Which of the following is responsible for enforcing the Endangered Species Act?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plays a crucial role in enforcing the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This act aims to protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The agency is responsible for the classification of endangered and threatened species, which involves assessing their population status and habitat needs. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develops plans for the recovery of these species and their habitats, conducts research to support conservation efforts, and collaborates with other federal and state agencies, organizations, and stakeholders to ensure compliance with the ESA.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, while important in managing marine species, focuses specifically on marine and anadromous fish, and is not the primary agency for all species listed under the ESA. The Environmental Protection Agency primarily deals with environmental protection regulations and does not enforce the ESA directly. The Department of Agriculture primarily focuses on agricultural policies and issues, which may intersect with conservation efforts but does not hold the specific responsibility for enforcing the Endangered Species Act.