National Marine Fisheries Service

An environmental nonprofit sued the National Marine Fisheries Service to require federal protection for the sunflower sea star under the Endangered Species Act, citing a 90% population decline since 2013 due to a wasting disease linked to warming waters. The agency acknowledged the species' risk of extinction in 2023 but has not finalized protective measures, prompting criticism of delays.

The Justice Department seeks to dismiss a lawsuit by environmental groups alleging the U.S. Coast Guard and National Marine Fisheries Service failed to prevent whale strikes in California shipping lanes. The DOJ argues the Pacific Coast Port Access Route Study (PAC PARS) is not final agency action, while plaintiffs counter it is legally binding and has real-world consequences for endangered whales.

A dredging project near Port Everglades faces a lawsuit from environmental groups alleging violations of the Endangered Species Act. The project, which involves creating a 10.8-acre offshore pit for sand bypassing, is criticized for threatening endangered staghorn coral populations. Previous dredging projects, such as the 2013 Port Miami expansion, have caused significant coral damage.

The Center for Biological Diversity has petitioned the U.S. government to sanction China over its shark finning practices, which contribute to a global decline in shark populations. Chinese-flagged vessels are accused of legally evading oversight while engaging in brutal finning, prompting potential U.S. seafood import bans worth $1.5 billion.