About this Collection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service share responsibility for administration of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We have issued internal guidance and national policies to promote efficiency and nationwide consistency in implementing the ESA to conserve and recover listed species of plants and animals native to the United States and its territories.

Below you will find links to summaries of our major policies, sorted by the associated section of the ESA.

General Policies and Regulations

Policy or RegulationPublish DateDocument
Interagency Policy for Endangered Species Act Section 9 ProhibitionsJuly 1, 1994
Interagency Policy on Information Standards under the Endangered Species ActJuly 1, 1994
Interagency Policy for Peer Review in Endangered Species Act ActivitiesJuly 1, 1994
Interagency Policy for the Ecosystem Approach to the Endangered Species ActJuly 1, 1994
Interagency Policy for Conserving Species Listed or Proposed Under the Endangered Species Act

While Providing and Enhancing Recreational Fisheries Opportunities
June 3, 1996
Definition of "Harm"November 8, 1999
Notice of Intent To Clarify the Role of Habitat in Endangered Species Conservation

June 14, 1999

Interagency Policy Regarding the Role of State Agencies in Endangered Species Act ActivitiesFebruary 22, 2016