Ensures actions authorized, funded, or carried out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat of such species. EPA has an ecological risk assessment process for the evaluation of potential risk to endangered and threatened species from exposure to pesticides.

Protects habitat that fish need to spawn, breed, feed and grow to maturity and ensure a safe and sustainable supply of seafood.

Prohibits the disturbance of a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including but not limited to migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering (Level B harassment).

Requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions.

Prevents the taking, possession, transportation, sale, purchase, barter, importation, exportation, and banding or marking of migratory birds unless otherwise permitted. Under the MBTA, “take” refers to bird death by intentional (hunting) or incidental means. As “incidental taking” may result from human activities that disturb bird behavior, migratory bird habitats essential to standard behaviors, including nesting, foraging, and migration, are also protected under this act.

Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate and protect areas of the marine environment with special national significance due to their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, scientific, cultural, archeological, educational or esthetic qualities as national marine sanctuaries.

Referred to as the “federal consistency” provision of the CZMA, gives states a strong voice in federal agency decision making, which they otherwise would not have, for activities that may affect a state’s coastal uses or resources.