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This action by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) would implement section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) regarding experimental populations. The regulations are modeled on the Fish and Wildlife Services existing section 10(j) regulations and do not include any significant differences from those existing regulations. An experimental population is a geographically described population that is isolated from other existing populations of the species and is introduced to promote recovery by reestablishing an endangered species in areas of its former range. Members of the experimental population are managed as threatened, allowing for more flexible regulations under the ESA than for endangered species. In addition, if the experimental population is determined to be "nonessential" to the survival of the species, for some activities the experimental population may be treated like a species that is not yet listed. These regulations would bring clarity and consistency to NMFS's interpretation and implementation of Section 10(j). The rule would clarify definitions and procedures for the establishment and/or designation of certain populations of species listed as endangered or threatened as experimental populations; the classification of such populations as essential or nonessential; and the promulgation of appropriate protective measures for such populations.