cease to have
force and effect at the close of the 240-day period following the date of
publication unless, during such 240-day period, the rulemaking procedures
which would apply to such regulation without regard to this paragraph are
complied with. If at any time after issuing an emergency regulation the Secretary
determines, on the basis of the best appropriate data available to him, that
substantial evidence does not exist to warrant such regulation, he shall withdraw
it.
(8) The publication in the Federal Register of any proposed or final regulation
which is necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this chapter shall
include a summary by the Secretary of the data on which such regulation is
based and shall show the relationship of such data to such regulation; and if such
regulation designates or revises critical habitat, such summary shall, to the
maximum extent practicable, also include a brief description and evaluation of
those activities (whether public or private) which, in the opinion of the Secretary,
if undertaken may adversely modify such habitat, or may be affected by such
designation.
(c) Lists
(1) The Secretary of the Interior shall publish in the Federal Register a list of
all species determined by him or the Secretary of Commerce to be endangered
species and a list of all species determined by him or the Secretary of Commerce
to be threatened species. Each list shall refer to the species contained therein by
scientific and common name or names, if any, specify with respect to each such
species over what portion of its range it is endangered or threatened, and specify
any critical habitat within such range. The Secretary shall from time to time
revise each list published under the authority of this subsection to reflect recent
determinations, designations, and revisions made in accordance with subsections
(a) and (b).
(2) The Secretary shall—
(A) conduct, at least once every five years, a review of all species included
in a list which is published pursuant to paragraph (1) and which is in effect at
the time of such review; and
(B) determine on the basis of such review whether any such species should
—
(i) be removed from such list;
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

15/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(ii) be changed in status from an endangered species to a threatened
species; or
(iii) be changed in status from a threatened species to an endangered
species.
Each determination under subparagraph (B) shall be made in accordance with
the provisions of subsections (a) and (b).
(d) Protective regulations
Whenever any species is listed as a threatened species pursuant to subsection
(c) of this section, the Secretary shall issue such regulations as he deems
necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of such species. The
Secretary may by regulation prohibit with respect to any threatened species any
act prohibited under section 1538(a)(1) of this title, in the case of fish or wildlife,
or section 1538(a)(2) of this title, in the case of plants, with respect to
endangered species; except that with respect to the taking of resident species of
fish or wildlife, such regulations shall apply in any State which has entered into
a cooperative agreement pursuant to section 1535(c) of this title only to the
extent that such regulations have also been adopted by such State.
(e) Similarity of appearance cases
The Secretary may, by regulation of commerce or taking, and to the extent he
deems advisable, treat any species as an endangered species or threatened
species even though it is not listed pursuant to this section if he finds that—
(A) such species so closely resembles in appearance, at the point in
question, a species which has been listed pursuant to such section that
enforcement personnel would have substantial difficulty in attempting to
differentiate between the listed and unlisted species;
(B) the effect of this substantial difficulty is an additional threat to an
endangered or threatened species; and
(C) such treatment of an unlisted species will substantially facilitate the
enforcement and further the policy of this chapter.
(f) Recovery plans
(1) The Secretary shall develop and implement plans (hereinafter in this
subsection referred to as "recovery plans") for the conservation and survival of
endangered species and threatened species listed pursuant to this section, unless
he finds that such a plan will not promote the conservation of the species. The
Secretary, in developing and implementing recovery plans, shall, to the
maximum extent practicable—
(A) give priority to those endangered species or threatened species, without
regard to taxonomic classification, that are most likely to benefit from such
plans, particularly those species that are, or may be, in conflict with
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

16/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

construction or other development projects or other forms of economic
activity;
(B) incorporate in each plan—
(i) a description of such site-specific management actions as may be
necessary to achieve the plan's goal for the conservation and survival of the
species;
(ii) objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a
determination, in accordance with the provisions of this section, that the
species be removed from the list; and
(iii) estimates of the time required and the cost to carry out those
measures needed to achieve the plan's goal and to achieve intermediate
steps toward that goal.
(2) The Secretary, in developing and implementing recovery plans, may
procure the services of appropriate public and private agencies and institutions,
and other qualified persons. Recovery teams appointed pursuant to this
subsection shall not be subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
(3) The Secretary shall report every two years to the Committee on
Environment and Public Works of the Senate and the Committee on Merchant
Marine and Fisheries of the House of Representatives on the status of efforts to
develop and implement recovery plans for all species listed pursuant to this
section and on the status of all species for which such plans have been
developed.
(4) The Secretary shall, prior to final approval of a new or revised recovery
plan, provide public notice and an opportunity for public review and comment
on such plan. The Secretary shall consider all information presented during the
public comment period prior to approval of the plan.
(5) Each Federal agency shall, prior to implementation of a new or revised
recovery plan, consider all information presented during the public comment
period under paragraph (4).
(g) Monitoring
(1) The Secretary shall implement a system in cooperation with the States to
monitor effectively for not less than five years the status of all species which
have recovered to the point at which the measures provided pursuant to this
chapter are no longer necessary and which, in accordance with the provisions of
this section, have been removed from either of the lists published under
subsection (c).
(2) The Secretary shall make prompt use of the authority under paragraph 7 2
of subsection (b) of this section to prevent a significant risk to the well being of
any such recovered species.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

17/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(h) Agency guidelines; publication in Federal Register; scope; proposals and
amendments: notice and opportunity for comments
The Secretary shall establish, and publish in the Federal Register, agency
guidelines to insure that the purposes of this section are achieved efficiently and
effectively. Such guidelines shall include, but are not limited to—
(1) procedures for recording the receipt and the disposition of petitions
submitted under subsection (b)(3) of this section;
(2) criteria for making the findings required under such subsection with
respect to petitions;
(3) a ranking system to assist in the identification of species that should
receive priority review under subsection (a)(1) of this section; and
(4) a system for developing and implementing, on a priority basis, recovery
plans under subsection (f) of this section.
The Secretary shall provide to the public notice of, and opportunity to submit
written comments on, any guideline (including any amendment thereto)
proposed to be established under this subsection.
(i) Submission to State agency of justification for regulations inconsistent
with State agency's comments or petition
If, in the case of any regulation proposed by the Secretary under the authority
of this section, a State agency to which notice thereof was given in accordance
with subsection (b)(5)(A)(ii) files comments disagreeing with all or part of the
proposed regulation, and the Secretary issues a final regulation which is in
conflict with such comments, or if the Secretary fails to adopt a regulation
pursuant to an action petitioned by a State agency under subsection (b)(3), the
Secretary shall submit to the State agency a written justification for his failure to
adopt regulations consistent with the agency's comments or petition.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §4, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 886; Pub. L. 94–359, §1, July 12,
1976, 90 Stat. 911; Pub. L. 95–632, §§11, 13, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3764,
3766; Pub. L. 96–159, §3, Dec. 28, 1979, 93 Stat. 1225; Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a),
Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1411; Pub. L. 100–478, title I, §§1002–1004, Oct. 7,
1988, 102 Stat. 2306, 2307; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title III, §318, Nov. 24,
2003, 117 Stat. 1433.)
References in Text
Reorganization Plan Numbered 4 of 1970, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is Reorg. Plan No. 4 of 1970, eff.
Oct. 3, 1970, 35 F.R. 15627, 84 Stat. 2090, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government
Organization and Employees.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b)(4), (8), (e)(C), and (g)(1), was in the original "this Act", meaning
Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 81 Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is
classified principally to this chapter. This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b)(3)(B)(iii)(II), was in the original
"the Act" and was translated as if it read "this Act", to reflect the probable intent of Congress. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of this title and Tables.
The Federal Advisory Committee Act, referred to in subsec. (f)(2), is Pub. L. 92–463, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat.
770, as amended, which is set out in the Appendix to Title 5.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

18/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

Amendments
2003—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 108–136, §318(a), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A),
redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, and added subpar. (B).
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 108–136, §318(b), inserted "the impact on national security," after "the economic
impact,".
1988—Subsec. (b)(3)(C)(iii). Pub. L. 100–478, §1002(a), added subcl. (iii).
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–478, §1002(b), substituted "regulation of commerce or taking," for "regulation," in
introductory provisions.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–478, §1003, amended subsec. (f) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (f) read as
follows: "The Secretary shall develop and implement plans (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as
'recovery plans') for the conservation and survival of endangered species and threatened species listed
pursuant to this section, unless he finds that such a plan will not promote the conservation of the species. The
Secretary, in developing and implementing recovery plans (1) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, give
priority to those endangered species or threatened species most likely to benefit from such plans, particularly
those species that are, or may be, in conflict with construction or other developmental projects or other forms
of economic activity, and (2) may procure the services of appropriate public and private agencies and
institutions, and other qualified persons. Recovery teams appointed pursuant to this subsection shall not be
subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act."
Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 100–478, §1004, added subsec. (g) and redesignated former subsecs. (g) and (h)
as (h) and (i), respectively.
1982—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(1)(B), (D), inserted "promulgated in accordance with
subsection (b)" after "shall by regulation" in introductory provisions preceding subpar. (A), and struck out
provision following subpar. (E), which directed the Secretary, at the time regulations were proposed, to specify
any habitat of a species considered to be a critical habitat but that such specification of critical habitats not
apply to species listed prior to Nov. 10, 1978.
Subsec. (a)(1)(A). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(1)(A), redesignated subpar. (1) as (A).
Subsec. (a)(1)(B). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(1)(A), (C), redesignated subpar. (2) as (B) and substituted
"recreational," for "sporting,".
Subsec. (a)(1)(C) to (E). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(1)(A), redesignated subpars. (3), (4), and (5) as (C), (D),
and (E), respectively.
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(1)(E), added par. (3).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(2), completely revised subsec. (b) by, among other changes, requiring
the Secretary to base determinations regarding the listing or delisting of species "solely" on the basis of the
best scientific and commercial data available, streamlining the listing process by reducing the time periods for
rulemaking, consolidating public meetings and hearing requirements, and establishing virtually identical
procedures for the listing and delisting of species and for the designation of critical habitat, and altering the
evidentiary standard which petitioners must satisfy to warrant a status review of the species proposed for
listing or delisting.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(3)(A), struck out ", and from time to time he may by regulation
revise," after "Federal Register" and inserted at end "The Secretary shall from time to time revise each list
published under the authority of this subsection to reflect recent determinations, designations, and revisions
made in accordance with subsections (a) and (b)."
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(3)(B), (C), redesignated par. (4) as (2). Former par. (2), directing the
Secretary, within 90 days of the receipt of the petition of an interested person under section 553(e) of title 5, to
conduct and publish in the Federal Register a review of the status of any listed or unlisted species proposed to
be removed from or added to either of the lists published pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection, but only
if he made and published a finding that such person had presented substantial evidence which in his judgment
warranted such a review, was struck out.
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(3)(B), struck out par. (3) which had provided that any list in effect on
Dec. 27, 1973, of species of fish or wildlife determined by the Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the
Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969, to be threatened with extinction be republished to conform to
the classification for endangered species or threatened species, as the case might be, provided for in this
chapter, but until such republication, any such species so listed was to be deemed an endangered species
within the meaning of this chapter, and that the republication of any species pursuant to this paragraph did not
require public hearing or comment under section 553 of title 5.
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(3)(C), redesignated par. (4) as (2).
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

19/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(4)(A), substituted "section 1535(c) of this title" for "section 1535(a) of
this title".
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(4)(B), (C), (D), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f) and substituted "recovery
plans (1) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, give priority to those endangered species or threatened
species most likely to benefit from such plans, particularly those species that are, or may be, in conflict with
construction or other developmental projects or other forms of economic activity, and (2)" for "recovery
plans,". Former subsec. (f), relating to the promulgation of regulations, was struck out.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(4)(C), (E), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g), substituted reference to
subsection (b)(3) of this section for reference to subsection (c)(2) of this section in par. (1), substituted "under
subsection (a)(1) of this section" for "for listing" in par. (3), and substituted "subsection (f) of this section" for
"subsection (g) of this section" in par. (4). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (f).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(4)(C), (F), added subsec. (h) and redesignated former subsec. (h) as (g).
1979—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 96–159, §3(1), required the Secretary's determinations to be preceded with a
review of the status of the species.
Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(i). Pub. L. 96–159, §3(2), required publication of summary of text rather than of the
complete text of proposed regulation specifying any critical habitat and inclusion of a map of the proposed
critical habitat.
Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(iv)(II). Pub. L. 96–159, §3(3), substituted "if requested within 15 days after the date on
which the public meeting is conducted," for "if requested,".
Subsec. (f)(2)(C). Pub. L. 96–159, §3(4), (5), inserted in introductory text ", subsection (b)(4) of this
section,"; and in cl. (ii), included reference to significant risk to wellbeing of any species of plants, inserted in
item (II) reference to regulation applicable to resident species of plants, extended the statutory period to a
"240-day period" from a "120-day period", and provided for withdrawal of an emergency regulation without
substantial evidence to warrant it, respectively.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 96–159, §3(6), added subsec. (h).
1978—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 95–632, §11(1), inserted provision requiring the Secretary, at the time a
regulation is proposed, to specify by regulation any habitat of the species involved which is considered a
critical habitat providing the species was listed subsequent to Nov. 10, 1978.
Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 95–632, §11(7), added par. (4).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 95–632, §11(2), struck out "and shall" after "if any" and inserted ", and specify any
critical habitat within such range" after "endangered or threatened".
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 95–632, §11(6), substituted "within 90 days of the receipt of" for "upon" and
"conduct and publish in the Federal Register a review of the status of" for "conduct a review of" and inserted a
provision requiring that the review and findings be made and published prior to initiation of any procedures
under subsec. (b)(1) of this section.
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 95–632, §11(3), added par. (4).
Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 95–632, §11(4)(A), substituted "Except as provided in subparagraph (B), in" for
"In".
Subsec. (f)(2)(B), (C). Pub. L. 95–632, §11(4)(B), (C), added subpar. (B), redesignated former subpar. (B)
as (C), and as so redesignated, substituted "Neither subparagraph (A) or (B)" for "Neither subparagraph (A)".
Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 95–632, §13, substituted "a summary by the Secretary of the data on which such
regulation is based and shall show the relationship of such data to such regulations" for "a statement by the
Secretary of the facts on which such regulation is based and the relationship of such facts to such regulation".
Subsec. (f)(4), (5). Pub. L. 95–632, §11(4)(D), added pars. (4) and (5).
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 95–632, §11(5), added subsec. (g).
1976—Subsec. (f)(2)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 94–359 substituted "subsection (b)(1)(A)" for "subsection (b)(A), (B),
and (C)".
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–304, §2(b), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1416, provided that:
"(1) Any petition filed under section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 [subsec. (c)(2) of this
section] (as in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 13, 1982]) and any
regulation proposed under section 4(f) of such Act of 1973 [subsec. (f) of this section] (as in effect on such
day) that is pending on such date of enactment [Oct. 13, 1982] shall be treated as having been filed or
proposed on such date of enactment under section 4(b) of such Act of 1973 [subsec. (b) of this section] (as
amended by subsection (a)); and the procedural requirements specified in such section 4(b) [subsec. (b) of this
section] (as so amended) regarding such petition or proposed regulation shall be deemed to be complied with
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

20/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

to the extent that like requirements under such section 4 [this section] (as in effect before the date of the
enactment of this Act) were complied with before such date of enactment.
"(2) Any regulation proposed after, or pending on, the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 13, 1982] to
designate critical habitat for a species that was determined before such date of enactment to be endangered or
threatened shall be subject to the procedures set forth in section 4 of such Act of 1973 [this section] (as
amended by subsection (a)) for regulations proposing revisions to critical habitat instead of those for
regulations proposing the designation of critical habitat.
"(3) Any list of endangered species or threatened species (as in effect under section 4(c) of such Act of
1973 [subsec. (c) of this section] on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 13, 1982]) shall
remain in effect unless and until determinations regarding species and designations and revisions of critical
habitats that require changes to such list are made in accordance with subsection (b)(5) of such Act of 1973
[subsec. (b)(5) of this section] (as added by subsection (a)).
"(4) Section 4(a)(3)(A) of such Act of 1973 [subsec. (a)(3)(A) of this section] (as added by subsection (a))
shall not apply with respect to any species which was listed as an endangered species or a threatened species
before November 10, 1978."
Abolition of House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives abolished and its jurisdiction
transferred by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995. Committee on Merchant
Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Resources of House of
Representatives in case of provisions relating to fisheries, wildlife, international fishing agreements, marine
affairs (including coastal zone management) except for measures relating to oil and other pollution of
navigable waters, or oceanography by section 1(b)(3) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21
of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on
Natural Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress,
Jan. 5, 2007.

1 So

in original. Probably should be paragraph "(7)".

2 So

in original. Probably should be paragraph "(7)".

§1534. Land acquisition
(a) Implementation of conservation program; authorization of Secretary
and Secretary of Agriculture
The Secretary, and the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to the National
Forest System, shall establish and implement a program to conserve fish,
wildlife, and plants, including those which are listed as endangered species or
threatened species pursuant to section 1533 of this title. To carry out such a
program, the appropriate Secretary—
(1) shall utilize the land acquisition and other authority under the Fish and
Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended [16 U.S.C. 742a et seq.], the Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended [16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.], and the
Migratory Bird Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 715 et seq.], as appropriate; and
(2) is authorized to acquire by purchase, donation, or otherwise, lands,
waters, or interest therein, and such authority shall be in addition to any other
land acquisition authority vested in him.
(b) Availability of funds for acquisition of lands, waters, etc.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

21/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

Funds made available pursuant to chapter 2003 of title 54 may be used for the
purpose of acquiring lands, waters, or interests therein under subsection (a) of
this section.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §5, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 889; Pub. L. 95–632, §12, Nov. 10,
1978, 92 Stat. 3766; Pub. L. 113–287, §5(d)(32), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3267.)
References in Text
The Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act Aug. 8, 1956, ch. 1036,
70 Stat. 119, which is classified generally to sections 742a to 742d and 742e to 742j–2 of this title. For
complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 742a of this title and
Tables.
The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, as amended, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act Mar. 10, 1934, ch.
55, 48 Stat. 401, which is classified generally to sections 661 to 666c–1 of this title. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see section 661(a) of this title, Short Title note set out under section 661
of this title, and Tables.
The Migratory Bird Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act Feb. 18, 1929, ch. 257, 45 Stat.
1222, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§715 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see section 715 of this title and Tables.
Amendments
2014—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–287 substituted "chapter 2003 of title 54" for "the Land and Water
Conservation Fund Act of 1965, as amended,".
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–632, among other changes in text preceding par. (1), inserted reference to
the Secretary of Agriculture with respect to the National Forest System and substituted the establishment and
implementation of a plan to conserve plants for the establishment and implementation of a plan to conserve
plants which were concluded in Appendices to the Convention.

§1535. Cooperation with States
(a) Generally
In carrying out the program authorized by this chapter, the Secretary shall
cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the States. Such cooperation
shall include consultation with the States concerned before acquiring any land or
water, or interest therein, for the purpose of conserving any endangered species
or threatened species.
(b) Management agreements
The Secretary may enter into agreements with any State for the administration
and management of any area established for the conservation of endangered
species or threatened species. Any revenues derived from the administration of
such areas under these agreements shall be subject to the provisions of section
715s of this title.
(c) Cooperative agreements
(1) In furtherance of the purposes of this chapter, the Secretary is authorized
to enter into a cooperative agreement in accordance with this section with any
State which establishes and maintains an adequate and active program for the
conservation of endangered species and threatened species. Within one hundred
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

22/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

and twenty days after the Secretary receives a certified copy of such a proposed
State program, he shall make a determination whether such program is in
accordance with this chapter. Unless he determines, pursuant to this paragraph,
that the State program is not in accordance with this chapter, he shall enter into a
cooperative agreement with the State for the purpose of assisting in
implementation of the State program. In order for a State program to be deemed
an adequate and active program for the conservation of endangered species and
threatened species, the Secretary must find, and annually thereafter reconfirm
such finding, that under the State program—
(A) authority resides in the State agency to conserve resident species of fish
or wildlife determined by the State agency or the Secretary to be endangered
or threatened;
(B) the State agency has established acceptable conservation programs,
consistent with the purposes and policies of this chapter, for all resident
species of fish or wildlife in the State which are deemed by the Secretary to be
endangered or threatened, and has furnished a copy of such plan and program
together with all pertinent details, information, and data requested to the
Secretary;
(C) the State agency is authorized to conduct investigations to determine
the status and requirements for survival of resident species of fish and
wildlife;
(D) the State agency is authorized to establish programs, including the
acquisition of land or aquatic habitat or interests therein, for the conservation
of resident endangered or threatened species of fish or wildlife; and
(E) provision is made for public participation in designating resident
species of fish or wildlife as endangered or threatened; or
that under the State program—
(i) the requirements set forth in subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) of this
paragraph are complied with, and
(ii) plans are included under which immediate attention will be given to
those resident species of fish and wildlife which are determined by the
Secretary or the State agency to be endangered or threatened and which the
Secretary and the State agency agree are most urgently in need of
conservation programs; except that a cooperative agreement entered into with
a State whose program is deemed adequate and active pursuant to clause (i)
and this clause shall not affect the applicability of prohibitions set forth in or
authorized pursuant to section 1533(d) of this title or section 1538(a)(1) of this
title with respect to the taking of any resident endangered or threatened
species.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

23/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(2) In furtherance of the purposes of this chapter the Secretary is authorized to
enter into a cooperative agreement in accordance with this section with any State
which establishes and maintains an adequate and active program for the
conservation of endangered species and threatened species of plants. Within one
hundred and twenty days after the Secretary receives a certified copy of such a
proposed State program, he shall make a determination whether such program is
in accordance with this chapter. Unless he determines, pursuant to this
paragraph, that the State program is not in accordance with this chapter, he shall
enter into a cooperative agreement with the State for the purpose of assisting in
implementation of the State program. In order for a State program to be deemed
an adequate and active program for the conservation of endangered species of
plants and threatened species of plants, the Secretary must find, and annually
thereafter reconfirm such finding, that under the State program—
(A) authority resides in the State agency to conserve resident species of
plants determined by the State agency or the Secretary to be endangered or
threatened;
(B) the State agency has established acceptable conservation programs,
consistent with the purposes and policies of this chapter, for all resident
species of plants in the State which are deemed by the Secretary to be
endangered or threatened, and has furnished a copy of such plan and program
together with all pertinent details, information, and data requested to the
Secretary;
(C) the State agency is authorized to conduct investigations to determine
the status and requirements for survival of resident species of plants; and
(D) provision is made for public participation in designating resident
species of plants as endangered or threatened; or
that under the State program—
(i) the requirements set forth in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of this paragraph
are complied with, and
(ii) plans are included under which immediate attention will be given to
those resident species of plants which are determined by the Secretary or the
State agency to be endangered or threatened and which the Secretary and the
State agency agree are most urgently in need of conservation programs; except
that a cooperative agreement entered into with a State whose program is
deemed adequate and active pursuant to clause (i) and this clause shall not
affect the applicability of prohibitions set forth in or authorized pursuant to
section 1533(d) or section 1538(a)(1) of this title with respect to the taking of
any resident endangered or threatened species.
(d) Allocation of funds
(1) The Secretary is authorized to provide financial assistance to any State,
through its respective State agency, which has entered into a cooperative
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

24/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

agreement pursuant to subsection (c) of this section to assist in development of
programs for the conservation of endangered and threatened species or to assist
in monitoring the status of candidate species pursuant to subparagraph (C) of
section 1533(b)(3) of this title and recovered species pursuant to section 1533(g)
of this title. The Secretary shall allocate each annual appropriation made in
accordance with the provisions of subsection (i) of this section to such States
based on consideration of—
(A) the international commitments of the United States to protect
endangered species or threatened species;
(B) the readiness of a State to proceed with a conservation program
consistent with the objectives and purposes of this chapter;
(C) the number of endangered species and threatened species within a State;
(D) the potential for restoring endangered species and threatened species
within a State;
(E) the relative urgency to initiate a program to restore and protect an
endangered species or threatened species in terms of survival of the species;
(F) the importance of monitoring the status of candidate species within a
State to prevent a significant risk to the well being of any such species; and
(G) the importance of monitoring the status of recovered species within a
State to assure that such species do not return to the point at which the
measures provided pursuant to this chapter are again necessary.
So much of the annual appropriation made in accordance with provisions of
subsection (i) of this section allocated for obligation to any State for any fiscal
year as remains unobligated at the close thereof is authorized to be made
available to that State until the close of the succeeding fiscal year. Any amount
allocated to any State which is unobligated at the end of the period during which
it is available for expenditure is authorized to be made available for expenditure
by the Secretary in conducting programs under this section.
(2) Such cooperative agreements shall provide for (A) the actions to be taken
by the Secretary and the States; (B) the benefits that are expected to be derived
in connection with the conservation of endangered or threatened species; (C) the
estimated cost of these actions; and (D) the share of such costs to be borne by the
Federal Government and by the States; except that—
(i) the Federal share of such program costs shall not exceed 75 percent of
the estimated program cost stated in the agreement; and
(ii) the Federal share may be increased to 90 percent whenever two or more
States having a common interest in one or more endangered or threatened
species, the conservation of which may be enhanced by cooperation of such
States, enter jointly into an agreement with the Secretary.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

25/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

The Secretary may, in his discretion, and under such rules and regulations as
he may prescribe, advance funds to the State for financing the United States pro
rata share agreed upon in the cooperative agreement. For the purposes of this
section, the non-Federal share may, in the discretion of the Secretary, be in the
form of money or real property, the value of which will be determined by the
Secretary, whose decision shall be final.
(e) Review of State programs
Any action taken by the Secretary under this section shall be subject to his
periodic review at no greater than annual intervals.
(f) Conflicts between Federal and State laws
Any State law or regulation which applies with respect to the importation or
exportation of, or interstate or foreign commerce in, endangered species or
threatened species is void to the extent that it may effectively (1) permit what is
prohibited by this chapter or by any regulation which implements this chapter, or
(2) prohibit what is authorized pursuant to an exemption or permit provided for
in this chapter or in any regulation which implements this chapter. This chapter
shall not otherwise be construed to void any State law or regulation which is
intended to conserve migratory, resident, or introduced fish or wildlife, or to
permit or prohibit sale of such fish or wildlife. Any State law or regulation
respecting the taking of an endangered species or threatened species may be
more restrictive than the exemptions or permits provided for in this chapter or in
any regulation which implements this chapter but not less restrictive than the
prohibitions so defined.
(g) Transition
(1) For purposes of this subsection, the term "establishment period" means,
with respect to any State, the period beginning on December 28, 1973, and
ending on whichever of the following dates first occurs: (A) the date of the close
of the 120-day period following the adjournment of the first regular session of
the legislature of such State which commences after December 28, 1973, or (B)
the date of the close of the 15-month period following December 28, 1973.
(2) The prohibitions set forth in or authorized pursuant to sections 1533(d) and
1538(a)(1)(B) of this title shall not apply with respect to the taking of any
resident endangered species or threatened species (other than species listed in
Appendix I to the Convention or otherwise specifically covered by any other
treaty or Federal law) within any State—
(A) which is then a party to a cooperative agreement with the Secretary
pursuant to subsection (c) of this section (except to the extent that the taking
of any such species is contrary to the law of such State); or
(B) except for any time within the establishment period when—
(i) the Secretary applies such prohibition to such species at the request of
the State, or
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

26/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(ii) the Secretary applies such prohibition after he finds, and publishes his
finding, that an emergency exists posing a significant risk to the well-being
of such species and that the prohibition must be applied to protect such
species. The Secretary's finding and publication may be made without
regard to the public hearing or comment provisions of section 553 of title 5
or any other provision of this chapter; but such prohibition shall expire 90
days after the date of its imposition unless the Secretary further extends
such prohibition by publishing notice and a statement of justification of
such extension.
(h) Regulations
The Secretary is authorized to promulgate such regulations as may be
appropriate to carry out the provisions of this section relating to financial
assistance to States.
(i) Appropriations
(1) To carry out the provisions of this section for fiscal years after September
30, 1988, there shall be deposited into a special fund known as the cooperative
endangered species conservation fund, to be administered by the Secretary, an
amount equal to 5 percent of the combined amounts covered each fiscal year into
the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund under section 669b of this title, and
paid, transferred, or otherwise credited each fiscal year to the Sport Fishing
Restoration Account established under 1016 of the Act of July 18, 1984.
(2) Amounts deposited into the special fund are authorized to be appropriated
annually and allocated in accordance with subsection (d) of this section.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §6, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 889; Pub. L. 95–212, Dec. 19, 1977,
91 Stat. 1493; Pub. L. 95–632, §10, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3762; Pub. L. 96–
246, May 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 348; Pub. L. 97–304, §§3, 8(b), Oct. 13, 1982, 96
Stat. 1416, 1426; Pub. L. 100–478, title I, §1005, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2307.)
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act" or "This Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–205, Dec.
28, 1973, 81 Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is classified principally to this
chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of
this title and Tables.
The Sport Fishing Restoration Account established under section 1016 of the Act of July 18, 1984, referred
to in subsec. (i)(1), probably means the Sport Fish Restoration Account established by section 9504(a)(2)(A)
of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, which section was enacted by section 1016(a) of Pub. L. 98–369, div. A,
title X, July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1019.
Amendments
1988—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 100–478, §1005(a), amended par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1)
read as follows: "The Secretary is authorized to provide financial assistance to any State, through its
respective State agency, which has entered into a cooperative agreement pursuant to subsection (c) of this
section to assist in development of programs for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. The
Secretary shall make an allocation of appropriated funds to such States based on consideration of—
"(A) the international commitments of the United States to protect endangered species or threatened
species;
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

27/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

"(B) the readiness of a State to proceed with a conservation program consistent with the objectives and
purposes of this chapter;
"(C) the number of endangered species and threatened species within a State;
"(D) the potential for restoring endangered species and threatened species within a State; and
"(E) the relative urgency to initiate a program to restore and protect an endangered species or
threatened species in terms of survival of the species.
So much of any appropriated funds allocated for obligation to any State for any fiscal year as remains
unobligated at the close thereof is authorized to be made available to that State until the close of the
succeeding fiscal year. Any amount allocated to any State which is unobligated at the end of the period during
which it is available for expenditure is authorized to be made available for expenditure by the Secretary in
conducting programs under this section."
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 100–478, §1005(b), added subsec. (i).
1982—Subsec. (d)(2)(i). Pub. L. 97–304, §3(1), substituted "75 percent" for "662/3 per centum".
Subsec. (d)(2)(ii). Pub. L. 97–304, §3(2), substituted "90 percent" for "75 per centum".
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 97–304, §8(b), struck out subsec. (i) which authorized appropriations to carry out this
section of $10,000,000 through the period ending Sept. 30, 1977, $12,000,000 for the period Oct. 1, 1977,
through Sept. 30, 1980, and $12,000,000 for the period Oct. 1, 1980, through Sept. 30, 1982. See section
1542(b) of this title.
1980—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 96–246 in par. (2) substituted "$12,000,000" for "$16,000,000" and "1980" for
"1981", and added par. (3).
1978—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–632 designated existing provision as par. (1), and in par. (1) as so
designated, redesignated pars. (1) to (5) as subpars. (A) to (E), respectively, and subpars. (A) and (B) of
subpar. (E), as so redesignated, as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, substituted "paragraph" for "subsection" in
provision preceding subpar. (A), as so redesignated, "endangered or threatened species of fish or wildlife" for
"endangered species or threatened species" in subpar. (D), as so redesignated, "subparagraphs (C), (D), and
(E) of this paragraph" for "paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of this subsection" in cl. (i) of subpar. (E), as so
redesignated, "clause (i) and this clause" for "subparagraph (A) and this subparagraph" in cl. (ii) of subpar.
(E), as so redesignated, and added par. (2).
1977—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 95–212, §1(1), inserted provisions that States in which the State fish and
wildlife agencies do not possess the broad authority to conserve all resident species of fish and wildlife which
the Secretary determines to be threatened or endangered may nevertheless qualify for cooperative agreement
funds if they satisfy all other requirements and have plans to devote immediate attention to those species most
urgently in need of conservation programs.
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 95–212, §1(2), substituted provisions authorizing appropriations of $10,000,000 to
cover the period ending Sept. 30, 1977, and $16,000,000 to cover the period beginning Oct. 1, 1977, and
ending Sept. 30, 1981, for provisions authorizing appropriations of not to exceed $10,000,000 through the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1977.
Cooperative Agreements With States Unaffected by 1981 Amendment of Marine Mammal
Protection Act
Nothing in the amendment of section 1379 of this title by section 4(a) of Pub. L. 97–58 to be construed as
affecting in any manner any cooperative agreement entered into by a State under subsec. (c) of this section
before, on, or after Oct. 9, 1981, see section 4(b) of Pub. L. 97–58, set out as a note under section 1379 of this
title.

§1536. Interagency cooperation
(a) Federal agency actions and consultations
(1) The Secretary shall review other programs administered by him and utilize
such programs in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter. All other Federal
agencies shall, in consultation with and with the assistance of the Secretary,
utilize their authorities in furtherance of the purposes of this chapter by carrying
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

28/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

out programs for the conservation of endangered species and threatened species
listed pursuant to section 1533 of this title.
(2) Each Federal agency shall, in consultation with and with the assistance of
the Secretary, insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by such
agency (hereinafter in this section referred to as an "agency action") is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened
species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of habitat of such
species which is determined by the Secretary, after consultation as appropriate
with affected States, to be critical, unless such agency has been granted an
exemption for such action by the Committee pursuant to subsection (h) of this
section. In fulfilling the requirements of this paragraph each agency shall use the
best scientific and commercial data available.
(3) Subject to such guidelines as the Secretary may establish, a Federal agency
shall consult with the Secretary on any prospective agency action at the request
of, and in cooperation with, the prospective permit or license applicant if the
applicant has reason to believe that an endangered species or a threatened
species may be present in the area affected by his project and that
implementation of such action will likely affect such species.
(4) Each Federal agency shall confer with the Secretary on any agency action
which is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any species proposed to
be listed under section 1533 of this title or result in the destruction or adverse
modification of critical habitat proposed to be designated for such species. This
paragraph does not require a limitation on the commitment of resources as
described in subsection (d).
(b) Opinion of Secretary
(1)(A) Consultation under subsection (a)(2) with respect to any agency action
shall be concluded within the 90-day period beginning on the date on which
initiated or, subject to subparagraph (B), within such other period of time as is
mutually agreeable to the Secretary and the Federal agency.
(B) In the case of an agency action involving a permit or license applicant, the
Secretary and the Federal agency may not mutually agree to conclude
consultation within a period exceeding 90 days unless the Secretary, before the
close of the 90th day referred to in subparagraph (A)—
(i) if the consultation period proposed to be agreed to will end before the
150th day after the date on which consultation was initiated, submits to the
applicant a written statement setting forth—
(I) the reasons why a longer period is required,
(II) the information that is required to complete the consultation, and
(III) the estimated date on which consultation will be completed; or
(ii) if the consultation period proposed to be agreed to will end 150 or more
days after the date on which consultation was initiated, obtains the consent of
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

29/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

the applicant to such period.
The Secretary and the Federal agency may mutually agree to extend a
consultation period established under the preceding sentence if the Secretary,
before the close of such period, obtains the consent of the applicant to the
extension.
(2) Consultation under subsection (a)(3) shall be concluded within such period
as is agreeable to the Secretary, the Federal agency, and the applicant concerned.
(3)(A) Promptly after conclusion of consultation under paragraph (2) or (3) of
subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to the Federal agency and the
applicant, if any, a written statement setting forth the Secretary's opinion, and a
summary of the information on which the opinion is based, detailing how the
agency action affects the species or its critical habitat. If jeopardy or adverse
modification is found, the Secretary shall suggest those reasonable and prudent
alternatives which he believes would not violate subsection (a)(2) and can be
taken by the Federal agency or applicant in implementing the agency action.
(B) Consultation under subsection (a)(3), and an opinion issued by the
Secretary incident to such consultation, regarding an agency action shall be
treated respectively as a consultation under subsection (a)(2), and as an opinion
issued after consultation under such subsection, regarding that action if the
Secretary reviews the action before it is commenced by the Federal agency and
finds, and notifies such agency, that no significant changes have been made with
respect to the action and that no significant change has occurred regarding the
information used during the initial consultation.
(4) If after consultation under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary concludes that
—
(A) the agency action will not violate such subsection, or offers reasonable
and prudent alternatives which the Secretary believes would not violate such
subsection;
(B) the taking of an endangered species or a threatened species incidental to
the agency action will not violate such subsection; and
(C) if an endangered species or threatened species of a marine mammal is
involved, the taking is authorized pursuant to section 1371(a)(5) of this title;
the Secretary shall provide the Federal agency and the applicant concerned, if
any, with a written statement that—
(i) specifies the impact of such incidental taking on the species,
(ii) specifies those reasonable and prudent measures that the Secretary
considers necessary or appropriate to minimize such impact,
(iii) in the case of marine mammals, specifies those measures that are
necessary to comply with section 1371(a)(5) of this title with regard to such
taking, and
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

30/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(iv) sets forth the terms and conditions (including, but not limited to,
reporting requirements) that must be complied with by the Federal agency or
applicant (if any), or both, to implement the measures specified under clauses
(ii) and (iii).
(c) Biological assessment
(1) To facilitate compliance with the requirements of subsection (a)(2), each
Federal agency shall, with respect to any agency action of such agency for which
no contract for construction has been entered into and for which no construction
has begun on November 10, 1978, request of the Secretary information whether
any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of
such proposed action. If the Secretary advises, based on the best scientific and
commercial data available, that such species may be present, such agency shall
conduct a biological assessment for the purpose of identifying any endangered
species or threatened species which is likely to be affected by such action. Such
assessment shall be completed within 180 days after the date on which initiated
(or within such other period as is mutually agreed to by the Secretary and such
agency, except that if a permit or license applicant is involved, the 180-day
period may not be extended unless such agency provides the applicant, before
the close of such period, with a written statement setting forth the estimated
length of the proposed extension and the reasons therefor) and, before any
contract for construction is entered into and before construction is begun with
respect to such action. Such assessment may be undertaken as part of a Federal
agency's compliance with the requirements of section 102 of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332).
(2) Any person who may wish to apply for an exemption under subsection (g)
of this section for that action may conduct a biological assessment to identify
any endangered species or threatened species which is likely to be affected by
such action. Any such biological assessment must, however, be conducted in
cooperation with the Secretary and under the supervision of the appropriate
Federal agency.
(d) Limitation on commitment of resources
After initiation of consultation required under subsection (a)(2), the Federal
agency and the permit or license applicant shall not make any irreversible or
irretrievable commitment of resources with respect to the agency action which
has the effect of foreclosing the formulation or implementation of any reasonable
and prudent alternative measures which would not violate subsection (a)(2) of
this section.
(e) Endangered Species Committee
(1) There is established a committee to be known as the Endangered Species
Committee (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "Committee").
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

31/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(2) The Committee shall review any application submitted to it pursuant to
this section and determine in accordance with subsection (h) of this section
whether or not to grant an exemption from the requirements of subsection (a)(2)
of this section for the action set forth in such application.
(3) The Committee shall be composed of seven members as follows:
(A) The Secretary of Agriculture.
(B) The Secretary of the Army.
(C) The Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors.
(D) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.
(E) The Secretary of the Interior.
(F) The Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
(G) The President, after consideration of any recommendations received
pursuant to subsection (g)(2)(B) shall appoint one individual from each
affected State, as determined by the Secretary, to be a member of the
Committee for the consideration of the application for exemption for an
agency action with respect to which such recommendations are made, not later
than 30 days after an application is submitted pursuant to this section.
(4)(A) Members of the Committee shall receive no additional pay on account
of their service on the Committee.
(B) While away from their homes or regular places of business in the
performance of services for the Committee, members of the Committee shall be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same
manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government service are
allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5.
(5)(A) Five members of the Committee or their representatives shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of any function of the Committee, except that, in no
case shall any representative be considered in determining the existence of a
quorum for the transaction of any function of the Committee if that function
involves a vote by the Committee on any matter before the Committee.
(B) The Secretary of the Interior shall be the Chairman of the Committee.
(C) The Committee shall meet at the call of the Chairman or five of its
members.
(D) All meetings and records of the Committee shall be open to the public.
(6) Upon request of the Committee, the head of any Federal agency is
authorized to detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel of such
agency to the Committee to assist it in carrying out its duties under this section.
(7)(A) The Committee may for the purpose of carrying out its duties under
this section hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such
testimony, and receive such evidence, as the Committee deems advisable.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

32/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(B) When so authorized by the Committee, any member or agent of the
Committee may take any action which the Committee is authorized to take by
this paragraph.
(C) Subject to the Privacy Act [5 U.S.C. 552a], the Committee may secure
directly from any Federal agency information necessary to enable it to carry out
its duties under this section. Upon request of the Chairman of the Committee, the
head of such Federal agency shall furnish such information to the Committee.
(D) The Committee may use the United States mails in the same manner and
upon the same conditions as a Federal agency.
(E) The Administrator of General Services shall provide to the Committee on
a reimbursable basis such administrative support services as the Committee may
request.
(8) In carrying out its duties under this section, the Committee may
promulgate and amend such rules, regulations, and procedures, and issue and
amend such orders as it deems necessary.
(9) For the purpose of obtaining information necessary for the consideration
of an application for an exemption under this section the Committee may issue
subpenas for the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of
relevant papers, books, and documents.
(10) In no case shall any representative, including a representative of a
member designated pursuant to paragraph (3)(G) of this subsection, be eligible
to cast a vote on behalf of any member.
(f) Promulgation of regulations; form and contents of exemption application
Not later than 90 days after November 10, 1978, the Secretary shall
promulgate regulations which set forth the form and manner in which
applications for exemption shall be submitted to the Secretary and the
information to be contained in such applications. Such regulations shall require
that information submitted in an application by the head of any Federal agency
with respect to any agency action include, but not be limited to—
(1) a description of the consultation process carried out pursuant to
subsection (a)(2) of this section between the head of the Federal agency and
the Secretary; and
(2) a statement describing why such action cannot be altered or modified to
conform with the requirements of subsection (a)(2) of this section.
(g) Application for exemption; report to Committee
(1) A Federal agency, the Governor of the State in which an agency action
will occur, if any, or a permit or license applicant may apply to the Secretary for
an exemption for an agency action of such agency if, after consultation under
subsection (a)(2), the Secretary's opinion under subsection (b) indicates that the
agency action would violate subsection (a)(2). An application for an exemption
shall be considered initially by the Secretary in the manner provided for in this
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

33/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

subsection, and shall be considered by the Committee for a final determination
under subsection (h) after a report is made pursuant to paragraph (5). The
applicant for an exemption shall be referred to as the "exemption applicant" in
this section.
(2)(A) An exemption applicant shall submit a written application to the
Secretary, in a form prescribed under subsection (f), not later than 90 days after
the completion of the consultation process; except that, in the case of any agency
action involving a permit or license applicant, such application shall be
submitted not later than 90 days after the date on which the Federal agency
concerned takes final agency action with respect to the issuance of the permit or
license. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "final agency action"
means (i) a disposition by an agency with respect to the issuance of a permit or
license that is subject to administrative review, whether or not such disposition is
subject to judicial review; or (ii) if administrative review is sought with respect
to such disposition, the decision resulting after such review. Such application
shall set forth the reasons why the exemption applicant considers that the agency
action meets the requirements for an exemption under this subsection.
(B) Upon receipt of an application for exemption for an agency action under
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall promptly (i) notify the Governor of each
affected State, if any, as determined by the Secretary, and request the Governors
so notified to recommend individuals to be appointed to the Endangered Species
Committee for consideration of such application; and (ii) publish notice of
receipt of the application in the Federal Register, including a summary of the
information contained in the application and a description of the agency action
with respect to which the application for exemption has been filed.
(3) The Secretary shall within 20 days after the receipt of an application for
exemption, or within such other period of time as is mutually agreeable to the
exemption applicant and the Secretary—
(A) determine that the Federal agency concerned and the exemption
applicant have—
(i) carried out the consultation responsibilities described in subsection (a)
in good faith and made a reasonable and responsible effort to develop and
fairly consider modifications or reasonable and prudent alternatives to the
proposed agency action which would not violate subsection (a)(2);
(ii) conducted any biological assessment required by subsection (c); and
(iii) to the extent determinable within the time provided herein, refrained
from making any irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources
prohibited by subsection (d); or
(B) deny the application for exemption because the Federal agency
concerned or the exemption applicant have not met the requirements set forth
in subparagraph (A)(i), (ii), and (iii).
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

34/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

The denial of an application under subparagraph (B) shall be considered final
agency action for purposes of chapter 7 of title 5.
(4) If the Secretary determines that the Federal agency concerned and the
exemption applicant have met the requirements set forth in paragraph (3)(A)(i),
(ii), and (iii) he shall, in consultation with the Members of the Committee, hold a
hearing on the application for exemption in accordance with sections 554, 555,
and 556 (other than subsection (b)(1) and (2) thereof) of title 5 and prepare the
report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (5).
(5) Within 140 days after making the determinations under paragraph (3) or
within such other period of time as is mutually agreeable to the exemption
applicant and the Secretary, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee a report
discussing—
(A) the availability of reasonable and prudent alternatives to the agency
action, and the nature and extent of the benefits of the agency action and of
alternative courses of action consistent with conserving the species or the
critical habitat;
(B) a summary of the evidence concerning whether or not the agency action
is in the public interest and is of national or regional significance;
(C) appropriate reasonable mitigation and enhancement measures which
should be considered by the Committee; and
(D) whether the Federal agency concerned and the exemption applicant
refrained from making any irreversible or irretrievable commitment of
resources prohibited by subsection (d).
(6) To the extent practicable within the time required for action under
subsection (g) of this section, and except to the extent inconsistent with the
requirements of this section, the consideration of any application for an
exemption under this section and the conduct of any hearing under this
subsection shall be in accordance with sections 554, 555, and 556 (other than
subsection (b)(3) of section 556) of title 5.
(7) Upon request of the Secretary, the head of any Federal agency is
authorized to detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, any of the personnel of such
agency to the Secretary to assist him in carrying out his duties under this section.
(8) All meetings and records resulting from activities pursuant to this
subsection shall be open to the public.
(h) Grant of exemption
(1) The Committee shall make a final determination whether or not to grant an
exemption within 30 days after receiving the report of the Secretary pursuant to
subsection (g)(5). The Committee shall grant an exemption from the
requirements of subsection (a)(2) for an agency action if, by a vote of not less
than five of its members voting in person—
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

35/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(A) it determines on the record, based on the report of the Secretary, the
record of the hearing held under subsection (g)(4) and on such other testimony
or evidence as it may receive, that—
(i) there are no reasonable and prudent alternatives to the agency action;
(ii) the benefits of such action clearly outweigh the benefits of alternative
courses of action consistent with conserving the species or its critical
habitat, and such action is in the public interest;
(iii) the action is of regional or national significance; and
(iv) neither the Federal agency concerned nor the exemption applicant
made any irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources prohibited
by subsection (d); and
(B) it establishes such reasonable mitigation and enhancement measures,
including, but not limited to, live propagation, transplantation, and habitat
acquisition and improvement, as are necessary and appropriate to minimize
the adverse effects of the agency action upon the endangered species,
threatened species, or critical habitat concerned.
Any final determination by the Committee under this subsection shall be
considered final agency action for purposes of chapter 7 of title 5.
(2)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an exemption for an agency
action granted under paragraph (1) shall constitute a permanent exemption with
respect to all endangered or threatened species for the purposes of completing
such agency action—
(i) regardless whether the species was identified in the biological
assessment; and
(ii) only if a biological assessment has been conducted under subsection (c)
with respect to such agency action.
(B) An exemption shall be permanent under subparagraph (A) unless—
(i) the Secretary finds, based on the best scientific and commercial data
available, that such exemption would result in the extinction of a species that
was not the subject of consultation under subsection (a)(2) or was not
identified in any biological assessment conducted under subsection (c), and
(ii) the Committee determines within 60 days after the date of the
Secretary's finding that the exemption should not be permanent.
If the Secretary makes a finding described in clause (i), the Committee shall
meet with respect to the matter within 30 days after the date of the finding.
(i) Review by Secretary of State; violation of international treaty or other
international obligation of United States
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

36/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Committee shall be
prohibited from considering for exemption any application made to it, if the
Secretary of State, after a review of the proposed agency action and its potential
implications, and after hearing, certifies, in writing, to the Committee within 60
days of any application made under this section that the granting of any such
exemption and the carrying out of such action would be in violation of an
international treaty obligation or other international obligation of the United
States. The Secretary of State shall, at the time of such certification, publish a
copy thereof in the Federal Register.
(j) Exemption for national security reasons
Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the Committee shall grant
an exemption for any agency action if the Secretary of Defense finds that such
exemption is necessary for reasons of national security.
(k) Exemption decision not considered major Federal action; environmental
impact statement
An exemption decision by the Committee under this section shall not be a
major Federal action for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969 [42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.]: Provided, That an environmental impact
statement which discusses the impacts upon endangered species or threatened
species or their critical habitats shall have been previously prepared with respect
to any agency action exempted by such order.
(l) Committee order granting exemption; cost of mitigation and
enhancement measures; report by applicant to Council on Environmental
Quality
(1) If the Committee determines under subsection (h) that an exemption
should be granted with respect to any agency action, the Committee shall issue
an order granting the exemption and specifying the mitigation and enhancement
measures established pursuant to subsection (h) which shall be carried out and
paid for by the exemption applicant in implementing the agency action. All
necessary mitigation and enhancement measures shall be authorized prior to the
implementing of the agency action and funded concurrently with all other
project features.
(2) The applicant receiving such exemption shall include the costs of such
mitigation and enhancement measures within the overall costs of continuing the
proposed action. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence the costs of such
measures shall not be treated as project costs for the purpose of computing
benefit-cost or other ratios for the proposed action. Any applicant may request
the Secretary to carry out such mitigation and enhancement measures. The costs
incurred by the Secretary in carrying out any such measures shall be paid by the
applicant receiving the exemption. No later than one year after the granting of an
exemption, the exemption applicant shall submit to the Council on
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

37/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

Environmental Quality a report describing its compliance with the mitigation
and enhancement measures prescribed by this section. Such a report shall be
submitted annually until all such mitigation and enhancement measures have
been completed. Notice of the public availability of such reports shall be
published in the Federal Register by the Council on Environmental Quality.
(m) Notice requirement for citizen suits not applicable
The 60-day notice requirement of section 1540(g) of this title shall not apply
with respect to review of any final determination of the Committee under
subsection (h) of this section granting an exemption from the requirements of
subsection (a)(2) of this section.
(n) Judicial review
Any person, as defined by section 1532(13) of this title, may obtain judicial
review, under chapter 7 of title 5, of any decision of the Endangered Species
Committee under subsection (h) in the United States Court of Appeals for (1)
any circuit wherein the agency action concerned will be, or is being, carried out,
or (2) in any case in which the agency action will be, or is being, carried out
outside of any circuit, the District of Columbia, by filing in such court within 90
days after the date of issuance of the decision, a written petition for review. A
copy of such petition shall be transmitted by the clerk of the court to the
Committee and the Committee shall file in the court the record in the
proceeding, as provided in section 2112 of title 28. Attorneys designated by the
Endangered Species Committee may appear for, and represent the Committee in
any action for review under this subsection.
(o) Exemption as providing exception on taking of endangered species
Notwithstanding sections 1533(d) and 1538(a)(1)(B) and (C) of this title,
sections 1371 and 1372 of this title, or any regulation promulgated to implement
any such section—
(1) any action for which an exemption is granted under subsection (h) shall
not be considered to be a taking of any endangered species or threatened
species with respect to any activity which is necessary to carry out such
action; and
(2) any taking that is in compliance with the terms and conditions specified
in a written statement provided under subsection (b)(4)(iv) shall not be
considered to be a prohibited taking of the species concerned.
(p) Exemptions in Presidentially declared disaster areas
In any area which has been declared by the President to be a major disaster
area under the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [42 U.S.C. 5121 et
seq.], the President is authorized to make the determinations required by
subsections (g) and (h) of this section for any project for the repair or
replacement of a public facility substantially as it existed prior to the disaster
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

38/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

under section 405 or 406 of the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
[42 U.S.C. 5171 or 5172], and which the President determines (1) is necessary to
prevent the recurrence of such a natural disaster and to reduce the potential loss
of human life, and (2) to involve an emergency situation which does not allow
the ordinary procedures of this section to be followed. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this section, the Committee shall accept the determinations of
the President under this subsection.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §7, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 892; Pub. L. 95–632, §3, Nov. 10,
1978, 92 Stat. 3752; Pub. L. 96–159, §4, Dec. 28, 1979, 93 Stat. 1226; Pub. L.
97–304, §§4(a), 8(b), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1417, 1426; Pub. L. 99–659, title
IV, §411(b), (c), Nov. 14, 1986, 100 Stat. 3741, 3742; Pub. L. 100–707, title I,
§109(g), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4709.)
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (i), and (j), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–
205, Dec. 28, 1973, 81 Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is classified
principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out
under section 1531 of this title and Tables.
The Privacy Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(7)(C), is probably a reference to section 552a of Title 5,
Government Organization and Employees. See Short Title note set out under section 552a of Title 5.
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, referred to in subsec. (k), is Pub. L. 91–190, Jan. 1, 1970,
83 Stat. 852, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 55 (§4321 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public
Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under
section 4321 of Title 42 and Tables.
The Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, referred to in subsec. (p), is Pub. L. 93–288, May 22,
1974, 88 Stat. 143, as amended, known as the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act, which is classified principally to chapter 68 (§5121 et seq.) of Title 42. For complete classification of this
Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of Title 42 and Tables.
Amendments
1988—Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 100–707 substituted "the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act" for
"the Disaster Relief Act of 1974" and "section 405 or 406 of the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act" for "section 401 or 402 of the Disaster Relief Act of 1974".
1986—Subsec. (b)(4)(C). Pub. L. 99–659, §411(b)(1)–(3), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (b)(4)(iii), (iv). Pub. L. 99–659, §411(b)(4)–(6), added cl. (iii), redesignated former cl. (iii) as (iv),
and in cl. (iv), as so redesignated, inserted reference to cl. (iii).
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 99–659, §411(c)(1), in introductory provisions, inserted ", sections 1371 and 1372 of
this title,", and substituted "any" for "either" after "implement".
Subsec. (o)(2). Pub. L. 99–659, §411(c)(2), substituted "subsection (b)(4)(iv)" for "subsection (b)(4)(iii)"
and inserted "prohibited" before "taking of the species".
1982—Subsec. (a)(3), (4). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(1), added par. (3) and redesignated former par. (3) as (4).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(2), incorporated existing provisions into pars. (1)(A) and (3)(A) and
added pars. (1)(B), (2), (3)(B), and (4).
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(3), inserted ", except that if a permit or license applicant is involved,
the 180-day period may not be extended unless such agency provides the applicant, before the close of such
period, with a written statement setting forth the estimated length of the proposed extension and the reasons
therefor" after "agency" in parenthetical provision.
Subsec. (e)(10). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(4), struck out provision that, except in the case of a member
designated pursuant to paragraph (3)(G) of this subsection, no member could designate any person to serve as
his or her representative unless that person was, at the time of such designation, holding a Federal office the
appointment to which was subject to the advice and consent of the United States Senate.
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(B), substituted "An application for an exemption shall be
considered initially by the Secretary in the manner provided for in this subsection, and shall be considered by
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

39/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

the Committee for a final determination under subsection (h) after a report is made pursuant to paragraph (5)"
for "An application for an exemption shall be considered initially by a review board in the manner provided in
this subsection, and shall be considered by the Endangered Species Committee for a final determination under
subsection (h) after a report is made by the review board".
Subsec. (g)(2)(A). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(C)(i), substituted "An exemption applicant shall submit a
written application to the Secretary, in a form prescribed under subsection (f), not later than 90 days after the
completion of the consultation process; except that, in the case of any agency action involving a permit or
license applicant, such application shall be submitted not later than 90 days after the date on which the Federal
agency concerned takes final agency action with respect to the issuance of the permit or license" for "An
exemption applicant shall submit a written application to the Secretary, in a form prescribed under subsection
(f) of this section, not later than 90 days after the completion of the consultation process; or, in the case of any
agency action involving a permit or license applicant, not later than 90 days after the date on which the
Federal agency concerned takes final agency action, for purposes of chapter 7 of title 5, with respect to the
issuance of the permit or license" and inserted provision that, "For purposes of the preceding sentence, the
term 'final agency action' means (i) a disposition by an agency with respect to the issuance of a permit or
license that is subject to administrative review, whether or not such disposition is subject to judicial review; or
(ii) if administrative review is sought with respect to such disposition, the decision resulting after such
review."
Subsec. (g)(2)(B). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(C)(ii), inserted "(i)" after "the Secretary shall promptly", struck
out "to the review board to be established under paragraph (3) and" after "individuals to be appointed" in cl.
(i) as so designated, and added cl. (ii).
Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(D), (E), redesignated par. (5) as (3) and substituted provisions
directing the Secretary, within 20 days after the receipt of an application for exemption, or within such other
period of time as is mutually agreeable to the exemption applicant and the Secretary, to (A) determine that the
Federal agency concerned and the exemption applicant have (i) carried out the consultation responsibilities
described in subsection (a) of this section in good faith and made a reasonable and responsible effort to
develop and fairly consider modifications or reasonable and prudent alternatives to the proposed agency action
which would not violate subsection (a)(2) of this section, (ii) conducted any biological assessment required by
subsection (c) of this section, and (iii) to the extent determinable within the time provided herein, refrained
from making any irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources prohibited by subsection (d) of this
section, or (B) deny the application for exemption because the Federal agency concerned or the exemption
applicant have not met the requirements set forth in subparagraph (A)(i), (ii), and (iii), and providing that the
denial of an application under subparagraph (B) shall be considered final agency action for purposes of
chapter 7 of title 5, for provisions placing upon the review board appointed under former par. (3) the duty to
make a full review of the consultation carried out under subsection (a)(2) of this section, and within 60 days
after its appointment or within such longer time as was mutually agreed upon between the exemption
applicant and the Secretary, to make a determination, by a majority vote, (A) whether an irresolvable conflict
existed and (B) whether the Federal agency concerned and such exemption applicant had (i) carried out its
consultation responsibilities as described in subsection (a) of this section in good faith and made a reasonable
and responsible effort to develop and fairly consider modifications or reasonable and prudent alternatives to
the proposed agency action which would not violate subsection (a)(2) of this section, (ii) conducted any
biological assessment required of it by subsection (c) of this section, and (iii) refrained from making any
irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources prohibited by subsection (d) of this section, and
providing that any determination by the review board that an irresolvable conflict did not exist or that the
Federal agency concerned or the exemption applicant had not met its respective requirements under subclause
(i), (ii), or (iii) was to be considered final agency action for purposes of chapter 7 of title 5. Former par. (3),
providing for the establishment and functions of a review board to consider applications for exemptions and to
submit reports to the Endangered Species Committee, was struck out.
Subsec. (g)(4). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(D), (F), redesignated par. (6) as (4) and substituted "If the
Secretary determines that the Federal agency concerned and the exemption applicant have met the
requirements set forth in paragraph (3)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii) he shall, in consultation with the Members of the
Committee, hold a hearing on the application for exemption in accordance with sections 554, 555, and 556
(other than subsection (b)(1) and (2) thereof) of title 5 and prepare the report to be submitted pursuant to
paragraph (5)" for "If the review board determines that an irresolvable conflict exists and makes positive
determinations under subclauses (i), (ii), and (iii) of paragraph (5), it shall proceed to prepare the report to be
submitted under paragraph (7)". Former par. (4), directing the Secretary to submit the application to the review
board immediately after its appointment under paragraph (3), and to submit to the review board, in writing, his
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

40/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

views and recommendations with respect to the application within 60 days after receiving a copy of any
application under paragraph (2), was struck out.
Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(G), redesignated par. (7) as (5) and substituted "Within 140 days
after making the determinations under paragraph (3) or within such other period of time as is mutually
agreeable to the exemption applicant and the Secretary, the Secretary shall submit" for "Within 180 days after
making the determinations under paragraph (6), the review board shall submit" in the provisions preceding
subpar. (A), and added subpar. (D). Former par. (5) redesignated (3) and amended.
Subsec. (g)(6). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(H), redesignated par. (8) as (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (4)
and amended.
Subsec. (g)(7). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(I), redesignated par. (10) as (7) and substituted "Upon request of
the Secretary, the head of any Federal agency is authorized to detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, any of the
personnel of such agency to the Secretary to assist him in carrying out his duties under this section" for "Upon
request of a review board, the head of any Federal agency is authorized to detail, on a nonreimbursable basis,
any of the personnel of such agency to the review board to assist it in carry out its duties under this section".
Former par. (7) redesignated (5) and amended.
Subsec. (g)(8). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(J), redesignated par. (12) as (8) and substituted "records resulting
from activities pursuant to this subsection" for "records of review boards". Former par. (8) redesignated (6).
Subsec. (g)(9). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(D), struck out par. (9) which had provided that the review board, in
carrying out its duties, could (A) sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such
evidence, as the review board deemed advisable, (B) subject to the Privacy Act of 1974 [5 U.S.C. 552a],
request of any Federal agency or applicant information necessary to enable it to carry out such duties, and
upon such request the head of such Federal agency would furnish such information to the review board, and
(C) use the United States mails in the same manner and upon the same conditions as a Federal agency.
Subsec. (g)(10). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(I), redesignated par. (10) as (7).
Subsec. (g)(11). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(D), struck out par. (11) which had provided that the Administrator
of the General Services Administration provide to a review board, on a reimbursable basis, such
administrative support services as the review board requested.
Subsec. (g)(12). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(5)(J), redesignated par. (12) as (8).
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(6), substituted "within 30 days after receiving the report of the
Secretary pursuant to subsection (g)(5)" for "within 90 days of receiving the report of the review board under
subsection (g)(7)" in provisions preceding subpar. (A), substituted "report of the Secretary, the record of the
hearing held under subsection (g)(4) and on such other testimony" for "report of the review board and on such
other testimony" in subpar. (A) preceding cl. (i), and added cl. (iv).
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 97–304, §4(a)(7), substituted "Notwithstanding sections 1533(d) and 1538(a)(1)(B) and
(C) of this title or any regulation promulgated to implement either such section (1) any action for which an
exemption is granted under subsection (h) shall not be considered to be a taking of any endangered species or
threatened species with respect to any activity which is necessary to carry out such action; and (2) any taking
that is in compliance with the terms and conditions specified in a written statement provided under subsection
(b)(4)(iii) shall not be considered to be a taking of the species concerned" for "Notwithstanding sections
1533(d) and 1538(a) of this title or any regulations promulgated pursuant to such sections, any action for
which an exemption is granted under subsection (h) of this section shall not be considered a taking of any
endangered or threatened species with respect to any activity which is necessary to carry out such action".
Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 97–304, §8(b), struck out subsec. (q) which authorized appropriations of $600,000 for
each of fiscal years 1979, 1980, 1981, and 1982 in carrying out functions under subsecs. (e), (f), (g), and (h) of
this section. See section 1542(c) of this title.
1979—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1); struck out third
sentence requirement that each Federal agency, in consultation with and with the assistance of the Secretary,
insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by such agency (referred to as "agency action") did
not jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of habitat of such species which was determined by the Secretary, after
consultation as appropriate with the affected States, to be critical, unless the agency was granted an exemption
for such action by the Committee pursuant to subsec. (h) of this section; and added pars. (2) and (3),
incorporating former third sentence provisions.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(2), (3), substituted "he believes would not violate subsection (a)(2) of this
section and" for "he believes would avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of any endangered or
threatened species or adversely modifying the critical habitat of such species, and which" before "can be
taken" and introductory "subsection (a)(2) of this section" for "subsection (a) of this section".
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

41/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(3), (4), substituted "subsection (a)(2)" for "subsec. (a)" of this section,
designated existing provisions as so amended par. (1), and added par. (2).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(3), (5), substituted introductory words "subsection (a)(2)" for "subsection
(a)" of this section and "alternative measures which would not violate subsection (a)(2)" for "alternative
measures which would avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or
adversely modifying or destroying the critical habitat of any such species".
Subsecs. (e)(2), (f). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(3), substituted "subsection (a)(2)" for "subsection (a)".
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(3), (6), substituted in first sentence "subsection (a)(2)" for "subsection
(a)" of this section and "agency action would violate subsection (a)(2)" for "agency action may jeopardize the
continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or destroy or adversely modify the critical habitat
of such species".
Subsec. (g)(2)(A). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(7), required exemption applicant, to submit a written application, in
the case of any agency action involving a permit or license applicant, not later than 90 days after the date on
which the Federal agency concerned takes final agency action, for purposes of chapter 7 of Title 5, with
respect to the issuance of the permit or license.
Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(8), added subpar. (B), and redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C).
Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(3), (9), substituted in introductory text and cl. (i) "subsection (a)(2)" for
"subsection (a)" of this section; redesignated as cls. (A) and (B) former cls. (i) and (ii); inserted in cl. (B) "the
Federal agency concerned and" before "such exemption applicant"; redesignated as subcls. (i) to (iii) former
subcls. (A) to (C); substituted in subcl. (i) "agency action which would not violate subsection (a)(2) of this
section" for "agency action which will avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of an endangered or
threatened species or result in the adverse modification or destruction of a critical habitat"; and substituted in
last sentence "the Federal agency concerned or the exemption applicant has not met its respective
requirements under subclause (i), (ii), or (iii)" for "the exemption applicant has not met the requirements of
subparagraph (A), (B), or (C)" preceding "shall be considered final agency action".
Subsec. (g)(6). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(10), substituted "subclauses (i), (ii), and (iii)" for "subparagraphs (A),
(B), and (C)" of paragraph (5).
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(3), substituted "subsection (a)(2)" for "subsection (a)" of this section.
Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(11), in subpar. (A), substituted "paragraph (1)" for "subsection (h) of this
section", inserted cl. (i), incorporated existing provisions in text designated cl. (ii), inserting thereto "with
respect to such agency action"; in subpar. (B), incorporated existing provision in cl. (i), inserted findings
provision respecting the extinction of a species that was not: the subject of consultation or identified in any
biological assessment under subsec. (a)(2) or (c) of this section, added cl. (ii), deleted prior requirement for a
Committee determination within 30 days of the Secretary's finding that an exemption would result in
extinction of the species whether to grant an exemption for the agency notwithstanding such finding, and
superseded the same with requirement that the Committee meet with respect to the matter within 30 days after
the date of such a finding.
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(3), substituted "subsection (a)(2)" for "subsection (a)" of this section.
Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 96–159, §4(12), authorized appropriations of $600,000 for fiscal years 1980 through
1982, and deleted appropriations authorization of $300,000 for period beginning Oct. 1, 1979, and ending
Mar. 3, 1980, and requirement that the Chairman of the Committee report to the Congress before end of fiscal
year 1979 with respect to adequacy of the budget authority.
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–632 designated existing provision as subsec. (a), inserted reference to
agency action, substituted "adverse modification" for "modification", and provided for the grant of an
exemption for agency action by the Endangered Species Committee pursuant to subsec. (h) of this section.
Subsecs. (b) to (q). Pub. L. 95–632 added subsecs. (b) to (q).
Objectives, Performance Standards, and Criteria for Use of Wildlife Conservation Banking
Programs
Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title III, §329, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3527, provided that:
"(a) In General.—To ensure opportunities for Department of Defense participation in wildlife
conservation banking programs pursuant to section 2694c of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the
Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, shall issue regulations of
general applicability establishing objectives, measurable performance standards, and criteria for use,
consistent with the Endangered Species Act [of 1973] (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), for mitigation banking
offsetting effects on a species, or habitat of such species, that is endangered, threatened, a candidate for listing,
or otherwise at risk under such Act. To the maximum extent practicable, the regulatory standards and criteria
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

42/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

shall maximize available credits and opportunities for mitigation, provide flexibility for characteristics of
various species, and apply equivalent standards and criteria to all mitigation banks.
"(b) Deadline for Regulations.—The Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service, shall publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking for the regulations
required by subsection (a) by not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021]."
Deferral of Agency Action
Pub. L. 105–18, title II, §3003, June 12, 1997, 111 Stat. 176, provided that:
"(a) Consultation and Conferencing.—As provided by regulations issued under the Endangered Species
Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) for emergency situations, formal consultation or conferencing under section 7(a)
(2) or section 7(a)(4) of the Act [16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2), (4)] for any action authorized, funded or carried out by
any Federal agency to repair a Federal or non-Federal flood control project, facility or structure may be
deferred by the Federal agency authorizing, funding or carrying out the action, if the agency determines that
the repair is needed to respond to an emergency causing an imminent threat to human lives and property in
1996 or 1997. Formal consultation or conferencing shall be deferred until the imminent threat to human lives
and property has been abated. For purposes of this section, the term repair shall include preventive and
remedial measures to restore the project, facility or structure to remove an imminent threat to human lives and
property.
"(b) Reasonable and Prudent Measures.—Any reasonable and prudent measures specified under section
7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1536) to minimize the impact of an action taken under this
section shall be related both in nature and extent to the effect of the action taken to repair the flood control
project, facility or structure."
Translocation of California Sea Otters
Pub. L. 99–625, §1, Nov. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 3500, provided that:
"(a) Definitions.—For purposes of this section—
"(1) The term 'Act' means the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
"(2) The term 'agency action' has the meaning given that term in section 7(a)(2) of the Act [16 U.S.C.
1536(a)(2)].
"(3) The term 'experimental population' means the population of sea otters provided for under a plan
developed under subsection (b).
"(4) The phrase 'parent population' means the population of sea otters existing in California on the date
on which proposed regulations setting forth a proposed plan under subsection (b) are issued.
"(5) The phrase 'prospective action' refers to any prospective agency action that—
"(A) may affect either the experimental population or the parent population; and
"(B) has evolved to the point where meaningful consultation under section 7(a)(2) or (3) of the
Act [16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(2), (3)] can take place.
"(6) The term 'Secretary' means the Secretary of the Interior.
"(7) The term 'Service' means the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
"(b) Plan Specifications.—The Secretary may develop and implement, in accordance with this section, a
plan for the relocation and management of a population of California sea otters from the existing range of the
parent population to another location. The plan, which must be developed by regulation and administered by
the Service in cooperation with the appropriate State agency, shall include the following:
"(1) The number, age, and sex of sea otters proposed to be relocated.
"(2) The manner in which the sea otters will be captured, translocated, released, monitored, and
protected.
"(3) The specification of a zone (hereinafter referred to as the 'translocation zone') to which the
experimental population will be relocated. The zone must have appropriate characteristics for furthering the
conservation of the species.
"(4) The specification of a zone (hereinafter referred to as the 'management zone') that—
"(A) surrounds the translocation zone; and
"(B) does not include the existing range of the parent population or adjacent range where
expansion is necessary for the recovery of the species.

The purpose of the management zone is to (i) facilitate the management of sea
otters and the containment of the experimental population within the
translocation zone, and (ii) to prevent, to the maximum extent feasible, conflict
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

43/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

with other fishery resources within the management zone by the experimental
population. Any sea otter found within the management zone shall be treated as
a member of the experimental population. The Service shall use all feasible nonlethal means and measures to capture any sea otter found within the management
zone and return it to either the translocation zone or to the range of the parent
population.
"(5) Measures, including an adequate funding mechanism, to isolate and contain the experimental
population.
"(6) A description of the relationship of the implementation of the plan to the status of the species
under the Act and to determinations of the Secretary under section 7 of the Act [16 U.S.C. 1536].
"(c) Status of Members of the Experimental Population.—(1) Any member of the experimental
population shall be treated while within the translocation zone as a threatened species for purposes of the Act,
except that—
"(A) section 7 of the Act [16 U.S.C. 1536] shall only apply to agency actions that—
"(i) are undertaken within the translocation zone,
"(ii) are not defense-related agency actions, and
"(iii) are initiated after the date of the enactment of this section [Nov. 7, 1986]; and
"(B) with respect to defense-related actions within the translocation zone, members of the experimental
population shall be treated as members of a species that is proposed to be listed under section 4 of the Act
[16 U.S.C. 1533].
For purposes of this paragraph, the term 'defense-related agency action' means an agency action proposed to
be carried out directly by a military department.
"(2) For purposes of section 7 of the Act [16 U.S.C. 1536], any member of the experimental population
shall be treated while within the management zone as a member of a species that is proposed to be listed under
section 4 of the Act [16 U.S.C. 1533]. Section 9 of the Act [16 U.S.C. 1538] applies to members of the
experimental population; except that any incidental taking of such a member during the course of an otherwise
lawful activity within the management zone, may not be treated as a violation of the Act or the Marine
Mammal Protection Act of 1972 [16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.].
"(d) Implementation of Plan.—The Secretary shall implement the plan developed under subsection (b)—
"(1) after the Secretary provides an opinion under section 7(b) of the Act [16 U.S.C. 1536(b)]
regarding each prospective action for which consultation was initiated by a Federal agency or requested by
a prospective permit or license applicant before April 1, 1986; or
"(2) if no consultation under section 7(a)(2) or (3) regarding any prospective action is initiated or
requested by April 1, 1986, at any time after that date.
"(e) Consultation and Effect of Opinion.—A Federal agency shall promptly consult with the Secretary,
under section 7(a)(3) of the Act [16 U.S.C. 1536(a)(3)], at the request of, and in cooperation with, any permit
or license applicant regarding any prospective action. The time limitations applicable to consultations under
section 7(a)(2) of the Act apply to consultations under the preceding sentence. In applying section 7(b)(3)(B)
with respect to an opinion on a prospective action that is provided after consultation under section 7(a)(3), that
opinion shall be treated as the opinion issued after consultation under section 7(a)(2) unless the Secretary
finds, after notice and opportunity for comment in accordance with section 553 of title 5, United States Code,
that a significant change has been made with respect to the action or that a significant change has occurred
regarding the information used during the initial consultation. The interested party may petition the Secretary
to make a finding under the preceding sentence. The Secretary may implement any reasonable and prudent
alternatives specified in any opinion referred to in this subsection through appropriate agreements with any
such Federal agency, prospective permit or license applicant, or other interested party.
"(f) Construction.—For purposes of implementing the plan, no act by the Service, an authorized State
agency, or an authorized agent of the Service or such an agency with respect to a sea otter that is necessary to
effect the relocation or management of any sea otter under the plan may be treated as a violation of any
provision of the Act or the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.)."

§1537. International cooperation
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

44/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(a) Financial assistance
As a demonstration of the commitment of the United States to the worldwide
protection of endangered species and threatened species, the President may,
subject to the provisions of section 1306 of title 31, use foreign currencies
accruing to the United States Government under the Food for Peace Act [7
U.S.C. 1691 et seq.] or any other law to provide to any foreign country (with its
consent) assistance in the development and management of programs in that
country which the Secretary determines to be necessary or useful for the
conservation of any endangered species or threatened species listed by the
Secretary pursuant to section 1533 of this title. The President shall provide
assistance (which includes, but is not limited to, the acquisition, by lease or
otherwise, of lands, waters, or interests therein) to foreign countries under this
section under such terms and conditions as he deems appropriate. Whenever
foreign currencies are available for the provision of assistance under this section,
such currencies shall be used in preference to funds appropriated under the
authority of section 1542 of this title.
(b) Encouragement of foreign programs
In order to carry out further the provisions of this chapter, the Secretary,
through the Secretary of State, shall encourage—
(1) foreign countries to provide for the conservation of fish or wildlife and
plants including endangered species and threatened species listed pursuant to
section 1533 of this title;
(2) the entering into of bilateral or multilateral agreements with foreign
countries to provide for such conservation; and
(3) foreign persons who directly or indirectly take fish or wildlife or plants
in foreign countries or on the high seas for importation into the United States
for commercial or other purposes to develop and carry out with such
assistance as he may provide, conservation practices designed to enhance such
fish or wildlife or plants and their habitat.
(c) Personnel
After consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary may—
(1) assign or otherwise make available any officer or employee of his
department for the purpose of cooperating with foreign countries and
international organizations in developing personnel resources and programs
which promote the conservation of fish or wildlife or plants; and
(2) conduct or provide financial assistance for the educational training of
foreign personnel, in this country or abroad, in fish, wildlife, or plant
management, research and law enforcement and to render professional
assistance abroad in such matters.
(d) Investigations
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

45/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

After consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the
Treasury, as appropriate, the Secretary may conduct or cause to be conducted
such law enforcement investigations and research abroad as he deems necessary
to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §8, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 892; Pub. L. 96–159, §5, Dec. 28,
1979, 93 Stat. 1228; Pub. L. 110–246, title III, §3001(b)(1)(A), (2)(N), June 18,
2008, 122 Stat. 1820.)
References in Text
The Food for Peace Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is act July 10, 1954, ch. 469, 68 Stat. 454, which is
classified generally to chapter 41 (§1691 et seq.) of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of this Act
to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1691 of Title 7 and Tables.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (b) and (d), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–205,
Dec. 28, 1973, 81 Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is classified principally to
this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531
of this title and Tables.
Codification
In subsec. (a), "section 1306 of title 31" substituted for "section 1415 of the Supplemental Appropriation
Act, 1953 (31 U.S.C. 724)" on authority of Pub. L. 97–258, §4(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1067, the first
section of which enacted Title 31, Money and Finance.
Amendments
2008—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–246 substituted "Food for Peace Act" for "Agricultural Trade Development
and Assistance Act of 1954".
1979—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 96–159, §5(1), encouraged conservation of plants.
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 96–159, §5(2), encouraged conservation practices for enhancement of plants taken
for importation into the United States.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 96–159, §5(3), made personnel available for plant conservation.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 96–159, §5(4), struck out subsec. (e) relating to Convention implementation.
Effective Date of 2008 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, see section 4(b) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as an
Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7, Agriculture.
Conservation of Sea Turtles; Importation of Shrimp
Pub. L. 101–162, title VI, §609, Nov. 21, 1989, 103 Stat. 1037, provided that:
"(a) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, shall, with respect to those
species of sea turtles the conservation of which is the subject of regulations promulgated by the Secretary of
Commerce on June 29, 1987—
"(1) initiate negotiations as soon as possible for the development of bilateral or multilateral agreements
with other nations for the protection and conservation of such species of sea turtles;
"(2) initiate negotiations as soon as possible with all foreign governments which are engaged in, or
which have persons or companies engaged in, commercial fishing operations which, as determined by the
Secretary of Commerce, may affect adversely such species of sea turtles, for the purpose of entering into
bilateral and multilateral treaties with such countries to protect such species of sea turtles;
"(3) encourage such other agreements to promote the purposes of this section with other nations for the
protection of specific ocean and land regions which are of special significance to the health and stability of
such species of sea turtles;
"(4) initiate the amendment of any existing international treaty for the protection and conservation of
such species of sea turtles to which the United States is a party in order to make such treaty consistent with
the purposes and policies of this section; and
"(5) provide to the Congress by not later than one year after the date of enactment of this section [Nov.
21, 1989]—
"(A) a list of each nation which conducts commercial shrimp fishing operations within the
geographic range of distribution of such sea turtles;
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

46/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

"(B) a list of each nation which conducts commercial shrimp fishing operations which may affect
adversely such species of sea turtles; and
"(C) a full report on—
"(i) the results of his efforts under this section; and
"(ii) the status of measures taken by each nation listed pursuant to paragraph (A) or (B) to
protect and conserve such sea turtles.
"(b)(1) In General.—The importation of shrimp or products from shrimp which have been harvested with
commercial fishing technology which may affect adversely such species of sea turtles shall be prohibited not
later than May 1, 1991, except as provided in paragraph (2).
"(2) Certification Procedure.—The ban on importation of shrimp or products from shrimp pursuant to
paragraph (1) shall not apply if the President shall determine and certify to the Congress not later than May 1,
1991, and annually thereafter that—
"(A) the government of the harvesting nation has provided documentary evidence of the adoption of a
regulatory program governing the incidental taking of such sea turtles in the course of such harvesting that
is comparable to that of the United States; and
"(B) the average rate of that incidental taking by the vessels of the harvesting nation is comparable to
the average rate of incidental taking of sea turtles by United States vessels in the course of such harvesting;
or
"(C) the particular fishing environment of the harvesting nation does not pose a threat of the incidental
taking of such sea turtles in the course of such harvesting."
Executive Order No. 11911
Ex. Ord. No. 11911, Apr. 13, 1976, 41 F.R. 15683, which provided that for purposes of the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora the Secretary of the Interior be designated
as the Management Authority and established the Endangered Species Scientific Authority as the Scientific
Authority, with the Secretary of the Interior designated to act on behalf of the United States in all regards as
required by the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere, was
revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12608, Sept. 9, 1987, 52 F.R. 34617.
Delegation of Authority Regarding Certification of Countries Exporting Shrimp to United
States
Memorandum of the President of the United States, Dec. 19, 1990, 56 F.R. 357, provided:
Memorandum for the Secretary of State
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America,
including section 609 of the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related
Agencies Appropriations Act, 1990 (Public Law 101–162) [set out above], and section 301 of title 3 of the
United States Code, I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State the functions vested in me by section 609(b) of
that Act. The authority delegated by this memorandum may be further redelegated within the Department of
State.
The Secretary of State is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

George Bush.      

§1537a. Convention implementation
(a) Management Authority and Scientific Authority
The Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter in this section referred to as the
"Secretary") is designated as the Management Authority and the Scientific
Authority for purposes of the Convention and the respective functions of each
such Authority shall be carried out through the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service.
(b) Management Authority functions
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

47/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

The Secretary shall do all things necessary and appropriate to carry out the
functions of the Management Authority under the Convention.
(c) Scientific Authority functions; determinations
(1) The Secretary shall do all things necessary and appropriate to carry out the
functions of the Scientific Authority under the Convention.
(2) The Secretary shall base the determinations and advice given by him under
Article IV of the Convention with respect to wildlife upon the best available
biological information derived from professionally accepted wildlife
management practices; but is not required to make, or require any State to make,
estimates of population size in making such determinations or giving such
advice.
(d) Reservations by the United States under Convention
If the United States votes against including any species in Appendix I or II of
the Convention and does not enter a reservation pursuant to paragraph (3) of
Article XV of the Convention with respect to that species, the Secretary of State,
before the 90th day after the last day on which such a reservation could be
entered, shall submit to the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of the
House of Representatives, and to the Committee on the Environment and Public
Works of the Senate, a written report setting forth the reasons why such a
reservation was not entered.
(e) Wildlife preservation in Western Hemisphere
(1) The Secretary of the Interior (hereinafter in this subsection referred to as
the "Secretary"), in cooperation with the Secretary of State, shall act on behalf
of, and represent, the United States in all regards as required by the Convention
on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere (56
Stat. 1354, T.S. 982, hereinafter in this subsection referred to as the "Western
Convention"). In the discharge of these responsibilities, the Secretary and the
Secretary of State shall consult with the Secretary of Agriculture, the Secretary
of Commerce, and the heads of other agencies with respect to matters relating to
or affecting their areas of responsibility.
(2) The Secretary and the Secretary of State shall, in cooperation with the
contracting parties to the Western Convention and, to the extent feasible and
appropriate, with the participation of State agencies, take such steps as are
necessary to implement the Western Convention. Such steps shall include, but
not be limited to—
(A) cooperation with contracting parties and international organizations for
the purpose of developing personnel resources and programs that will
facilitate implementation of the Western Convention;
(B) identification of those species of birds that migrate between the United
States and other contracting parties, and the habitats upon which those species
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

48/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

depend, and the implementation of cooperative measures to ensure that such
species will not become endangered or threatened; and
(C) identification of measures that are necessary and appropriate to
implement those provisions of the Western Convention which address the
protection of wild plants.
(3) No later than September 30, 1985, the Secretary and the Secretary of State
shall submit a report to Congress describing those steps taken in accordance with
the requirements of this subsection and identifying the principal remaining
actions yet necessary for comprehensive and effective implementation of the
Western Convention.
(4) The provisions of this subsection shall not be construed as affecting the
authority, jurisdiction, or responsibility of the several States to manage, control,
or regulate resident fish or wildlife under State law or regulations.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §8A, as added Pub. L. 96–159, §6(a)(1), Dec. 28, 1979, 93
Stat. 1228; amended Pub. L. 97–304, §5[(a)], Oct. 13, 1983, 96 Stat. 1421.)
Amendments
1982—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 97–304, §5[(a)](1), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–304, §5[(a)](2), substituted provisions relating to reservations by the United States
under the Convention for provisions which had established an International Convention Advisory Commission
and had provided for its membership, staffing, and operation.
Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 97–304, §5[(a)](3), substituted provisions implementing the Convention on Nature
Protection and Wildlife Preservation in the Western Hemisphere for provisions which had provided that the
President shall designate those agencies of the Federal Government that shall act on behalf of, and represent,
the United States in all regards as required by the Convention on Nature Protection and Wildlife Preservation
in the Western Hemisphere.
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–304, §5(b), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1422, provided that: "The amendment made by paragraph (1)
of subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect January 1, 1981."
Abolition of House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries
Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives abolished and its jurisdiction
transferred by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Fourth Congress, Jan. 4, 1995. Committee on Merchant
Marine and Fisheries of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Resources of House of
Representatives in case of provisions relating to fisheries, wildlife, international fishing agreements, marine
affairs (including coastal zone management) except for measures relating to oil and other pollution of
navigable waters, or oceanography by section 1(b)(3) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21
of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Resources of House of Representatives changed to Committee on
Natural Resources of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress,
Jan. 5, 2007.
Endangered Species Scientific Authority; Interim Performance of Functions of Commission
Pub. L. 96–159, §6(b), Dec. 28, 1979, 93 Stat. 1230, provided that until such time as the Chairman,
Members, and Executive Secretary of the International Convention Advisory Commission are appointed, but
not later than 90 days after Dec. 28, 1979, the functions of the Commission be carried out by the Endangered
Species Scientific Authority as established by Ex. Ord. No. 11911, formerly set out as a note under section
1537 of this title, with staff and administrative support being provided by the Secretary of the Interior as set
forth in that Executive Order.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

49/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

§1538. Prohibited acts
(a) Generally
(1) Except as provided in sections 1535(g)(2) and 1539 of this title, with
respect to any endangered species of fish or wildlife listed pursuant to section
1533 of this title it is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the
United States to—
(A) import any such species into, or export any such species from the
United States;
(B) take any such species within the United States or the territorial sea of
the United States;
(C) take any such species upon the high seas;
(D) possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport, or ship, by any means
whatsoever, any such species taken in violation of subparagraphs (B) and (C);
(E) deliver, receive, carry, transport, or ship in interstate or foreign
commerce, by any means whatsoever and in the course of a commercial
activity, any such species;
(F) sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce any such species;
or
(G) violate any regulation pertaining to such species or to any threatened
species of fish or wildlife listed pursuant to section 1533 of this title and
promulgated by the Secretary pursuant to authority provided by this chapter.
(2) Except as provided in sections 1535(g)(2) and 1539 of this title, with
respect to any endangered species of plants listed pursuant to section 1533 of
this title, it is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United
States to—
(A) import any such species into, or export any such species from, the
United States;
(B) remove and reduce to possession any such species from areas under
Federal jurisdiction; maliciously damage or destroy any such species on any
such area; or remove, cut, dig up, or damage or destroy any such species on
any other area in knowing violation of any law or regulation of any State or in
the course of any violation of a State criminal trespass law;
(C) deliver, receive, carry, transport, or ship in interstate or foreign
commerce, by any means whatsoever and in the course of a commercial
activity, any such species;
(D) sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce any such species;
or
(E) violate any regulation pertaining to such species or to any threatened
species of plants listed pursuant to section 1533 of this title and promulgated
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

50/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

by the Secretary pursuant to authority provided by this chapter.
(b) Species held in captivity or controlled environment
(1) The provisions of subsections (a)(1)(A) and (a)(1)(G) of this section shall
not apply to any fish or wildlife which was held in captivity or in a controlled
environment on (A) December 28, 1973, or (B) the date of the publication in the
Federal Register of a final regulation adding such fish or wildlife species to any
list published pursuant to subsection (c) of section 1533 of this title: Provided,
That such holding and any subsequent holding or use of the fish or wildlife was
not in the course of a commercial activity. With respect to any act prohibited by
subsections (a)(1)(A) and (a)(1)(G) of this section which occurs after a period of
180 days from (i) December 28, 1973, or (ii) the date of publication in the
Federal Register of a final regulation adding such fish or wildlife species to any
list published pursuant to subsection (c) of section 1533 of this title, there shall
be a rebuttable presumption that the fish or wildlife involved in such act is not
entitled to the exemption contained in this subsection.
(2)(A) The provisions of subsection (a)(1) shall not apply to—
(i) any raptor legally held in captivity or in a controlled environment on
November 10, 1978; or
(ii) any progeny of any raptor described in clause (i);
until such time as any such raptor or progeny is intentionally returned to a
wild state.
(B) Any person holding any raptor or progeny described in subparagraph (A)
must be able to demonstrate that the raptor or progeny does, in fact, qualify
under the provisions of this paragraph, and shall maintain and submit to the
Secretary, on request, such inventories, documentation, and records as the
Secretary may by regulation require as being reasonably appropriate to carry out
the purposes of this paragraph. Such requirements shall not unnecessarily
duplicate the requirements of other rules and regulations promulgated by the
Secretary.
(c) Violation of Convention
(1) It is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States
to engage in any trade in any specimens contrary to the provisions of the
Convention, or to possess any specimens traded contrary to the provisions of the
Convention, including the definitions of terms in article I thereof.
(2) Any importation into the United States of fish or wildlife shall, if—
(A) such fish or wildlife is not an endangered species listed pursuant to
section 1533 of this title but is listed in Appendix II to the Convention,
(B) the taking and exportation of such fish or wildlife is not contrary to the
provisions of the Convention and all other applicable requirements of the
Convention have been satisfied,
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

51/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(C) the applicable requirements of subsections (d), (e), and (f) of this
section have been satisfied, and
(D) such importation is not made in the course of a commercial activity,
be presumed to be an importation not in violation of any provision of this
chapter or any regulation issued pursuant to this chapter.
(d) Imports and exports
(1) In general
It is unlawful for any person, without first having obtained permission from
the Secretary, to engage in business—
(A) as an importer or exporter of fish or wildlife (other than shellfish and
fishery products which (i) are not listed pursuant to section 1533 of this title
as endangered species or threatened species, and (ii) are imported for
purposes of human or animal consumption or taken in waters under the
jurisdiction of the United States or on the high seas for recreational
purposes) or plants; or
(B) as an importer or exporter of any amount of raw or worked African
elephant ivory.
(2) Requirements
Any person required to obtain permission under paragraph (1) of this
subsection shall—
(A) keep such records as will fully and correctly disclose each
importation or exportation of fish, wildlife, plants, or African elephant
ivory made by him and the subsequent disposition made by him with
respect to such fish, wildlife, plants, or ivory;
(B) at all reasonable times upon notice by a duly authorized
representative of the Secretary, afford such representative access to his
place of business, an opportunity to examine his inventory of imported fish,
wildlife, plants, or African elephant ivory and the records required to be
kept under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, and to copy such records;
and
(C) file such reports as the Secretary may require.
(3) Regulations
The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary and
appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection.
(4) Restriction on consideration of value or amount of African elephant
ivory imported or exported
In granting permission under this subsection for importation or exportation
of African elephant ivory, the Secretary shall not vary the requirements for
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

52/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

obtaining such permission on the basis of the value or amount of ivory
imported or exported under such permission.
(e) Reports
It is unlawful for any person importing or exporting fish or wildlife (other
than shellfish and fishery products which (1) are not listed pursuant to section
1533 of this title as endangered or threatened species, and (2) are imported for
purposes of human or animal consumption or taken in waters under the
jurisdiction of the United States or on the high seas for recreational purposes) or
plants to fail to file any declaration or report as the Secretary deems necessary to
facilitate enforcement of this chapter or to meet the obligations of the
Convention.
(f) Designation of ports
(1) It is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States
to import into or export from the United States any fish or wildlife (other than
shellfish and fishery products which (A) are not listed pursuant to section 1533
of this title as endangered species or threatened species, and (B) are imported for
purposes of human or animal consumption or taken in waters under the
jurisdiction of the United States or on the high seas for recreational purposes) or
plants, except at a port or ports designated by the Secretary of the Interior. For
the purpose of facilitating enforcement of this chapter and reducing the costs
thereof, the Secretary of the Interior, with approval of the Secretary of the
Treasury and after notice and opportunity for public hearing, may, by regulation,
designate ports and change such designations. The Secretary of the Interior,
under such terms and conditions as he may prescribe, may permit the
importation or exportation at nondesignated ports in the interest of the health or
safety of the fish or wildlife or plants, or for other reasons, if, in his discretion,
he deems it appropriate and consistent with the purpose of this subsection.
(2) Any port designated by the Secretary of the Interior under the authority of
section 668cc–4(d) 1 of this title, shall, if such designation is in effect on
December 27, 1973, be deemed to be a port designated by the Secretary under
paragraph (1) of this subsection until such time as the Secretary otherwise
provides.
(g) Violations
It is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to
attempt to commit, solicit another to commit, or cause to be committed, any
offense defined in this section.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §9, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 893; Pub. L. 95–632, §4, Nov. 10,
1978, 92 Stat. 3760; Pub. L. 97–304, §9(b), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1426; Pub. L.
100–478, title I, §1006, title II, §2301, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2308, 2321; Pub.
L. 100–653, title IX, §905, Nov. 14, 1988, 102 Stat. 3835.)
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

53/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1)(G), (2)(E), (c)(2), (e), and (f)(1), was in the original "this Act",
meaning Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 81 Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is
classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note
set out under section 1531 of this title and Tables.
Section 668cc–4 of this title, referred to in subsec. (f)(2), was repealed by Pub. L. 93–205, §14, Dec. 28,
1973, 87 Stat. 903.
Amendments
1988—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 100–478, §1006, amended subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment,
subpar. (B) read as follows: "remove and reduce to possession any such species from areas under Federal
jurisdiction;".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–478, §2301, amended subsec. (d) generally, revising and restating as pars. (1) to
(4) provisions of former pars. (1) to (3).
Subsec. (d)(1)(A). Pub. L. 100–653 inserted "or plants" after "purposes)".
1982—Subsec. (a)(2)(B) to (E). Pub. L. 97–304, §9(b)(1), added subpar. (B) and redesignated former
subpars. (B), (C), and (D) as (C), (D), and (E), respectively.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 97–304, §9(b)(2), substituted "The provisions of subsections (a)(1)(A) and (a)(1)(G)
of this section shall not apply to any fish or wildlife which was held in captivity or in a controlled environment
on (A) December 28, 1973, or (B) the date of the publication in the Federal Register of a final regulation
adding such fish or wildlife species to any list published pursuant to subsection (c) of section 1533 of this title:
Provided, That such holding and any subsequent holding or use of the fish or wildlife was not in the course of
a commercial activity. With respect to any act prohibited by subsections (a)(1)(A) and (a)(1)(G) of this section
which occurs after a period of 180 days from (i) December 28, 1973, or (ii) the date of publication in the
Federal Register of a final regulation adding such fish or wildlife species to any list published pursuant to
subsection (c) of section 1533 of this title, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the fish or wildlife
involved in such act is not entitled to the exemption contained in this subsection" for "The provisions of this
section shall not apply to any fish or wildlife held in captivity or in a controlled environment on December 28,
1973, if the purposes of such holding are not contrary to the purposes of this chapter; except that this
subsection shall not apply in the case of any fish or wildlife held in the course of a commercial activity. With
respect to any act prohibited by this section which occurs after a period of 180 days from December 28, 1973,
there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the fish or wildlife involved in such act was not held in captivity
or in a controlled environment on December 28, 1973".
Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 97–304, §9(b)(3), substituted "The provisions of subsection (a)(1) shall not apply
to" for "This section shall not apply to" in provisions preceding cl. (i).
1978—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–632 designated existing provision as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Exemption of Exportation of Certain Echinoderms From Permission and Licensing
Requirements
Pub. L. 115–334, title XII, §12617, Dec. 20, 2018, 132 Stat. 5016, provided that:
"(a) Definitions.—In this section:
"(1) Conservation and management.—The term 'conservation and management' has the meaning
given the term in section 3 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C.
1802).
"(2) Marine Fisheries Commission.—The term 'Marine Fisheries Commission' means an interstate
commission (as that term is used in the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act of 1986 (16 USC [U.S.C.] 4101 et
seq.)).
"(3) State jurisdiction.—The term 'State jurisdiction' means areas under the jurisdiction and
authority of a State as described in section 306(a)(2) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1856(a)(2)).
"(b) Exemption.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2018], the
Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall amend section 14.92 of title 50, Code of Federal
Regulations, to clarify that—
"(1) except as provided in paragraph (2) and subsection (d)(2)—
"(A) fish and wildlife described in subsection (c) are fishery products exempt from the export
permission requirements of section 9(d)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1538(d)
(1)); and
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

54/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

"(B) any person may engage in business as an exporter of fish or wildlife described in subsection
(c) without procuring—
"(i) permission under section 9(d)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1538(d)(1)); or
"(ii) an export license under subpart I of part 14 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations); and
"(2) notwithstanding paragraph (1), unless the person has qualified for and obtained an export license
described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), any person that has been convicted of 1 or more violations of a Federal
law relating to the importation, transportation, or exportation of wildlife shall not be permitted, during the
5-year period beginning on the date of the most recent conviction, to engage in business as an exporter of
fish or wildlife described in subsection (c).
"(c) Covered Fish or Wildlife.—The fish or wildlife referred to in subsection (b) are members of the
species Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis (commonly known as the 'green sea urchin'), including any
products of that species, that—
"(1) do not require a permit under part 16, 17, or 23 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or
successor regulations);
"(2)(A) are harvested in waters under State jurisdiction; or
"(B) are imported for processing in the United States pursuant to an import license as required under
section 14.91 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation), and not exempt from
import license requirements under section 14.92 of that title (as in effect on the day before the date of
enactment of this Act); and
"(3) are exported for purposes of human or animal consumption.
"(d) Information Collection on Exports.—
"(1) In general.—The State agency that regulates or otherwise oversees a State fishery in which the
fish and wildlife described in subsection (c) are harvested shall annually transmit the conservation and
management data (as defined in subsection (a)) to the Interstate Fisheries Management Program Policy
Board of the applicable Marine Fisheries Commission.
"(2) Privacy.—Such data thereafter shall not be released and shall be maintained as confidential by
such applicable Marine Fisheries Commission, including data requested under the [sic] section 552 of title
5, United States Code, unless disclosure is required under court order or unless the data is essential for an
enforcement action under Federal wildlife management laws.
"(3) Exclusion.—The exemption under subsection (b)(1) shall not apply in a State if—
"(A) the State fails to transmit the data required under paragraph (1); or
"(B) the applicable Marine Fisheries Commission determines, in consultation with the primary
research agency of such Commission, after notice and an opportunity to comment, that the data required
under paragraph (1) fails to prove that the State agency or official is engaged in conservation and
management of the fish or wildlife described in subsection (c)."
Human Activities Within Proximity of Whales
Pub. L. 103–238, §17, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 559, provided that:
"(a) Lawful Approaches.—In waters of the United States surrounding the State of Hawaii, it is lawful for
a person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to approach, by any means other than an aircraft, no
closer than 100 yards to a humpback whale, regardless of whether the approach is made in waters designated
under section 222.31 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, as cow/calf waters.
"(b) Termination of Legal Effect of Certain Regulations.—Subsection (b) of section 222.31 of title
50, Code of Federal Regulations, shall cease to be in force and effect."
Territorial Sea of United States
For extension of territorial sea of United States, see Proc. No. 5928, set out as a note under section 1331 of
Title 43, Public Lands.

1 See

References in Text note below.

§1539. Exceptions
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

55/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(a) Permits
(1) The Secretary may permit, under such terms and conditions as he shall
prescribe—
(A) any act otherwise prohibited by section 1538 of this title for scientific
purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species,
including, but not limited to, acts necessary for the establishment and
maintenance of experimental populations pursuant to subsection (j); or
(B) any taking otherwise prohibited by section 1538(a)(1)(B) of this title if
such taking is incidental to, and not the purpose of, the carrying out of an
otherwise lawful activity.
(2)(A) No permit may be issued by the Secretary authorizing any taking
referred to in paragraph (1)(B) unless the applicant therefor submits to the
Secretary a conservation plan that specifies—
(i) the impact which will likely result from such taking;
(ii) what steps the applicant will take to minimize and mitigate such
impacts, and the funding that will be available to implement such steps;
(iii) what alternative actions to such taking the applicant considered and the
reasons why such alternatives are not being utilized; and
(iv) such other measures that the Secretary may require as being necessary
or appropriate for purposes of the plan.
(B) If the Secretary finds, after opportunity for public comment, with respect
to a permit application and the related conservation plan that—
(i) the taking will be incidental;
(ii) the applicant will, to the maximum extent practicable, minimize and
mitigate the impacts of such taking;
(iii) the applicant will ensure that adequate funding for the plan will be
provided;
(iv) the taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and
recovery of the species in the wild; and
(v) the measures, if any, required under subparagraph (A)(iv) will be met;
and he has received such other assurances as he may require that the plan will
be implemented, the Secretary shall issue the permit. The permit shall contain
such terms and conditions as the Secretary deems necessary or appropriate to
carry out the purposes of this paragraph, including, but not limited to, such
reporting requirements as the Secretary deems necessary for determining
whether such terms and conditions are being complied with.
(C) The Secretary shall revoke a permit issued under this paragraph if he finds
that the permittee is not complying with the terms and conditions of the permit.
(b) Hardship exemptions
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

56/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(1) If any person enters into a contract with respect to a species of fish or
wildlife or plant before the date of the publication in the Federal Register of
notice of consideration of that species as an endangered species and the
subsequent listing of that species as an endangered species pursuant to section
1533 of this title will cause undue economic hardship to such person under the
contract, the Secretary, in order to minimize such hardship, may exempt such
person from the application of section 1538(a) of this title to the extent the
Secretary deems appropriate if such person applies to him for such exemption
and includes with such application such information as the Secretary may
require to prove such hardship; except that (A) no such exemption shall be for a
duration of more than one year from the date of publication in the Federal
Register of notice of consideration of the species concerned, or shall apply to a
quantity of fish or wildlife or plants in excess of that specified by the Secretary;
(B) the one-year period for those species of fish or wildlife listed by the
Secretary as endangered prior to December 28, 1973, shall expire in accordance
with the terms of section 668cc–3 1 of this title; and (C) no such exemption may
be granted for the importation or exportation of a specimen listed in Appendix I
of the Convention which is to be used in a commercial activity.
(2) As used in this subsection, the term "undue economic hardship" shall
include, but not be limited to:
(A) substantial economic loss resulting from inability caused by this chapter
to perform contracts with respect to species of fish and wildlife entered into
prior to the date of publication in the Federal Register of a notice of
consideration of such species as an endangered species;
(B) substantial economic loss to persons who, for the year prior to the
notice of consideration of such species as an endangered species, derived a
substantial portion of their income from the lawful taking of any listed
species, which taking would be made unlawful under this chapter; or
(C) curtailment of subsistence taking made unlawful under this chapter by
persons (i) not reasonably able to secure other sources of subsistence; and (ii)
dependent to a substantial extent upon hunting and fishing for subsistence;
and (iii) who must engage in such curtailed taking for subsistence purposes.
(3) The Secretary may make further requirements for a showing of undue
economic hardship as he deems fit. Exceptions granted under this section may be
limited by the Secretary in his discretion as to time, area, or other factor of
applicability.
(c) Notice and review
The Secretary shall publish notice in the Federal Register of each application
for an exemption or permit which is made under this section. Each notice shall
invite the submission from interested parties, within thirty days after the date of
the notice, of written data, views, or arguments with respect to the application;
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

57/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

except that such thirty-day period may be waived by the Secretary in an
emergency situation where the health or life of an endangered animal is
threatened and no reasonable alternative is available to the applicant, but notice
of any such waiver shall be published by the Secretary in the Federal Register
within ten days following the issuance of the exemption or permit. Information
received by the Secretary as a part of any application shall be available to the
public as a matter of public record at every stage of the proceeding.
(d) Permit and exemption policy
The Secretary may grant exceptions under subsections (a)(1)(A) and (b) of
this section only if he finds and publishes his finding in the Federal Register that
(1) such exceptions were applied for in good faith, (2) if granted and exercised
will not operate to the disadvantage of such endangered species, and (3) will be
consistent with the purposes and policy set forth in section 1531 of this title.
(e) Alaska natives
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection the provisions of
this chapter shall not apply with respect to the taking of any endangered species
or threatened species, or the importation of any such species taken pursuant to
this section, by—
(A) any Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo who is an Alaskan Native who resides in
Alaska; or
(B) any non-native permanent resident of an Alaskan native village;
if such taking is primarily for subsistence purposes. Non-edible byproducts of
species taken pursuant to this section may be sold in interstate commerce when
made into authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing; except that the
provisions of this subsection shall not apply to any non-native resident of an
Alaskan native village found by the Secretary to be not primarily dependent
upon the taking of fish and wildlife for consumption or for the creation and sale
of authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing.
(2) Any taking under this subsection may not be accomplished in a wasteful
manner.
(3) As used in this subsection—
(i) The term "subsistence" includes selling any edible portion of fish or
wildlife in native villages and towns in Alaska for native consumption within
native villages or towns; and
(ii) The term "authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing" means
items composed wholly or in some significant respect of natural materials, and
which are produced, decorated, or fashioned in the exercise of traditional
native handicrafts without the use of pantographs, multiple carvers, or other
mass copying devices. Traditional native handicrafts include, but are not
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

58/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

limited to, weaving, carving, stitching, sewing, lacing, beading, drawing, and
painting.
(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection,
whenever the Secretary determines that any species of fish or wildlife which is
subject to taking under the provisions of this subsection is an endangered species
or threatened species, and that such taking materially and negatively affects the
threatened or endangered species, he may prescribe regulations upon the taking
of such species by any such Indian, Aleut, Eskimo, or non-Native Alaskan
resident of an Alaskan native village. Such regulations may be established with
reference to species, geographical description of the area included, the season for
taking, or any other factors related to the reason for establishing such regulations
and consistent with the policy of this chapter. Such regulations shall be
prescribed after a notice and hearings in the affected judicial districts of Alaska
and as otherwise required by section 1373 of this title, and shall be removed as
soon as the Secretary determines that the need for their impositions has
disappeared.
(f) Pre-Act endangered species parts exemption; application and
certification; regulation; validity of sales contract; separability; renewal
of exemption; expiration of renewal certification
(1) As used in this subsection—
(A) The term "pre-Act endangered species part" means—
(i) any sperm whale oil, including derivatives thereof, which was
lawfully held within the United States on December 28, 1973, in the course
of a commercial activity; or
(ii) any finished scrimshaw product, if such product or the raw material
for such product was lawfully held within the United States on December
28, 1973, in the course of a commercial activity.
(B) The term "scrimshaw product" means any art form which involves the
substantial etching or engraving of designs upon, or the substantial carving of
figures, patterns, or designs from, any bone or tooth of any marine mammal of
the order Cetacea. For purposes of this subsection, polishing or the adding of
minor superficial markings does not constitute substantial etching, engraving,
or carving.
(2) The Secretary, pursuant to the provisions of this subsection, may exempt,
if such exemption is not in violation of the Convention, any pre-Act endangered
species part from one or more of the following prohibitions:
(A) The prohibition on exportation from the United States set forth in
section 1538(a)(1)(A) of this title.
(B) Any prohibition set forth in section 1538(a)(1)(E) or (F) of this title.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

59/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(3) Any person seeking an exemption described in paragraph (2) of this
subsection shall make application therefor to the Secretary in such form and
manner as he shall prescribe, but no such application may be considered by the
Secretary unless the application—
(A) is received by the Secretary before the close of the one-year period
beginning on the date on which regulations promulgated by the Secretary to
carry out this subsection first take effect;
(B) contains a complete and detailed inventory of all pre-Act endangered
species parts for which the applicant seeks exemption;
(C) is accompanied by such documentation as the Secretary may require to
prove that any endangered species part or product claimed by the applicant to
be a pre-Act endangered species part is in fact such a part; and
(D) contains such other information as the Secretary deems necessary and
appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection.
(4) If the Secretary approves any application for exemption made under this
subsection, he shall issue to the applicant a certificate of exemption which shall
specify—
(A) any prohibition in section 1538(a) of this title which is exempted;
(B) the pre-Act endangered species parts to which the exemption applies;
(C) the period of time during which the exemption is in effect, but no
exemption made under this subsection shall have force and effect after the
close of the three-year period beginning on the date of issuance of the
certificate unless such exemption is renewed under paragraph (8); and
(D) any term or condition prescribed pursuant to paragraph (5)(A) or (B), or
both, which the Secretary deems necessary or appropriate.
(5) The Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as he deems necessary and
appropriate to carry out the purposes of this subsection. Such regulations may set
forth—
(A) terms and conditions which may be imposed on applicants for
exemptions under this subsection (including, but not limited to, requirements
that applicants register inventories, keep complete sales records, permit duly
authorized agents of the Secretary to inspect such inventories and records, and
periodically file appropriate reports with the Secretary); and
(B) terms and conditions which may be imposed on any subsequent
purchaser of any pre-Act endangered species part covered by an exemption
granted under this subsection;
to insure that any such part so exempted is adequately accounted for and not
disposed of contrary to the provisions of this chapter. No regulation prescribed
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

60/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

by the Secretary to carry out the purposes of this subsection shall be subject to
section 1533(f)(2)(A)(i) of this title.
(6)(A) Any contract for the sale of pre-Act endangered species parts which is
entered into by the Administrator of General Services prior to the effective date
of this subsection and pursuant to the notice published in the Federal Register on
January 9, 1973, shall not be rendered invalid by virtue of the fact that
fulfillment of such contract may be prohibited under section 1538(a)(1)(F) of
this title.
(B) In the event that this paragraph is held invalid, the validity of the
remainder of this chapter, including the remainder of this subsection, shall not be
affected.
(7) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to—
(A) exonerate any person from any act committed in violation of
paragraphs (1)(A), (1)(E), or (1)(F) of section 1538(a) of this title prior to July
12, 1976; or
(B) immunize any person from prosecution for any such act.
(8)(A)(i) 2 Any valid certificate of exemption which was renewed after
October 13, 1982, and was in effect on March 31, 1988, shall be deemed to be
renewed for a six-month period beginning on October 7, 1988. Any person
holding such a certificate may apply to the Secretary for one additional renewal
of such certificate for a period not to exceed 5 years beginning on October 7,
1988.
(B) If the Secretary approves any application for renewal of an exemption
under this paragraph, he shall issue to the applicant a certificate of renewal of
such exemption which shall provide that all terms, conditions, prohibitions, and
other regulations made applicable by the previous certificate shall remain in
effect during the period of the renewal.
(C) No exemption or renewal of such exemption made under this subsection
shall have force and effect after the expiration date of the certificate of renewal
of such exemption issued under this paragraph.
(D) No person may, after January 31, 1984, sell or offer for sale in interstate
or foreign commerce, any pre-Act finished scrimshaw product unless such
person holds a valid certificate of exemption issued by the Secretary under this
subsection, and unless such product or the raw material for such product was
held by such person on October 13, 1982.
(g) Burden of proof
In connection with any action alleging a violation of section 1538 of this title,
any person claiming the benefit of any exemption or permit under this chapter
shall have the burden of proving that the exemption or permit is applicable, has
been granted, and was valid and in force at the time of the alleged violation.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

61/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(h) Certain antique articles; importation; port designation; application for
return of articles
(1) Sections 1533(d) and 1538(a) and (c) of this title do not apply to any
article which—
(A) is not less than 100 years of age;
(B) is composed in whole or in part of any endangered species or threatened
species listed under section 1533 of this title;
(C) has not been repaired or modified with any part of any such species on
or after December 28, 1973; and
(D) is entered at a port designated under paragraph (3).
(2) Any person who wishes to import an article under the exception provided
by this subsection shall submit to the customs officer concerned at the time of
entry of the article such documentation as the Secretary of the Treasury, after
consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall by regulation require as
being necessary to establish that the article meets the requirements set forth in
paragraph (1)(A), (B), and (C).
(3) The Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Secretary of the
Interior, shall designate one port within each customs region at which articles
described in paragraph (1)(A), (B), and (C) must be entered into the customs
territory of the United States.
(4) Any person who imported, after December 27, 1973, and on or before
November 10, 1978, any article described in paragraph (1) which—
(A) was not repaired or modified after the date of importation with any part
of any endangered species or threatened species listed under section 1533 of
this title;
(B) was forfeited to the United States before November 10, 1978, or is
subject to forfeiture to the United States on such date of enactment, pursuant
to the assessment of a civil penalty under section 1540 of this title; and
(C) is in the custody of the United States on November 10, 1978;
may, before the close of the one-year period beginning on November 10,
1978, make application to the Secretary for return of the article. Application
shall be made in such form and manner, and contain such documentation, as the
Secretary prescribes. If on the basis of any such application which is timely
filed, the Secretary is satisfied that the requirements of this paragraph are met
with respect to the article concerned, the Secretary shall return the article to the
applicant and the importation of such article shall, on and after the date of return,
be deemed to be a lawful importation under this chapter.
(i) Noncommercial transshipments
Any importation into the United States of fish or wildlife shall, if—
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

62/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(1) such fish or wildlife was lawfully taken and exported from the country
of origin and country of reexport, if any;
(2) such fish or wildlife is in transit or transshipment through any place
subject to the jurisdiction of the United States en route to a country where
such fish or wildlife may be lawfully imported and received;
(3) the exporter or owner of such fish or wildlife gave explicit instructions
not to ship such fish or wildlife through any place subject to the jurisdiction of
the United States, or did all that could have reasonably been done to prevent
transshipment, and the circumstances leading to the transshipment were
beyond the exporter's or owner's control;
(4) the applicable requirements of the Convention have been satisfied; and
(5) such importation is not made in the course of a commercial activity,
be an importation not in violation of any provision of this chapter or any
regulation issued pursuant to this chapter while such fish or wildlife remains in
the control of the United States Customs Service.
(j) Experimental populations
(1) For purposes of this subsection, the term "experimental population" means
any population (including any offspring arising solely therefrom) authorized by
the Secretary for release under paragraph (2), but only when, and at such times
as, the population is wholly separate geographically from nonexperimental
populations of the same species.
(2)(A) The Secretary may authorize the release (and the related transportation)
of any population (including eggs, propagules, or individuals) of an endangered
species or a threatened species outside the current range of such species if the
Secretary determines that such release will further the conservation of such
species.
(B) Before authorizing the release of any population under subparagraph (A),
the Secretary shall by regulation identify the population and determine, on the
basis of the best available information, whether or not such population is
essential to the continued existence of an endangered species or a threatened
species.
(C) For the purposes of this chapter, each member of an experimental
population shall be treated as a threatened species; except that—
(i) solely for purposes of section 1536 of this title (other than subsection (a)
(1) thereof), an experimental population determined under subparagraph (B)
to be not essential to the continued existence of a species shall be treated,
except when it occurs in an area within the National Wildlife Refuge System
or the National Park System, as a species proposed to be listed under section
1533 of this title; and
(ii) critical habitat shall not be designated under this chapter for any
experimental population determined under subparagraph (B) to be not
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

63/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

essential to the continued existence of a species.
(3) The Secretary, with respect to populations of endangered species or
threatened species that the Secretary authorized, before October 13, 1982, for
release in geographical areas separate from the other populations of such species,
shall determine by regulation which of such populations are an experimental
population for the purposes of this subsection and whether or not each is
essential to the continued existence of an endangered species or a threatened
species.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §10, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 896; Pub. L. 94–359, §§2, 3, July
12, 1976, 90 Stat. 911, 912; Pub. L. 95–632, §5, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3760;
Pub. L. 96–159, §7, Dec. 28, 1979, 93 Stat. 1230; Pub. L. 97–304, §6(1)–(4)(A),
(5), (6), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1422–1424; Pub. L. 100–478, title I, §§1011,
1013(b), (c), Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2314, 2315.)
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", except for "the Act" in subsec. (f)(6)(B),
meaning Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 81 Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is
classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note
set out under section 1531 of this title and Tables.
Section 668cc–3 of this title, referred to in subsec. (b), was repealed by Pub. L. 93–205, §14, Dec. 28, 1973,
87 Stat. 903.
Subsec. (f) of section 1533 of this title, referred to in subsec. (f)(5), which related to promulgation of
regulations by the Secretary was struck out, and subsec. (g) of section 1533 of this title, was redesignated as
subsec. (f), by Pub. L. 97–304, §2(a)(4)(B), (C), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1415. For provisions relating to
promulgation of regulations, see subsecs. (b) and (h) of section 1533 of this title.
Effective date of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (f)(6)(A), probably means the date of enactment of
subsec. (f) by section 2 of Pub. L. 94–359, July 12, 1976.
October 7, 1988, referred to in subsec. (f)(8)(A), was in the original "the date of enactment of the
Endangered Species Act Amendments of 1988" and "the date of such enactment" which were translated as
meaning the date of enactment of title I of Pub. L. 100–478 which is entitled "Endangered Species Act
Amendments of 1988" and which was approved Oct. 7, 1988.
Amendments
1988—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–478, §1013(b), substituted "notice, of" for "notice," in second sentence.
Subsec. (e)(3)(ii). Pub. L. 100–478, §1013(c), substituted "lacing," for "lacking,".
Subsec. (f)(8)(A). Pub. L. 100–478, §1011(a), amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar.
(A) read as follows: "Any person to whom a certificate of exemption has been issued under paragraph (4) of
this subsection may apply to the Secretary for a renewal of such exemption for a period not to exceed three
years beginning on the expiration date of such certificate. Such application shall be made in the same manner
as the application for exemption was made under paragraph (3), but without regard to subparagraph (A) of
such paragraph."
Subsec. (f)(8)(B). Pub. L. 100–478, §1011(b), substituted "previous" for "original".
Subsec. (f)(8)(D). Pub. L. 100–478, §1011(c), added subpar. (D).
Subsec. (f)(9). Pub. L. 100–478, §1011(d), struck out par. (9) which provided for comprehensive review by
Secretary of effectiveness of regulations prescribed pursuant to subsec. (f)(5) of this section.
1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–304, §6(1), designated as par. (1) and the beginning phrase of subpar. (A)
thereof the existing provisions consisting of language authorizing the Secretary to permit, under such terms
and conditions as he may prescribe, any act otherwise prohibited by section 1538 of this title for scientific
purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species, and inserted remainder of par. (1)
(A) and pars. (1)(B) and (2).

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

64/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–304, §6(2), substituted "subsections (a)(1)(A) and (b) of this section" for
"subsections (a) and (b) of this section".
Subsec. (f)(1)(B). Pub. L. 97–304, §6(3)(A), substituted "involves the substantial etching or engraving of
designs upon, or the substantial carving of figures" for "involves the etching or engraving of designs upon, or
the carving of figures" and inserted provision that, for purposes of this subsection, polishing or the adding of
minor superficial markings does not constitute substantial etching, engraving, or carving.
Subsec. (f)(9). Pub. L. 97–304, §6(3)(B), added par. (9).
Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 97–304, §6(4)(A), struck out "(other than scrimshaw)" after "do not apply to any
article" in provisions preceding subpar. (A) and in subpar. (A) substituted "is not less than 100 years of age"
for "was made before 1830".
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 97–304, §6(5), substituted provisions covering noncommercial transshipments of fish or
wildlife for provisions that had related to exemptions from the provisions of this title of the Tellico Dam and
Reservoir Project and the Grayrocks Dam and Reservoir Project and to the operation of the Missouri Basin
Power Project.
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 97–304, §6(6), added subsec. (j).
1979—Subsec. (f)(4)(C). Pub. L. 96–159, §7(1), inserted "unless such exemption is renewed under
paragraph (8)" after "issuance of the certificate".
Subsec. (f)(8). Pub. L. 96–159, §7(2), added par. (8).
1978—Subsecs. (h), (i). Pub. L. 95–632 added subsecs. (h) and (i).
1976—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 94–359, §3, substituted "section" for "subsection" and inserted "; except that
such thirty-day period may be waived by the Secretary in an emergency situation where the health or life of an
endangered animal is threatened and no reasonable alternative is available to the applicant, but notice of any
such waiver shall be published by the Secretary in the Federal Register within ten days following the issuance
of the exemption or permit." after "every stage of the proceeding".
Subsecs. (f), (g). Pub. L. 94–359, §2, added subsecs. (f) and (g).
Effective Date of 1982 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–304, §6(4)(B), Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1424, provided that: "The amendment made by
subparagraph (A) [amending this section] shall take effect January 1, 1981."
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the United States Customs Service of the
Department of the Treasury, including functions of the Secretary of the Treasury relating thereto, to the
Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 203(1), 551(d), 552(d),
and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of
November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6. For establishment of U.S.
Customs and Border Protection in the Department of Homeland Security, treated as if included in Pub. L.
107–296 as of Nov. 25, 2002, see section 211 of Title 6, as amended generally by Pub. L. 114–125, and
section 802(b) of Pub. L. 114–125, set out as a note under section 211 of Title 6.
Scrimshaw Exemptions
Pub. L. 103–238, §18, Apr. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 559, provided that: "Notwithstanding any other provision of
law, any valid certificate of exemption renewed by the Secretary (or deemed to be renewed) under section
10(f)(8) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1539(f)(8)) for any person holding such a
certificate with respect to the possession of pre-Act finished scrimshaw products or raw material for such
products shall remain valid for a period not to exceed 5 years beginning on the date of enactment of this Act
[Apr. 30, 1994]."

1 See
2 So

References in Text note below.

in original. No cl. (ii) has been enacted.

§1540. Penalties and enforcement
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

65/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(a) Civil penalties
(1) Any person who knowingly violates, and any person engaged in business
as an importer or exporter of fish, wildlife, or plants who violates, any provision
of this chapter, or any provision of any permit or certificate issued hereunder, or
of any regulation issued in order to implement subsection (a)(1)(A), (B), (C),
(D), (E), or (F), (a)(2)(A), (B), (C), or (D), (c), (d) (other than regulation relating
to recordkeeping or filing of reports), (f) or (g) of section 1538 of this title, may
be assessed a civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $25,000 for each
violation. Any person who knowingly violates, and any person engaged in
business as an importer or exporter of fish, wildlife, or plants who violates, any
provision of any other regulation issued under this chapter may be assessed a
civil penalty by the Secretary of not more than $12,000 for each such violation.
Any person who otherwise violates any provision of this chapter, or any
regulation, permit, or certificate issued hereunder, may be assessed a civil
penalty by the Secretary of not more than $500 for each such violation. No
penalty may be assessed under this subsection unless such person is given notice
and opportunity for a hearing with respect to such violation. Each violation shall
be a separate offense. Any such civil penalty may be remitted or mitigated by the
Secretary. Upon any failure to pay a penalty assessed under this subsection, the
Secretary may request the Attorney General to institute a civil action in a district
court of the United States for any district in which such person is found, resides,
or transacts business to collect the penalty and such court shall have jurisdiction
to hear and decide any such action. The court shall hear such action on the
record made before the Secretary and shall sustain his action if it is supported by
substantial evidence on the record considered as a whole.
(2) Hearings held during proceedings for the assessment of civil penalties
authorized by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be conducted in accordance
with section 554 of title 5. The Secretary may issue subpenas for the attendance
and testimony of witnesses and the production of relevant papers, books, and
documents, and administer oaths. Witnesses summoned shall be paid the same
fees and mileage that are paid to witnesses in the courts of the United States. In
case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpena served upon any person pursuant
to this paragraph, the district court of the United States for any district in which
such person is found or resides or transacts business, upon application by the
United States and after notice to such person, shall have jurisdiction to issue an
order requiring such person to appear and give testimony before the Secretary or
to appear and produce documents before the Secretary, or both, and any failure
to obey such order of the court may be punished by such court as a contempt
thereof.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, no civil penalty shall
be imposed if it can be shown by a preponderance of the evidence that the
defendant committed an act based on a good faith belief that he was acting to
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

66/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

protect himself or herself, a member of his or her family, or any other individual
from bodily harm, from any endangered or threatened species.
(b) Criminal violations
(1) Any person who knowingly violates any provision of this chapter, of any
permit or certificate issued hereunder, or of any regulation issued in order to
implement subsection (a)(1)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E), or (F), (a)(2)(A), (B), (C), or
(D), (c), (d) (other than a regulation relating to recordkeeping, or filing of
reports), (f), or (g) of section 1538 of this title shall, upon conviction, be fined
not more than $50,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. Any
person who knowingly violates any provision of any other regulation issued
under this chapter shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $25,000 or
imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
(2) The head of any Federal agency which has issued a lease, license, permit,
or other agreement authorizing a person to import or export fish, wildlife, or
plants, or to operate a quarantine station for imported wildlife, or authorizing the
use of Federal lands, including grazing of domestic livestock, to any person who
is convicted of a criminal violation of this chapter or any regulation, permit, or
certificate issued hereunder may immediately modify, suspend, or revoke each
lease, license, permit, or other agreement. The Secretary shall also suspend for a
period of up to one year, or cancel, any Federal hunting or fishing permits or
stamps issued to any person who is convicted of a criminal violation of any
provision of this chapter or any regulation, permit, or certificate issued
hereunder. The United States shall not be liable for the payments of any
compensation, reimbursement, or damages in connection with the modification,
suspension, or revocation of any leases, licenses, permits, stamps, or other
agreements pursuant to this section.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, it shall be a defense to
prosecution under this subsection if the defendant committed the offense based
on a good faith belief that he was acting to protect himself or herself, a member
of his or her family, or any other individual, from bodily harm from any
endangered or threatened species.
(c) District court jurisdiction
The several district courts of the United States, including the courts
enumerated in section 460 of title 28, shall have jurisdiction over any actions
arising under this chapter. For the purpose of this chapter, American Samoa shall
be included within the judicial district of the District Court of the United States
for the District of Hawaii.
(d) Rewards and certain incidental expenses
The Secretary or the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay, from sums received
as penalties, fines, or forfeitures of property for any violation of this chapter or
any regulation issued hereunder (1) a reward to any person who furnishes
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

67/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

information which leads to an arrest, a criminal conviction, civil penalty
assessment, or forfeiture of property for any violation of this chapter or any
regulation issued hereunder, and (2) the reasonable and necessary costs incurred
by any person in providing temporary care for any fish, wildlife, or plant
pending the disposition of any civil or criminal proceeding alleging a violation
of this chapter with respect to that fish, wildlife, or plant. The amount of the
reward, if any, is to be designated by the Secretary or the Secretary of the
Treasury, as appropriate. Any officer or employee of the United States or any
State or local government who furnishes information or renders service in the
performance of his official duties is ineligible for payment under this subsection.
Whenever the balance of sums received under this section and section 3375(d) of
this title, as penalties or fines, or from forfeitures of property, exceed $500,000,
the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit an amount equal to such excess
balance in the cooperative endangered species conservation fund established
under section 1535(i) of this title.
(e) Enforcement
(1) The provisions of this chapter and any regulations or permits issued
pursuant thereto shall be enforced by the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury,
or the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, or all
such Secretaries. Each such Secretary may utilize by agreement, with or without
reimbursement, the personnel, services, and facilities of any other Federal
agency or any State agency for purposes of enforcing this chapter.
(2) The judges of the district courts of the United States and the United States
magistrate judges may, within their respective jurisdictions, upon proper oath or
affirmation showing probable cause, issue such warrants or other process as may
be required for enforcement of this chapter and any regulation issued thereunder.
(3) Any person authorized by the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, or
the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, to
enforce this chapter may detain for inspection and inspect any package, crate, or
other container, including its contents, and all accompanying documents, upon
importation or exportation. Such person may make arrests without a warrant for
any violation of this chapter if he has reasonable grounds to believe that the
person to be arrested is committing the violation in his presence or view, and
may execute and serve any arrest warrant, search warrant, or other warrant or
civil or criminal process issued by any officer or court of competent jurisdiction
for enforcement of this chapter. Such person so authorized may search and seize,
with or without a warrant, as authorized by law. Any fish, wildlife, property, or
item so seized shall be held by any person authorized by the Secretary, the
Secretary of the Treasury, or the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast
Guard is operating pending disposition of civil or criminal proceedings, or the
institution of an action in rem for forfeiture of such fish, wildlife, property, or
item pursuant to paragraph (4) of this subsection; except that the Secretary may,
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

68/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

in lieu of holding such fish, wildlife, property, or item, permit the owner or
consignee to post a bond or other surety satisfactory to the Secretary, but upon
forfeiture of any such property to the United States, or the abandonment or
waiver of any claim to any such property, it shall be disposed of (other than by
sale to the general public) by the Secretary in such a manner, consistent with the
purposes of this chapter, as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe.
(4)(A) All fish or wildlife or plants taken, possessed, sold, purchased, offered
for sale or purchase, transported, delivered, received, carried, shipped, exported,
or imported contrary to the provisions of this chapter, any regulation made
pursuant thereto, or any permit or certificate issued hereunder shall be subject to
forfeiture to the United States.
(B) All guns, traps, nets, and other equipment, vessels, vehicles, aircraft, and
other means of transportation used to aid the taking, possessing, selling,
purchasing, offering for sale or purchase, transporting, delivering, receiving,
carrying, shipping, exporting, or importing of any fish or wildlife or plants in
violation of this chapter, any regulation made pursuant thereto, or any permit or
certificate issued thereunder shall be subject to forfeiture to the United States
upon conviction of a criminal violation pursuant to subsection (b)(1) of this
section.
(5) All provisions of law relating to the seizure, forfeiture, and condemnation
of a vessel for violation of the customs laws, the disposition of such vessel or the
proceeds from the sale thereof, and the remission or mitigation of such
forfeiture, shall apply to the seizures and forfeitures incurred, or alleged to have
been incurred, under the provisions of this chapter, insofar as such provisions of
law are applicable and not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter;
except that all powers, rights, and duties conferred or imposed by the customs
laws upon any officer or employee of the Treasury Department shall, for the
purposes of this chapter, be exercised or performed by the Secretary or by such
persons as he may designate.
(6) The Attorney General of the United States may seek to enjoin any person
who is alleged to be in violation of any provision of this chapter or regulation
issued under authority thereof.
(f) Regulations
The Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of the
Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, are authorized to promulgate
such regulations as may be appropriate to enforce this chapter, and charge
reasonable fees for expenses to the Government connected with permits or
certificates authorized by this chapter including processing applications and
reasonable inspections, and with the transfer, board, handling, or storage of fish
or wildlife or plants and evidentiary items seized and forfeited under this
chapter. All such fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be deposited in
the Treasury to the credit of the appropriation which is current and chargeable
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

69/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

for the cost of furnishing the services. Appropriated funds may be expended
pending reimbursement from parties in interest.
(g) Citizen suits
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection any person may
commence a civil suit on his own behalf—
(A) to enjoin any person, including the United States and any other
governmental instrumentality or agency (to the extent permitted by the
eleventh amendment to the Constitution), who is alleged to be in violation of
any provision of this chapter or regulation issued under the authority thereof;
or
(B) to compel the Secretary to apply, pursuant to section 1535(g)(2)(B)(ii)
of this title, the prohibitions set forth in or authorized pursuant to section
1533(d) or 1538(a)(1)(B) of this title with respect to the taking of any resident
endangered species or threatened species within any State; or
(C) against the Secretary where there is alleged a failure of the Secretary to
perform any act or duty under section 1533 of this title which is not
discretionary with the Secretary.
The district courts shall have jurisdiction, without regard to the amount in
controversy or the citizenship of the parties, to enforce any such provision or
regulation, or to order the Secretary to perform such act or duty, as the case may
be. In any civil suit commenced under subparagraph (B) the district court shall
compel the Secretary to apply the prohibition sought if the court finds that the
allegation that an emergency exists is supported by substantial evidence.
(2)(A) No action may be commenced under subparagraph (1)(A) of this
section—
(i) prior to sixty days after written notice of the violation has been given to
the Secretary, and to any alleged violator of any such provision or regulation;
(ii) if the Secretary has commenced action to impose a penalty pursuant to
subsection (a) of this section; or
(iii) if the United States has commenced and is diligently prosecuting a
criminal action in a court of the United States or a State to redress a violation
of any such provision or regulation.
(B) No action may be commenced under subparagraph (1)(B) of this section
—
(i) prior to sixty days after written notice has been given to the Secretary
setting forth the reasons why an emergency is thought to exist with respect to
an endangered species or a threatened species in the State concerned; or
(ii) if the Secretary has commenced and is diligently prosecuting action
under section 1535(g)(2)(B)(ii) of this title to determine whether any such
emergency exists.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

70/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

(C) No action may be commenced under subparagraph (1)(C) of this section
prior to sixty days after written notice has been given to the Secretary; except
that such action may be brought immediately after such notification in the case
of an action under this section respecting an emergency posing a significant risk
to the well-being of any species of fish or wildlife or plants.
(3)(A) Any suit under this subsection may be brought in the judicial district in
which the violation occurs.
(B) In any such suit under this subsection in which the United States is not a
party, the Attorney General, at the request of the Secretary, may intervene on
behalf of the United States as a matter of right.
(4) The court, in issuing any final order in any suit brought pursuant to
paragraph (1) of this subsection, may award costs of litigation (including
reasonable attorney and expert witness fees) to any party, whenever the court
determines such award is appropriate.
(5) The injunctive relief provided by this subsection shall not restrict any right
which any person (or class of persons) may have under any statute or common
law to seek enforcement of any standard or limitation or to seek any other relief
(including relief against the Secretary or a State agency).
(h) Coordination with other laws
The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary shall provide for appropriate
coordination of the administration of this chapter with the administration of the
animal quarantine laws (as defined in section 136a(f) of title 21) and section
306 1 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1306). Nothing in this chapter or any
amendment made by this chapter shall be construed as superseding or limiting in
any manner the functions of the Secretary of Agriculture under any other law
relating to prohibited or restricted importations or possession of animals and
other articles and no proceeding or determination under this chapter shall
preclude any proceeding or be considered determinative of any issue of fact or
law in any proceeding under any Act administered by the Secretary of
Agriculture. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as superseding or limiting
in any manner the functions and responsibilities of the Secretary of the Treasury
under the Tariff Act of 1930 [19 U.S.C. 1202 et seq.], including, without
limitation, section 527 of that Act (19 U.S.C. 1527), relating to the importation
of wildlife taken, killed, possessed, or exported to the United States in violation
of the laws or regulations of a foreign country.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §11, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 897; Pub. L. 94–359, §4, July 12,
1976, 90 Stat. 913; Pub. L. 95–632, §§6–8, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3761, 3762;
Pub. L. 97–79, §9(e), Nov. 16, 1981, 95 Stat. 1079; Pub. L. 97–304, §§7, 9(c),
Oct. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1425, 1427; Pub. L. 98–327, §4, June 25, 1984, 98 Stat.
271; Pub. L. 100–478, title I, §1007, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat. 2309; Pub. L. 101–
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

71/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

650, title III, §321, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5117; Pub. L. 107–171, title X,
§10418(b)(3), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 508.)
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1), (3), (b)–(f), (g)(1)(A), and (h), was in the original "this Act",
meaning Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 81 Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is
classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note
set out under section 1531 of this title and Tables.
The amendments made by this chapter, referred to in subsec. (h), refer to the amendments made by Pub. L.
93–205, which amended section 460k–1, former section 460l–9, and sections 668dd, 715i, 715s, 1362, 1371,
1372, and 1402 of this title and section 136 of Title 7, Agriculture, and repealed sections 668aa to 668cc–6 of
this title.
The Tariff Act of 1930, referred to in subsec. (h), is act June 17, 1930, ch. 497, 46 Stat. 590, which is
classified generally to chapter 4 (§1202 et seq.) of Title 19, Customs Duties. Section 306 of the Act was
repealed by Pub. L. 107–171, title X, §10418(a)(5), May 13, 2002, 116 Stat. 507. For complete classification
of this Act to the Code, see section 1654 of Title 19 and Tables.
Amendments
2002—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–171 substituted "animal quarantine laws (as defined in section 136a(f) of
title 21)" for "animal quarantine laws (21 U.S.C. 101–105, 111–135b, and 612–614)".
1988—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 100–478, §1007(a), substituted "$25,000" for "$10,000" and "$12,000" for
"$5,000".
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 100–478, §1007(b), substituted "$50,000" for "$20,000" and "$25,000" for
"$10,000".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–478, §1007(c), inserted at end "Whenever the balance of sums received under this
section and section 3375(d) of this title, as penalties or fines, or from forfeitures of property, exceed $500,000,
the Secretary of the Treasury shall deposit an amount equal to such excess balance in the cooperative
endangered species conservation fund established under section 1535(i) of this title."
1984—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98–327, in first sentence, substituted a comma for "a reward" after "shall pay",
inserted "(1) a reward" before "to any person", and added cl. (2).
1982—Subsecs. (a)(1), (b)(1). Pub. L. 97–304, §9(c), substituted "(a)(2)(A), (B), (C), or (D)" for "(a)(2)(A),
(B), or (C)".
Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 97–304, §7(1), added par. (6).
Subsec. (g)(1)(B). Pub. L. 97–304, §7(2)(A)(i), substituted "any State; or" for "any State.".
Subsec. (g)(1)(C). Pub. L. 97–304, §7(2)(A)(ii), added subpar. (C).
Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 97–304, §7(2)(A)(iii), inserted "or to order the Secretary to perform such act or
duty," after "any such provision or regulation," in provisions following subpar. (C).
Subsec. (g)(2)(C). Pub. L. 97–304, §7(2)(B), added subpar. (C).
1981—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 97–79 substituted "The Secretary or the Secretary of the Treasury shall pay a
reward from sums received as penalties, fines, or forfeitures of property for any violation of this chapter or
any regulation issued hereunder to any person who furnishes information which leads to an arrest, a criminal
conviction, civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of property for any violation of this chapter or any
regulation issued hereunder" for "Upon the recommendation of the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury is
authorized to pay an amount equal to one-half of the civil penalty or fine paid, but not to exceed $2,500, to
any person who furnishes information which leads to a finding of civil violation or a conviction of a criminal
violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulation or permit issued thereunder" and inserted provision
that the amount of the reward, if any, be designated by the Secretary or the Secretary of the Treasury, as
appropriate.
1978—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 95–632, §6(1), (2), substituted "and any person engaged in business as an
importer or exporter of fish, wildlife, or plants who violates" for "or who knowingly commits an act in the
course of a commercial activity which violates" in two places and "$500" for "$1,000".
Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 95–632, §7, added par. (3).
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 95–632, §6(3), substituted "knowingly" for "willfully commits an act which" in two
places.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 95–632, §6(4), inserted "a person to import or export fish, wildlife, or plants, or to
operate a quarantine station for imported wildlife, or authorizing" after "authorizing".
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 95–632, §8, added par. (3).
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

72/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

1976—Subsec. (e)(3). Pub. L. 94–359 inserted "make arrests without a warrant for any violation of this
chapter if he has reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested is committing the violation in his
presence or view, and may" after "Such person may" and ", but upon forfeiture of any such property to the
United States, or the abandonment or waiver of any claim to any such property, it shall be disposed of (other
than by sale to the general public) by the Secretary in such a manner, consistent with the purposes of this
chapter, as the Secretary shall by regulation prescribe," after "other surety satisfactory to the Secretary".
Change of Name
"United States magistrate judges" substituted for "United States magistrates" in subsec. (e)(2) pursuant to
section 321 of Pub. L. 101–650, set out as a note under section 631 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial
Procedure.
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Pub. L. 97–79, §9(f), Nov. 16, 1981, 95 Stat. 1080, provided that: "The amendment specified in subsection
9(e) of this Act [amending this section] shall take effect beginning in fiscal year 1983."
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and
functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for
treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and
the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a
note under section 542 of Title 6.
For transfer of functions of the Secretary of Agriculture relating to agricultural import and entry inspection
activities under this section to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see
sections 231, 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security
Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

1 See

References in Text note below.

§1541. Endangered plants
The Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, in conjunction with other
affected agencies, is authorized and directed to review (1) species of plants
which are now or may become endangered or threatened and (2) methods of
adequately conserving such species, and to report to Congress, within one year
after December 28, 1973, the results of such review including recommendations
for new legislation or the amendment of existing legislation.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §12, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 901.)

§1542. Authorization of appropriations
(a) In general
Except as provided in subsections (b), (c), and (d), there are authorized to be
appropriated—
(1) not to exceed $35,000,000 for fiscal year 1988, $36,500,000 for fiscal
year 1989, $38,000,000 for fiscal year 1990, $39,500,000 for fiscal year 1991,
and $41,500,000 for fiscal year 1992 to enable the Department of the Interior
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

73/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

to carry out such functions and responsibilities as it may have been given
under this chapter;
(2) not to exceed $5,750,000 for fiscal year 1988, $6,250,000 for each of
fiscal years 1989 and 1990, and $6,750,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 and
1992 to enable the Department of Commerce to carry out such functions and
responsibilities as it may have been given under this chapter; and
(3) not to exceed $2,200,000 for fiscal year 1988, $2,400,000 for each of
fiscal years 1989 and 1990, and $2,600,000 for each of fiscal years 1991 and
1992, to enable the Department of Agriculture to carry out its functions and
responsibilities with respect to the enforcement of this chapter and the
Convention which pertain to the importation or exportation of plants.
(b) Exemptions
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to assist him and the
Endangered Species Committee in carrying out their functions under sections 1
1536(e), (g), and (h) of this title not to exceed $600,000 for each of fiscal years
1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1992.
(c) Convention implementation
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the Interior for
purposes of carrying out section 1537a(e) of this title not to exceed $400,000 for
each of fiscal years 1988, 1989, and 1990, and $500,000 for each of fiscal years
1991 and 1992, and such sums shall remain available until expended.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §15, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 903; Pub. L. 94–325, June 30,
1976, 90 Stat. 724; Pub. L. 95–632, §9, Nov. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 3762; Pub. L.
96–159, §8, Dec. 28, 1979, 93 Stat. 1230; Pub. L. 97–304, §8[(a)], Oct. 13,
1982, 96 Stat. 1425; Pub. L. 100–478, title I, §1009, Oct. 7, 1988, 102 Stat.
2312.)
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28,
1973, 81 Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is classified principally to this
chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of
this title and Tables.
Amendments
1988—Pub. L. 100–478 amended section generally, substituting provisions authorizing appropriations for
fiscal years 1988 through 1992 for provisions authorizing appropriations for fiscal years 1983 through 1985.
1982—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 97–304 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), and substituted provisions
authorizing, except as provided in subsecs. (b), (c), and (d), appropriations of $27,000,000 for each of fiscal
years 1983, 1984, and 1985 for the Department of the Interior, $3,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1983, 1984,
and 1985 for the Department of Commerce, and $1,850,000 for each of fiscal years 1983, 1984, and 1985 for
the Department of Agriculture, for provisions that, except as authorized in sections 1535 and 1536 of this title,
had authorized appropriations of (1) not to exceed $23,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 and 1980, not to
exceed $25,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, and not to exceed $27,000,000 for fiscal year 1982 to the
Department of the Interior, (2) not to exceed $2,500,000 for each of fiscal years 1979 and 1980, not to exceed
$3,000,000 for fiscal year 1981, and not to exceed $3,500,000 for fiscal year 1982 to the Department of
Commerce, and (3) not to exceed $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1980, not to exceed $1,750,000 for fiscal year
1981, and not to exceed $1,850,000 for fiscal year 1982 to the Department of Agriculture.
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

74/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 97–304 added subsecs. (b) to (d).
1979—Par. (1). Pub. L. 96–159 struck out appropriations authorization of $25,000,000 for fiscal years
ending Sept. 30, 1977, and 1978, substituted appropriations authorization of $23,000,000; $23,000,000;
$25,000,000; and $27,000,000 for fiscal years 1979 through 1982 for prior authorization of $23,000,000 for
fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1979, and $12,500,000 for period beginning Oct. 1, 1979, and ending Mar. 31,
1980, and restored intent of appropriations to enable the Interior Department to carry out its functions and
responsibilities.
Par. (2). Pub. L. 96–159 deleted appropriations authorization of $5,000,000 for fiscal years ending Sept. 30,
1977, and 1978, and substituted appropriations authorization of $2,500,000; $2,500,000; $3,000,000; and
$3,500,000 for fiscal years 1979 through 1982 for prior authorization of $2,500,000 for fiscal year ending
Sept. 30, 1979, and $12,500,000 for period beginning Oct. 1, 1979, and ending Mar. 31, 1980.
1978—Pub. L. 95–632, in provision preceding par. (1), substituted "sections 1535 and 1536 of this title" for
"section 1535 of this title".
Par. (1). Pub. L. 95–632 substituted provision authorizing appropriations of not to exceed $25,000,000 for
the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1977 and the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1978, of not to exceed $23,000,000
for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1979, and of not to exceed $12,500,000 for the period beginning Oct. 1,
1979 and ending Mar. 31, 1980 for provision authorizing appropriations of not to exceed $10,000,000 for the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1976, of not to exceed $1,800,000 for the fiscal transitional period ending Sept. 30,
1976, and of not to exceed a total of $25,000,000 for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1977 and the fiscal year
ending Sept. 30, 1978, to enable the Department of the Interior to carry out its functions under this chapter.
Par. (2). Pub. L. 95–632 substituted provision authorizing appropriations of not to exceed $5,000,000 for
the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1977 and the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1978, of not to exceed $2,500,000 for
the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1979, and of not to exceed $12,500,000 for the period beginning Oct. 1, 1979
and ending Mar. 31, 1980 for provision authorizing appropriations of not to exceed $2,000,000 for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 1976, of not to exceed $500,000 for the fiscal transitional period ending Sept. 30, 1976
and of not to exceed a total of $5,000,000 for the fiscal year Sept. 30, 1977 and the fiscal year ending Sept. 30,
1978.
1976—Par. (1). Pub. L. 94–325, §1(1), redesignated par. (A) as (1), inserted provisions authorizing
appropriations for the fiscal year transitional period ending Sept. 30, 1976, fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1977,
and fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1978, and struck out provisions authorizing appropriations of not to exceed
$4,000,000 for fiscal year 1974, and not to exceed $8,000,000 for fiscal year 1975.
Par. (2). Pub. L. 94–325, §1(2), redesignated par. (B) as (2), inserted provisions authorizing appropriation
for the fiscal year transitional period ending Sept. 30, 1976, fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1977, and fiscal year
ending Sept. 30, 1978, and struck out provisions authorizing appropriations of not to exceed $2,000,000 for
fiscal year 1974, and not to exceed $1,500,000 for fiscal year 1975.

1 So

in original. Probably should be "section".

§1543. Construction with Marine Mammal Protection Act of
1972
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no provision of this chapter shall
take precedence over any more restrictive conflicting provision of the Marine
Mammal Protection Act of 1972 [16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.].
(Pub. L. 93–205, §17, Dec. 28, 1973, 87 Stat. 903.)
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 81
Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is classified principally to this chapter. For
complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of this title and
Tables.

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

75/76

8/17/22, 2:02 PM

U.S.C. Title 16 - CONSERVATION

The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, referred to in text, is Pub. L. 92–522, Oct. 21, 1972, 86 Stat.
1027, as amended, which is classified generally to chapter 31 (§1361 et seq.) of this title. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1361 of this title and Tables.

§1544. Annual cost analysis by Fish and Wildlife Service
Notwithstanding section 3003 of Public Law 104–66 (31 U.S.C. 1113 note;
109 Stat. 734), on or before January 15, 1990, and each January 15 thereafter,
the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Fish and Wildlife Service, shall
submit to the Congress an annual report covering the preceding fiscal year which
shall contain—
(1) an accounting on a species by species basis of all reasonably identifiable
Federal expenditures made primarily for the conservation of endangered or
threatened species pursuant to this chapter; and
(2) an accounting on a species by species basis of all reasonably identifiable
expenditures made primarily for the conservation of endangered or threatened
species pursuant to this chapter by States receiving grants under section 1535
of this title.
(Pub. L. 93–205, §18, as added Pub. L. 100–478, title I, §1012, Oct. 7, 1988, 102
Stat. 2314; amended Pub. L. 106–201, §1(a), May 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 307.)
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–205, Dec. 28, 1973, 81
Stat. 884, known as the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which is classified principally to this chapter. For
complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1531 of this title and
Tables.
Amendments
2000—Pub. L. 106–201, in introductory provisions, substituted "Notwithstanding section 3003 of Public
Law 104–66 (31 U.S.C. 1113 note; 109 Stat. 734), on" for "On".
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Pub. L. 106–201, §1(b), May 18, 2000, 114 Stat. 307, provided that: "The amendment made by this section
[amending this section] takes effect on the earlier of—
"(1) the date of enactment of this Act [May 18, 2000]; or
"(2) December 19, 1999."

https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2020-title16/html/USCODE-2020-title16-chap35.htm

76/76