Critical Habitat

Critical habitat is the specific area essential to the conservation of a species listed under the US Endangered Species Act of 1973, designated by NOAA Fisheries or the Fish and Wildlife Service under ESA Section 4. It covers occupied areas with physical or biological features the species needs (feeding, breeding, shelter) plus unoccupied areas essential to recovery. Designation does not create a refuge or bar public access; it triggers Section 7 consultation, requiring federal agencies to avoid destruction or adverse modification of those features. Marine examples include North Atlantic right whale foraging and calving grounds and white abalone rocky reef.