Recovery Plan

A recovery plan is the document required under Section 4(f) of the US Endangered Species Act of 1973 that sets the strategy to restore a listed species to the point where ESA protection is no longer needed. It specifies site-specific management actions, objective and measurable recovery criteria for downlisting and delisting, and an estimate of the time and cost to recovery. NOAA Fisheries writes plans for marine species; examples include the white abalone and North Atlantic right whale plans. Plans are guidance, not regulation, but they direct funding, Section 7 consultation, and the periodic five-year status reviews that track progress.