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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

 


For additional information on this subject contact: Alexis Meyer (727) 824-5312

 

 

 

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Last Updated: March 6, 2008

   
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