ENDANGERED OR THREATENED MARINE SPECIES

§6971.__Commissioner's authority over marine endangered and

threatened species

In accordance with section 12801, the commissioner has authority as provided in this chapter to carry out the purpose of that section with regard to marine species.

§6972.__Commissioner's programs

The commissioner may establish such programs as are necessary for the protection of marine species listed pursuant to this chapter in order to achieve compliance with the United States Endangered Species Act of 1973, Public Law 93-205, as amended.

§6973.__Designation of marine species as state endangered or

state threatened

1.__Commissioner's authority.__The commissioner may recommend a marine species found in the State for designation as a state endangered or state threatened marine species if that species is listed as an endangered or threatened species by the United States Secretary of the Interior, pursuant to the United States Endangered Species Act of 1973, Public Law 93-205, as amended.

2.__Modification to list.__The commissioner may recommend that a marine species designated as a state endangered or state threatened species be removed from the list in section 6975 or recommend other changes to that list.

3.__Public notice and hearings.__Prior to recommending an addition, deletion or other change to the list of state endangered and state threatened marine species in section 6975, the commissioner shall provide for public notice and public hearings on that proposed recommendation in accordance with the provisions of Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2.

§6974.__Legislative authority

The Legislature has sole authority to designate a marine species as a state endangered or state threatened species or to remove a species or change the designation of a species listed in section 6975.

§6975.__List of state endangered and state threatened marine