Endangered Species Act Consultation DOI FWS
Under Section 7 of the ESA, Federal agencies must consult with NMFS and/or the USFWS when an action the agency carries out, funds, or authorizes (such as through a permit) may affect a listed endangered or threatened species and/or designated critical habitat. The purpose of the consultation is to assist the action agency in meeting its duty to insure that its action is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat.