### Question
How does GENERALLY define depletion" or "depleted?


### Answer
Under *16 U.S.C. § 1362*, **depletion" or "depleted** is defined as:

> any case in which—


(A) the Secretary, after consultation with the Marine Mammal Commission and the Committee of Scientific Advisors on Marine Mammals established under subchapter III of this chapter, determines that a species or population stock is below its optimum sustainable population

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 1362*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 31-MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION > SUBCHAPTER I-GENERALLY**

