In 2016, NOAA Fisheries determined that 9 of the 14 humpback whale distinct population segments did not warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act.
Notes on verification
Confirmed by NOAA official press release, Federal Register final rule, and independent third-party reporting; all sources consistent. [tier=silver indep_score=0.925 clusters=2 claim_tier=notable]
Sources
- Recovery of Endangered and Threatened Species | NOAA Fisheries (seed:environment_and_wildlife)
- https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2016/09/08/2016-21276/endangered-and-threatened-species-identification-of-14-distinct-population-segments-of-the-humpback (corroboration)
- https://coastalstudies.org/news/noaa-certain-humpback-populations-no-longer-listed-under-esa/ (corroboration)