Endangered and Threatened Species; Notice of Initiation of a 5-Year Review and Notice of Intent To Update the Recovery Plan for the U.S. Distinct Population Segment of Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinata)

We, NMFS, announce the initiation of a 5-year review for the U.S. distinct population segment (DPS) of smalltooth sawfish (hereafter referred to as `smalltooth sawfish'), and our intent to update the smalltooth sawfish recovery plan. A 5-year review is a periodic process conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate. Recovery plans are guides to rebuild and assure the long-term viability of protected species in the wild. Each document is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review/update. Therefore, we are requesting submission of any information on the status of smalltooth sawfish that has become available since the previous iterations of these documents in 2010 and 2009 respectively.