DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE PROPOSED APPLICATION OF PROTECTIVE REGULATIONS UNDER SECTION 4(D) OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT FOR THE THREATENED BANGGAI CARDINALFISH

Under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) shall issue regulations they deem necessary and advisable for the conservation of species listed as threatened. The Secretary may also apply any of the prohibitions in Section 9(a)(1) of the ESA, including prohibiting import, export, take, and interstate commerce. This proposed ESA 4(d) rule would issue regulations for the threatened Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni). This is the accompanying EA to this Proposed Rule.