Species of Concern Proative Conservation Program
A “Species of Concern” (SOC) is a species or
vertebrate population for which there is
concern or great uncertainty about its
status. Species of Concern are not listed
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)
and are not protected by the ESA. As resources
permit, the National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) conducts a review of
the status of each Species of Concern to
determine if it warrants listing as an endangered
or threatened species under
the ESA. NMFS believes it is important to
highlight species that could benefit from
proactive conservation efforts.
Speckled Hind
Program Goals
- To increase public awareness about these species
- To identify those species potentially at risk and in need of protective measures before listing under the ESA becomes necessary
- To identify data deficiencies and uncertainties associated with the status of the species
- To work cooperatively with regional co-managers and interest groups to obtain the information necessary to evaluate species status and threats
- To identify conservation opportunities
- To work proactively with Federal and state agencies, Native American tribes, and the public to conserve the species
Criteria for Identifying Species of Concern
What characteristics define an SOC?
Species Fact Sheets
Each sheet provides a detailed description of life history characteristics, factors for listing, and regional maps for each SOC species.
Recent Documents and Outreach Activities
Get the latest information about status reviews, upcoming educational events, and more.
Education and Outreach
Raising awareness for Species of Concern in the Southeast.
Proactive Species Conservation Grant Program
Through this grant program, NMFS will provide Federal assistance, in the form of grants or cooperative agreements, to support conservation efforts for species it has identified as Species of Concern.
Federal Register Notices
List of legislature that pertains directly to the Species of Concern Program.
IUCN Red Lists
Species of Concern status at an international level.
Adding and Removing Species from the SOC List
FAQ's
© Bryan Winterhoff '07
