This measure tracks progress toward the recovery of endangered, threatened, or depleted protected species under NMFS’ jurisdiction. The species included in this measure are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) or as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Decreases may occur when species are de-listed or when separate stocks of a listed species are merged. Recovery of threatened, endangered, or depleted species can take decades. It may not be possible to recover or de-list a species in the near term, but progress can be made to stabilize or increase the species population. For some species, this means trying to stop steep population declines, while for others it means trying to increase their numbers.