Compliance With the Endangered Species Act

Administration

• The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) National Marine Fisheries Service are the main agencies responsible for the administration of the Endangered Species Act. Devising recovery plans, listing endangered species and monitoring compliance of the law are part of their responsibilities.
  
  

Compliance/Enforcement

• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the primary overseer of the implementation of laws pertaining to the Endangered Species Act. Monitoring and managing various components of the act is the responsibility of the Secretary of the Interior, who has the authority to issue fines for violators. Enlisting the help of state attorney generals by the secretary is often necessary to prosecute violators.
  
  

Violations

• Violations of the Endangered Species Act range considerably. Fines in most cases, typically range from $500 to $21,500 (as of January 2011). Prosecution for criminal charges and incarceration are possible for more serious offenses.