The Endangered Species Act (ESA) Harry Holcomb Per. 1 The Endangered Species Act (ESA) National Act adopted in 1973 Amended in 1982, 1985 and 1988

Function and Issues Addressed It addresses the issue of species extinction and endangerment in the U.S and puts in specific rules and regulations to counter the issue such as authorizes the determination and listing of species as endangered and threatened prohibits unauthorized taking, possession, sale, and transport of endangered species provides authority to acquire land for the conservation of listed species, using land and water conservation funds authorizes establishment of cooperative agreements and grants-in-aid to States that establish and maintain active and adequate programs for endangered and threatened wildlife and plants authorizes the assessment of civil and criminal penalties for violating the Act or regulations authorizes the payment of rewards to anyone furnishing information leading to arrest and conviction for any violation of the Act or any regulation issued thereunder. (bullets taken from http://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/esact.html)

Regulation and Enforcement The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service work along with the Federal, State and local agencies to help regulate and reinforce this law