Determination on the Designation of Critical Habitat for Scalloped Hammerhead Shark

We, NOAA Fisheries, find that there are no marine areas within the jurisdiction of the United States that meet the definition of critical habitat for the Central and Southwest (Central and SW) Atlantic Distinction Population Segment (DPS), Indo-West Pacific DPS, or Eastern Pacific DPS of scalloped hammerhead shark. Based on a comprehensive review of the best available scientific and commercial data for use in the identification of critical habitat, we find that there are no identifiable physical or biological features that are essential to the conservation of these scalloped hammerhead DPSs and found within areas under U.S. jurisdiction, or any areas outside of the geographical area occupied by the listed DPSs under U.S. jurisdiction that are considered essential to their conservation. As such, we find that there are no specific areas under the jurisdiction of the United States that meet the definition of critical habitat.