Economic Impact Associated with Critical Habitat Designation for the Southern Resident Population of Killer Whales; Final rpt

摘要

The purpose of this report is to identify and analyze the economic impacts associated with the critical habitat designation for the southern resident killer whales (whales) in Puget Sound. On May 29, 2003, NOAA Fisheries classified the whales' stock as 'depleted' under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). On December 22, 2004, NOAA Fisheries proposed to list the whales as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The proposed listing rule (PR) did not formally propose critical habitat for the distinct population, but did solicit comment on issues pertaining to the listing, including data to support critical habitat designation. NOAA Fisheries is designating three specific areas within the Puget Sound region as critical habitat: Area 1: Core Summer Area- This area include the Georgia Strait from the Canadian Border south to Deception Pass Bridge Area 2: Fall/Winter Area- This includes the inland waterways of Puget Sound south of Deception Pass Bridge, excluding Hood Canal Area 3: Strait of Juan de Fuca- This area includes the U.S. waters of the Strait.