Evaluation of Petition to List White Shark as Listed Species Available in California

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has released a staff evaluation of a petition to list the Northeast Pacific population of white sharks as a threatened or endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

The evaluation document is available at http://dfg.ca.gov/news/pubnotice/.

In completing the petition evaluation, CDFW determined there is sufficient scientific information to indicate that the petition action may be warranted, and recommends the petition be accepted and considered by the California Fish and Game Commission.

At its next meeting, the Commission may take action on whether or not to accept the petition and declare the white shark as a candidate for future threatened or endangered species status. If the petition is accepted, this will start a one-year status review before decision on listing is made. The Commission meeting will be held on Feb. 6, 2013, in the Natural Resources Building, First Floor Auditorium, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento.

Please check the Commission website www.fgc.ca.gov for more information.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is a department within the government of California, falling under its parent California Natural Resources Agency. The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages and protects the state's diverse fish, wildlife, plant resources, and native habitats. The department is also responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses. The department also utilizes its law enforcement division to prevent and stop illegal poaching.