Who is primarily responsible for enforcing the Endangered Species Act?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is primarily enforced by federal agencies, particularly the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries. These agencies are tasked with implementing the provisions of the ESA, which includes identifying and listing endangered and threatened species, designating critical habitats, and developing recovery plans.

Federal agencies have the authority to regulate activities that may affect these species and their habitats, such as land use and resource extraction. They also ensure compliance with the Act through measures like habitat conservation plans and consultations with other federal entities.

State governments, while they can have roles in conservation and may implement their own regulations pertaining to endangered species, do not have the primary responsibility for enforcing the ESA at the federal level. Private organizations and local municipalities may contribute to protection efforts, but their roles are typically supportive rather than the main enforcement agents. Consequently, federal agencies are crucial to the enforcement and implementation of the Endangered Species Act, making them the correct answer.