My OperaThe Endangered Species Act (1973) ( LAW OF PROTECTING BLUE WHALES)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 2:02:44 AM
The Endangered Species Act is a federal law enforced by the United States Congress in 1973. This law protects both endangered species, defined as those "in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range," and threatened species, those likely to become endangered "within the forseeable future." Under the Act, the term "species" includes species and subspecies of fish, wildlife and plants, as well as geographically distinct populations of vertebrate wildlife (including fish) even though the species as a whole may not be endangered.
The Endangered Species Act serves to fulfil the United States commitment to various international treaties on wildlife conservation (such as CITES). It is a powerful tool designed to resolve conflicts between proposals for development and the survival of species.
Two federal agencies are responsible for enforcing the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior administers the Act for animals and plants found on land or in fresh water. The National Marine Fisheries Service of the Commerce Department administers the Act for marine plants and animals.
The focus of this law is the list of endangered and threatened species. For all animal species listed as endangered, it is illegal to kill, hunt, collect, injure or harass them, or to destruct their habitat in any way. It is also illegal to buy or sell any species (or products made from species) listed as endangered.
The Endangered Species Act serves to fulfil the United States commitment to various international treaties on wildlife conservation (such as CITES). It is a powerful tool designed to resolve conflicts between proposals for development and the survival of species.
Two federal agencies are responsible for enforcing the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior administers the Act for animals and plants found on land or in fresh water. The National Marine Fisheries Service of the Commerce Department administers the Act for marine plants and animals.
The focus of this law is the list of endangered and threatened species. For all animal species listed as endangered, it is illegal to kill, hunt, collect, injure or harass them, or to destruct their habitat in any way. It is also illegal to buy or sell any species (or products made from species) listed as endangered.
