Update to the Western North Pacific Gray Whale Description of the Distinct Population Segment (DPS) in the Code of Federal Regulations Under the Endangered Species Act

On December 12, 2024, we published a proposed rule to update the description of the DPS for endangered western North Pacific gray whales. This updated description reflects the best available science on the geographic distribution of the whales and a recent DPS analysis conducted by a Status Review Team in NOAA Fisheries. We are requesting public comment on this proposed rule; the public comment period closes on January 13, 2025.