About Dataset

Under the ESA, NOAA Fisheries must identify measurable and objective delisting criteria as part of recovery planning. The delisting criteria must describe the conditions under which a listed species or ESU is no longer in danger of extinction (endangered) or likely to become so in the foreseeable future (threatened). We define a viable ESU as one that is unlikely to be at risk of extinction. Ultimately, the crafting of delisting criteria requires the consideration of technical analyses relating to viability, which are contained in this document, and policy decisions such as acceptable levels of risk, which are not. This document presents the WLC- TRT’s viability criteria guidelines. As with any scientific conclusions, it is anticipated that the recommendations in this document may be revised in the future based on new data or analysis.