April 24, 2026 — NOAA Fisheries has determined that some tope shark populations should be protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) but others are at no risk of extinction.
“After reviewing the best scientific and commercial data available, we have determined that this species is comprised of six distinct population segments (DPSs) and that two, the Southern Africa and Southwest Atlantic DPSs, are likely to become in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their ranges in the foreseeable future,” the agency said in announcing the decision on the federal register. “We have also determined that the remaining four DPSs – the Northeast Atlantic, [Northeast] Pacific, [Southwest] Pacific, and Southeast Pacific DPSs – do not meet the definition of a threatened or endangered species under Section 4(a) of the ESA and therefore do not warrant listing under the ESA.”