The Endangered Species Act of 1973 looks back on the things it have done to protect the environment from extinction after 40 years.
The Endangered Species Act is just one of the many environmental laws implemented in the United States during the 1970s signed by the President Richard Nixon. Two government agencies- United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - were assigned to oversee its execution.
A group of lawyers and scientists were responsible in ensuring that the act makes it to the 93rd U.S Congress during the time. These people were so concerned about some animals that were at risk of extinction as a result of the economic growth and development of the society.
The FWS, currently headed by Daniel M. Ashe, works to preserve, defend, and improve fish, wildlife, plants and their environment for the long-lasting advantage of the country.
The NOAA, currently supervised by newly-appointed Kathryn Sullivan, monitors the conditions of the oceans and atmospheres since dangerous weather may affect the ocean and the environment as a whole.
As of September 2012, 56 species have been removed from the list; 28 are under recovery, 10 are soon to be extinct. 25 have changed the status from “endangered” to “threatened”. The full list of endangered and threatened species includes 2,052.
Since the implementation of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the population of some species has improved such as the bald eagle (3.77 percent and delisted as of 2007), whooping crane (12.39 percent as of 2003), Kirtland’s warbler (14.84 percent as of 2005), Peregrine falcon (19.06 percent as of 2005), gray whale (49.16 percent as of 1998), and 10 other more species.
Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the most punishable is trafficking and deliberately taking an endangered species. Violators will have a maximum fine of $50,000 or 1 year imprisonment.
