Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Shortfin Mako Shark as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act, 19863-19868 [2021-07714]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 71 (Thursday, April 15, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 19863-19868]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-07714]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

50 CFR Parts 223 and 224

[Docket No. 210409-0078;RTID 0648-XR116]


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; 90-Day Finding on a Petition 
To List the Shortfin Mako Shark as Threatened or Endangered Under the 
Endangered Species Act

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and

[[Page 19864]]

Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: 90-day petition finding, request for information, and 
initiation of status review.

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SUMMARY: We, NMFS, announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the 
shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) as threatened or endangered 
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and to designate critical 
habitat concurrent with the listing. We find that the petition presents 
substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the 
petitioned action may be warranted. Therefore, we are initiating a 
status review of the species to determine whether listing under the ESA 
is warranted. To ensure this status review is comprehensive, we are 
soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding this 
species.

DATES: Scientific and commercial information pertinent to the 
petitioned action must be received by June 14, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by 
NOAA-NMFS-2021-0028 by the following method:
     Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public 
comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter NOAA-NMFS-2021-0028 in the Search box. 
Click on the ``Comment'' icon, complete the required fields, and enter 
or attach your comments.
    Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other 
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, 
may not be considered by NMFS. All comments received are a part of the 
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on 
www.regulations.gov without change. All personal identifying 
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business 
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily 
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous 
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain 
anonymous).
    Interested persons may obtain a copy of the petition online at the 
NMFS website: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/national/endangered-species-conservation/petitions-awaiting-90-day-findings.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrienne Lohe, NMFS Office of 
Protected Resources, (301) 427-8442, [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On January 25, 2021, we received a petition from Defenders of 
Wildlife to list the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) as a 
threatened or endangered species under the ESA and to designate 
critical habitat concurrent with the listing. The petition asserts that 
I. oxyrinchus is threatened by 4 of the 5 ESA section 4(a)(1) factors: 
(1) Present and threatened modification of its habitat; (2) 
overutilization for commercial and recreational purposes; (3) 
inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; and (4) other natural or 
manmade factors. The petition is available online (see ADDRESSES).

ESA Statutory, Regulatory, and Policy Provisions and Evaluation 
Framework

    Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the ESA of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 
et seq.), requires, to the maximum extent practicable, that within 90 
days of receipt of a petition to list a species as threatened or 
endangered, the Secretary of Commerce make a finding on whether that 
petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information 
indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted, and to promptly 
publish such finding in the Federal Register (16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(3)(A)). 
When it is found that substantial scientific or commercial information 
in a petition indicates the petitioned action may be warranted (a 
``positive 90-day finding''), we are required to promptly commence a 
review of the status of the species concerned during which we will 
conduct a comprehensive review of the best available scientific and 
commercial information. In such cases, we conclude the review with a 
finding as to whether, in fact, the petitioned action is warranted 
within 12 months of receipt of the petition. Because the finding at the 
12-month stage is based on a more thorough review of the available 
information, as compared to the narrow scope of review at the 90-day 
stage, a ``may be warranted'' finding does not prejudge the outcome of 
the status review.
    Under the ESA, a listing determination may address a species, which 
is defined to also include subspecies and, for any vertebrate species, 
any distinct population segment (DPS) that interbreeds when mature (16 
U.S.C. 1532(16)). A joint NMFS-U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) 
(jointly, ``the Services'') policy clarifies the agencies' 
interpretation of the phrase ``distinct population segment'' for the 
purposes of listing, delisting, and reclassifying a species under the 
ESA (61 FR 4722; February 7, 1996). A species, subspecies, or DPS is 
``endangered'' if it is in danger of extinction throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range, and ``threatened'' if it is likely to 
become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range (ESA sections 3(6) and 3(20), 
respectively, 16 U.S.C. 1532(6) and (20)). Pursuant to the ESA and our 
implementing regulations, we determine whether species are threatened 
or endangered based on any one or a combination of the following five 
section 4(a)(1) factors: (1) The present or threatened destruction, 
modification, or curtailment of habitat or range; (2) overutilization 
for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; (3) 
disease or predation; (4) inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms 
to address identified threats; (5) or any other natural or manmade 
factors affecting the species' existence (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)(1), 50 CFR 
424.11(c)).
    ESA-implementing regulations issued jointly by NMFS and USFWS (50 
CFR 424.14(h)(1)(i)) define ``substantial scientific or commercial 
information'' in the context of reviewing a petition to list, delist, 
or reclassify a species as credible scientific or commercial 
information in support of the petition's claims such that a reasonable 
person conducting an impartial scientific review would conclude that 
the action proposed in the petition may be warranted. Conclusions drawn 
in the petition without the support of credible scientific or 
commercial information will not be considered ``substantial 
information.'' In reaching the initial (90-day) finding on the 
petition, we will consider the information described in sections 50 CFR 
424.14(c), (d), and (g) (if applicable).
    Our determination as to whether the petition provides substantial 
scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned 
action may be warranted will depend in part on the degree to which the 
petition includes the following types of information: (1) Information 
on current population status and trends and estimates of current 
population sizes and distributions, both in captivity and the wild, if 
available; (2) identification of the factors under section 4(a)(1) of 
the ESA that may affect the species and where these factors are acting 
upon the species; (3) whether and to what extent any or all of the 
factors alone or in combination identified in section 4(a)(1) of the 
ESA may cause the species to be an endangered species or threatened 
species (i.e., the species is currently in danger of extinction or is 
likely to become so within the foreseeable

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future), and, if so, how high in magnitude and how imminent the threats 
to the species and its habitat are; (4) information on adequacy of 
regulatory protections and effectiveness of conservation activities by 
States as well as other parties, that have been initiated or that are 
ongoing, that may protect the species or its habitat; and (5) a 
complete, balanced representation of the relevant facts, including 
information that may contradict claims in the petition. See 50 CFR 
424.14(d).
    If the petitioner provides supplemental information before the 
initial finding is made and states that it is part of the petition, the 
new information, along with the previously submitted information, is 
treated as a new petition that supersedes the original petition, and 
the statutory timeframes will begin when such supplemental information 
is received. See 50 CFR 424.14(g).
    We may also consider information readily available at the time the 
determination is made. We are not required to consider any supporting 
materials cited by the petitioner if the petitioner does not provide 
electronic or hard copies, to the extent permitted by U.S. copyright 
law, or appropriate excerpts or quotations from those materials (e.g., 
publications, maps, reports, letters from authorities). See 50 CFR 
424.14(c)(6).
    The ``substantial scientific or commercial information'' standard 
must be applied in light of any prior reviews or findings we have made 
on the listing status of the species that is the subject of the 
petition. Where we have already conducted a finding on, or review of, 
the listing status of that species (whether in response to a petition 
or on our own initiative), we will evaluate any petition received 
thereafter seeking to list, delist, or reclassify that species to 
determine whether a reasonable person conducting an impartial 
scientific review would conclude that the action proposed in the 
petition may be warranted despite the previous review or finding. Where 
the prior review resulted in a final agency action--such as a final 
listing determination, 90-day not-substantial finding, or 12-month not-
warranted finding--a petition will generally not be considered to 
present substantial scientific and commercial information indicating 
that the petitioned action may be warranted unless the petition 
provides new information or analysis not previously considered. See 50 
CFR 424.14(h)(1)(iii).
    At the 90-day finding stage, we do not conduct additional research, 
and we do not solicit information from parties outside the agency to 
help us in evaluating the petition. We will accept the petitioners' 
sources and characterizations of the information presented if they 
appear to be based on accepted scientific principles, unless we have 
specific information in our files that indicates the petition's 
information is incorrect, unreliable, obsolete, or otherwise irrelevant 
to the requested action. Information that is susceptible to more than 
one interpretation or that is contradicted by other available 
information will not be dismissed at the 90-day finding stage, so long 
as it is reliable and a reasonable person conducting an impartial 
scientific review would conclude it supports the petitioners' 
assertions. In other words, conclusive information indicating the 
species may meet the ESA's requirements for listing is not required to 
make a positive 90-day finding. We will not conclude that a lack of 
specific information alone necessitates a negative 90-day finding if a 
reasonable person conducting an impartial scientific review would 
conclude that the unknown information itself suggests the species may 
be at risk of extinction presently or within the foreseeable future.
    To make a 90-day finding on a petition to list a species, we first 
evaluate whether the information presented in the petition, in light of 
the information readily available in our files, indicates that the 
petitioned entity constitutes a ``species'' eligible for listing under 
the ESA. Next, if we conclude the petition presents substantial 
scientific or commercial information suggesting that the petitioned 
entity may constitute a ``species,'' we evaluate whether the 
information indicates that the species may face an extinction risk such 
that listing, delisting, or reclassification may be warranted; this may 
be indicated in information expressly discussing the species' status 
and trends, or in information describing impacts and threats to the 
species. We evaluate whether the petition presents any information on 
specific demographic factors pertinent to evaluating extinction risk 
for the species (e.g., population abundance and trends, productivity, 
spatial structure, age structure, sex ratio, diversity, current and 
historical range, habitat integrity or fragmentation), and the 
potential contribution of identified demographic risks to extinction 
risk for the species. We then evaluate whether the petition presents 
information suggesting potential links between these demographic risks 
and the causative impacts and threats identified in section 4(a)(1) of 
the ESA.
    Information presented on impacts or threats should be specific to 
the species and should reasonably suggest that one or more of these 
factors may be operative threats that act or have acted on the species 
to the point that it may warrant protection under the ESA. Broad 
statements about generalized threats to the species, or identification 
of factors that could negatively impact a species, do not constitute 
substantial information indicating that listing may be warranted. We 
look for information indicating that not only is the particular species 
exposed to a factor, but that the species may be responding in a 
negative fashion; then we assess the potential significance of that 
negative response.
    Many petitions identify risk classifications made by 
nongovernmental organizations, such as the International Union on the 
Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the American Fisheries Society, or 
NatureServe, as evidence of extinction risk for a species. Risk 
classifications by other organizations or made under other Federal or 
state statutes may be informative, but such classification alone may 
not provide the rationale for a positive 90-day finding under the ESA. 
For example, as explained by NatureServe, their assessments of a 
species' conservation status do ``not constitute a recommendation by 
NatureServe for listing under the U.S. Endangered Species Act'' because 
NatureServe assessments ``have different criteria, evidence 
requirements, purposes and taxonomic coverage than government lists of 
endangered and threatened species, and therefore these two types of 
lists should not be expected to coincide'' (https://explorer.natureserve.org/AboutTheData/DataTypes/ConservationStatusCategories). Additionally, species classifications 
under IUCN and the ESA are not equivalent; data standards, criteria 
used to evaluate species, and treatment of uncertainty are also not 
necessarily the same. Thus, when a petition cites such classifications, 
we will evaluate the source of information that the classification is 
based upon in light of the standards on extinction risk and impacts or 
threats discussed above.

Distribution, Habitat, and Life History

    The shortfin mako is a large pelagic shark that occurs across all 
temperate and tropical ocean waters (Rigby et al. 2019; Santos et al. 
2020). The species is highly migratory and is known to travel long 
distances in open ocean, continental shelf, shelf edge, and shelf

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slope habitats (Rogers et al. 2015). The species also displays fidelity 
to small geographic areas on or near continental shelves and coastal 
areas of high productivity, although this resident behavior is rarely 
observed in the open ocean (Rogers et al. 2015; Francis et al. 2019). 
Shortfin mako shark vertical distribution in the water column is 
affected by water temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, and 
time of day. The preferred water temperature of the species is thought 
to range between 17 [deg]C and 22 [deg]C (Casey and Kohler 1992; Nasby-
Lucas et al. 2019; Santos et al. 2020), though the species also 
regularly occupies waters between 22 [deg]C and 31 [deg]C (Vaudo et al. 
2017). As the species has one of the highest measured metabolic rates 
of any shark, it typically inhabits waters with DO concentrations of at 
least 3 milliliters per liter and avoids areas with low levels of DO 
(Sepulveda et al. 2007; Abascal et al. 2011). Individuals spend most of 
their time in the upper part of the water column but dive to depths of 
several hundred meters, allowing them to forage for mesopelagic fishes 
and squid, though dives may have other functions including navigation 
(Francis et al. 2019). Tagging studies have found that the species 
typically spends more time in deeper, colder water during the daytime 
and at night moves to shallower, warmer waters (Sepulveda et al. 2004; 
Loefer et al. 2005; Stevens et al. 2010; Abascal et al. 2011; Nasby-
Lucas et al. 2019). Although thermal barriers have consistently been 
shown to limit shortfin mako movement between different regions (Casey 
and Kohler 1992; Vaudo et al. 2017; Corrigan et al. 2018; Santos et al. 
2020), genetic studies indicate a globally panmictic population with 
some genetic structuring between ocean basins (Schrey and Heist 2003; 
Corrigan et al. 2018).
    Shortfin makos are estimated to live to at least 29 years, and 
males and females reach maturity at approximately 7-8 years and 18-19 
years, respectively (Bishop et al. 2006; Natanson et al. 2006). Natural 
mortality levels for the species are low (Bishop et al. 2006). Females 
have a 3-year reproductive cycle (Mollet et al. 2000), and estimates of 
gestation time vary from 9 months to 25 months (Mollet et al. 2000; 
Duffy and Francis 2001; Joung and Hsu 2005; Semba et al. 2011). Litter 
size typically ranges from 4 to 25 pups (Mollet et al. 2000; Joung and 
Hsu 2005). As the species is late maturing and slow growing with 
moderately high longevity and low annual fecundity, its productivity is 
very low (Bishop et al. 2006).

Status and Population Trends

    While there are no data available on the global abundance of 
shortfin mako sharks, stock assessments and standardized catch-per-
unit-effort (CPUE) data indicate that the species is declining globally 
(CITES 2019; Rigby et al. 2019). Overall, the species has experienced 
an estimated median population reduction of 46.6 percent, with the 
highest probability of 50-79 percent reduction over three generation 
lengths (72-75 years) (Rigby et al. 2019). All regional populations are 
in decline with the exception of the South Pacific, which shows some 
evidence of population increases (Rigby et al. 2019).
    The steepest population declines are indicated in the North and 
South Atlantic (Rigby et al. 2019). The most recent stock assessment by 
the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas 
(ICCAT) indicates a 90 percent probability that the North Atlantic 
stock is in an overfished state and is experiencing overfishing (ICCAT 
2019b). Trend analysis of modeled biomass in the North Atlantic 
estimates a median decline of 60 percent between 1950 and 2017 (Rigby 
et al. 2019). Although ICCAT reports a high degree of uncertainty in 
the status of the South Atlantic stock (ICCAT 2019b), standardized 
catch rates in South Atlantic longlines indicate steep declines of 99 
percent in the average CPUE of 1979-1997 and 1998-2007 (Rigby et al. 
2019 citing Barreto et al. 2016). Further, long-term combined trends 
for shortfin mako and porbeagle (Lamna nasus) in the Mediterranean Sea 
indicate a 99.99 percent decrease in abundance and biomass since the 
early 19th century (Ferretti et al. 2008).
    Declines in the Indian and North Pacific Oceans are also evident, 
but not as steep as those indicated in the Atlantic (Rigby et al. 
2019). Although the International Scientific Committee for Tuna and 
Tuna-like Species in the North Pacific Ocean (ISC) Shark Working Group 
(2018) found that the North Pacific stock was likely not in an 
overfished condition and was likely not experiencing overfishing 
between 1975 and 2016 (42 years), the IUCN Red List assessment of the 
trend over three generations (72 years) indicated a median decline of 
36.5 percent (Rigby et al. 2019). Additionally, data from the Western 
and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) indicate that longline 
catch rates of mako sharks (shortfin and longfin mako (Isurus paucus) 
combined) in the North Pacific declined significantly by an average of 
7 percent (90 percent confidence interval: 3 to 11 percent) annually 
between 1995 and 2010 (Clarke et al. 2013). A preliminary stock 
assessment in the Indian Ocean indicates that the stock is experiencing 
overfishing, but is not yet overfished (Brunel et al. 2018). The trend 
analysis for modeled biomass in the Indian Ocean indicates a median 
decline of 47.9 percent over three generation lengths (Rigby et al. 
2019).
    In the South Pacific, trend analysis of modeled biomass indicates a 
median increase of 35.2 percent over three generation lengths (Rigby et 
al. 2019). Longline catch rates reported to WCPFC did not indicate a 
significant trend in abundance of mako (shortfin and longfin combined) 
in the South Pacific between 1995 and 2010 (Clarke et al. 2013).
    In sum, while data on abundance and trends are incomplete, the 
information presented in the petition indicates that the species is 
declining across its range, with the exception of the South Pacific.

Analysis of ESA Section 4(a)(1) Factors

    The petition asserts that I. oxyrinchus is threatened by four of 
the five ESA section 4(a)(1) factors: Present and threatened 
modification of its habitat, overutilization for commercial and 
recreational purposes, inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms, 
and other natural or manmade factors, including climate change. 
Information in the petition and readily available in our files 
indicates that the primary threat facing the species is overutilization 
in fisheries worldwide, and we find that listing the shortfin mako as a 
threatened or endangered species under the ESA may be warranted based 
on this threat alone. As such, we focus our discussion below on the 
evidence of overutilization in commercial fisheries. However, we note 
that in the status review for this species, we will evaluate all ESA 
section 4(a)(1) factors to determine whether any one or a combination 
of these factors are causing declines in the species or are likely to 
substantially negatively affect the species within the foreseeable 
future to such a point that the shortfin mako is at risk of extinction 
or likely to become so in the foreseeable future.

Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes

    According to information cited in the petition and readily 
available in our files, the greatest threat to the shortfin mako shark 
is historical and ongoing overfishing. Shortfin mako sharks are 
targeted in semi-industrial and artisanal

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fisheries in the Indian Ocean and as sportfish in recreational 
fisheries, though the majority of the catch is taken incidentally in 
commercial fisheries targeting tuna, billfish, and swordfish throughout 
the species' range (Camhi et al. 2008). According to the Food and 
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) global capture 
production statistics, total reported catch for the shortfin mako in 
the period 2010-2016 totaled 91,989 metric tons (t) (CITES 2019). 
Landings in the Atlantic totaled 45,959 t (50 percent of global 
reported catch), in the Pacific totaled 31,838 t (34 percent of global 
reported catch), in the Indian Ocean totaled 14,043 t (15 percent of 
global reported catch), and in the Mediterranean totaled 152 t (less 
than 1 percent of global reported catch) (CITES 2019). Reported catch, 
however, is a substantial underestimate of actual catch. Campana (2016) 
estimates that in the Atlantic, only 25 percent of the total catch is 
reported to ICCAT. Reported catch also does not account for mortalities 
that result from fisheries interactions, including sharks that are 
discarded, finned, or that experience post-release mortality. In fact, 
levels of fishing mortality in the Northwest Atlantic estimated through 
fisheries-independent satellite telemetry data were found to be 10 
times greater than previous estimates from fisheries-dependent data, 
and 5-18 times greater than those associated with maximum sustainable 
yield (Byrne et al. 2017). Therefore, impacts of commercial fishing 
fleets on the shortfin mako are likely much greater than reported catch 
numbers suggest.
    Shortfin makos are most commonly caught as bycatch in longline 
fisheries, and are also caught in gillnets, purse seines, trammel nets, 
and trawls (CITES 2019). When bycaught, the species experiences 
mortality through at-vessel or hooking mortality, and post-release 
mortality. Rates of at-vessel mortality, or mortality resulting from 
interactions with fishing gear prior to being brought onboard, have 
been estimated at 26.2 percent for shortfin makos bycaught in Northwest 
Atlantic pelagic longlines, though this varies by target species and 
fishing vessel (Campana et al. 2016). The proportion of shortfin makos 
that experience at-vessel mortality was significantly higher than that 
of blue sharks, likely because shortfin makos are obligate ram 
ventilators (i.e., they must be continuously swimming forwards to move 
water over the gills) with high oxygen requirements, and their ability 
to ram ventilate is compromised once hooked (Campana 2016; Campana et 
al. 2016). The rate of post-release mortality has been estimated at 
31.3 percent for shortfin makos bycaught by Northwest Atlantic pelagic 
longlines (Campana et al. 2016). Combining at-vessel and post-release 
mortality, total bycatch mortality in the Canadian pelagic longline 
fishery is estimated at 49.3 percent (95 percent confidence interval: 
23-73 percent), assuming that no live sharks are retained (Campana et 
al. 2016). Other available estimates of post-release mortality for the 
species include 47 percent in the Hawaiian deep-set commercial longline 
fishery and 31.6 percent in the Hawaiian shallow-set commercial 
longline fishery (Walsh et al. 2009). In sum, shortfin makos experience 
substantial mortality as a result of being incidentally caught in 
commercial fisheries.
    Shortfin makos also experience mortality through opportunistic 
retention, and are more frequently retained than other pelagic sharks 
based on their highly valued meat and fins (CITES 2019). The species is 
preferred in the Hong Kong fin market, one of the largest fin trading 
markets in the world (Fields et al. 2018). Clarke et al. (2006a) 
estimate that the species makes up approximately 2.7 percent (95 
percent probability interval: 2.3 to 3.1 percent) of the Hong Kong 
shark fin trade, the fourth highest proportion of auctioned fin weight 
after blue (Prionace glauca, 17.3 percent), hammerhead (Sphyrna zygaena 
or S. lewini, 4.4 percent) and silky (Carcharhinus falciformis, 3.5 
percent) sharks. A more recent study found shortfin makos to be the 
fifth most commonly traded species in Hong Kong based on random samples 
of fin trimmings from retail markets (Fields et al. 2018). The 
estimated number of shortfin makos utilized in the worldwide shark fin 
trade each year is between 300,000 and 1,000,000, totaling between 
20,000 and 55,000 t in biomass (Clarke et al. 2006b). Beyond the fin 
trade, shortfin mako sharks are highly valued for their meat, which is 
utilized fresh, frozen, smoked, dried, and salted for human consumption 
(CITES 2019; Dent and Clarke 2015). Shortfin mako liver oil, teeth, 
jaws, and skin are also traded, though most of these products are of 
lower value and are not traded in significant quantities (CITES 2019).
    The shortfin mako's low productivity and high susceptibility to 
capture give it one of the highest risks of overexploitation of sharks 
caught by Atlantic pelagic longline fleets (Cort[eacute]s et al. 2015). 
Additionally, fisheries mortality primarily affects sub-adults 
(approximate ages of 3-15 years), meaning that as this exploited age-
class matures, the reproductive population will shrink (Winker et al. 
2020). For this reason, ICCAT (2019a) projects that even with zero 
total allowable catch in the North Atlantic, the stock would continue 
to decline until 2035, and would have only a 53 percent probability of 
being rebuilt and no longer subject to overfishing by 2045. Overall, 
the shortfin mako's recent population declines, low productivity, high 
vulnerability to overexploitation, and the long lag time between 
implementation of management measures (e.g., reducing or eliminating 
allowable catch) and the start of population recovery lead us to 
conclude that listing the species as threatened or endangered may be 
warranted.

Petition Finding

    After reviewing the petition, the literature cited in the petition, 
and other information readily available in our files, we find that 
listing I. oxyrinchus as a threatened or endangered species may be 
warranted. Therefore, in accordance with section 4(b)(3)(A) of the ESA 
and NMFS' implementing regulations (50 CFR 424.14(h)(2)), we will 
commence a status review of this species. During the status review, we 
will determine whether I. oxyrinchus is in danger of extinction 
(endangered) or likely to become so (threatened) throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range. As required by section 4(b)(3)(B) of 
the ESA, within 12 months of the receipt of the petition (January 25, 
2021), we will make a finding as to whether listing the shortfin mako 
shark as an endangered or threatened species is warranted. If listing 
is warranted, we will publish a proposed rule and solicit public 
comments before developing and publishing a final rule.

Information Solicited

    To ensure that the status review is based on the best available 
scientific and commercial data, we are soliciting comments and 
information from interested parties on the status of the shortfin mako 
shark. Specifically, we are soliciting information in the following 
areas:
    (1) Historical and current abundance and population trends of I. 
oxyrinchus throughout its range;
    (2) Historical and current distribution and population structure of 
I. oxyrinchus;
    (3) Historical and current condition of habitat for I. oxyrinchus;
    (3) Historical and current data on bycatch and retention of I. 
oxyrinchus in industrial, commercial, artisanal, and recreational 
fisheries worldwide;

[[Page 19868]]

    (4) Data on trade of shortfin mako products, including fins, meat, 
jaws, skin, and liver oil; and
    (5) The effects of other known or potential threats to I. 
oxyrinchus over the short-term or long-term; and
    (5) Management, regulatory, or conservation programs for I. 
oxyrinchus, including mitigation measures related to any known or 
potential threats to the species throughout its range.
    We request that all data and information be accompanied by 
supporting documentation such as maps, bibliographic references, or 
reprints of pertinent publications. Please send any comments in 
accordance with the instructions provided in the ADDRESSES section 
above. We will base our findings on a review of the best available 
scientific and commercial information available, including all 
information received during the public comment period.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited herein is available upon 
request (See FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

    Authority: The authority for this action is the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: April 12, 2021.
Samuel D. Rauch III,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine 
Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-07714 Filed 4-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P