The National Marine Fisheries Service has designated areas of critical habitat for several distinct population segments of humpback whales under the Endangered Species Act. The designation includes approximately 59,411 square nautical miles of critical habitat for the endangered Western North Pacific distinct population segment, approximately 48,521 square nautical miles of critical habitat for the endangered Central America distinct population segment, and approximately 116,098 square nautical miles of critical habitat for the threatened Mexico distinct population segment. The rule is effective as of May 21, 2021.
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