Western North Pacific DPS of Gray Whale 5-Year Review
March 30, 2023
A 5-year review is a periodic analysis of a species’ status conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants is accurate.
Under section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), we are required to conduct a review of all listed species at least once every 5 years to assess whether the current listing status remains accurate. The gray whale western North Pacific distinct population segment (DPS) was listed as endangered throughout its range on January 7, 1993 (58 FR 3121) prior to the adoption of the joint National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) policy on identifying Distinct Population Segments (“DPS Policy,” 61 FR 4722; February 7, 1996). In 2018, we initiated the 5-year review. The NMFS Office of Protected Resources led the 5-year review with input from NMFS regional offices and science centers. Significant new information has become available since the last review was completed in 1991. We concluded that no change to the listing status of the western North Pacific distinct population segment of gray whale is warranted at this time.