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Endangered Species Act and Benefit to the Ocean

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 was enacted to help determine which species were endangered and devise ways to protect them. The act also made provisions to protect waters and creatures within them, which is how it benefits the ocean.

  1. Applying the Act

    • In order to protect ocean creatures under the Endangered Species Act, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) works to apply the act with various agencies. Of the 1,890 species registered, marine mammals, fish, turtles and plants are among those protected.

    ESA Recovery Plans

    • A benefit to the oceans is that when species are protected under the Endangered Species Act, efforts are made to clean up waters to maintain and increase the species. This is accomplished through ESA recovery plans.

    Salmon Recovery

    • Salmon recovery is another way in which the oceans benefit from the Endangered Species Act. Salmon and Steelhead Trout are being protected in the Northwest United States in waterways that lead to the ocean.

    Orca Recovery

    • Killer Whales, also known as Orcas, were especially in harm's way because of activities of boaters. The Recovery Plan was an effort in the Northwest United States to protect this creature on the endangered species list.

    Overall Positive Effects

    • The Endangered Species Act has spawned a positive cyclical effect. By protecting and recovering species, they are able to migrate in their usual pattern, which in the long run benefits the oceans.

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