The federal government on Tuesday announced the removal of the humpback whale from the endangered species list, despite environmental groups voicing criticism that fishing practices have made it harder for the marine mammals to recover.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which has jurisdiction over the nation’s fisheries, announced the decision Tuesday afternoon on a press call with reporters. The action removed nine of the 14 newly identified distinct populations of the whales from the Endangered Species Act. Four of the population segments remain protected as endangered, and one is listed as threatened. The whales have been listed as endangered for over 40 years.