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| · Ban on Non-Native Species Keeping! HR 669 |
| Posted by amercnwmn - 04-6-09 21:14 - 17 comments |
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Alright folks, this impacts ALL of us. PIJAC.OrgQUOTE CONGRESSIONAL HEARING BANNING
NONNATIVE SPECIES
APRIL 23
ACTION NEEDED THE ISSUE The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act (H.R. 669), introduced by Del. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam)
Chair of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife of the House Natural Resources Committee
would totally revamp how nonnative species are regulated under the Lacey Act.
Currently, the Fish and Wildlife Service (hereafter Service) is required to demonstrate that a species is injurious
[harmful] to health and welfare of humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture or forestry, and the welfare
and survival of wildlife resources of the U.S.
HR 669 substantially complicates that process by compelling the Service to produce two lists after conducting a
risk assessment for each nonnative wildlife species to determine if it is likely to “cause economic or
environmental harm or harm to other animal species’ health or human health.” In order to be placed on the
“Approved List” it must be established that the species has not, or is not likely, to cause “harm” anywhere in the
US. Species that are considered potentially harmful would be placed on an “Unapproved List.” Furthermore, HR
669 would essentially ban all species that do not appear on the Approved List, regardless of whether or not they
have ever been petitioned for listing or are sufficiently well studied to enable a listing determination.
Species not appearing on the “Approved List” could not be imported into the United States, nor could they be
moved in interstate commerce. Trade in all such unlisted species would come to a halt – possession would be
limited and all breeding would have to cease. To reiterate: Unless species are included on the Approved List
import, export, transport, and breeding would be prohibited. Exceptions are limited and would not be available to
pet owners across the nation.
THE IMPACT
Nonnative species in the pet trade encompass virtually every bird, reptile, amphibian, fish and a number of
mammals (e.g., hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets) commonly kept as pets. It is immaterial under HR 669
that the
• Vast majority of these nonnative species in the pet trade have been in the United States in large numbers
for decades, some for hundreds of years, and have not proven to be an environmental problem.
• Numerous species are raised in the United States for many purposes: pets, recreational fishing and
hunting, food, etc.
• Only a small number of species kept as pets have caused environmental problems, and this has generally
been on a very localized basis (i.e. southern Florida, Hawaii).
• Most states have exercised their authority to regulate problem species within their own borders through a
mixture of management regimes ranging from permit systems to bans.
HR669 - April 2, 2009
Revised
2
• The HR 669 listing criteria mandates proving a negative – that no harm has or is likely to occur within
whole of the United States.
• The “risk assessment” process is too limited in scope and application and should instead be a broader
“risk analysis” that also takes into consideration socio-economic factors and mitigation (management)
measures that might be utilized by the federal and state agencies.
HR 669 would employ a 2-step process of a Preliminary and a Final Approved List and necessitate that the
Service promulgate regulations not only to deal with creation of the lists but also regulating all aspects of this
rather complex bill. The Service would have to complete major portions of the listing and regulation process
within 24 months of passage. It is not clear how the Service will be able to conduct the required risk assessment
outlined in HR 669 within these timeframes given the fact that it takes on average 4 years for the Service to find a
species harmful under the current Lacey Act. The bill sets up the under-resourced Service for failure and
numerous lawsuits by activist groupsBelieve it or not, this bill has made it further than any other bill regarding pet keeping.
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Read 405 times - last comment by amercnwmn
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| · VIP Membership |
| Posted by WaterChangeWarrior - 01-13-09 17:10 - 4 comments |
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Many folks here find that Aquatic-Terrors is an invaluable source of information and inspiration, and have inquired about some way to "give back" a little to the community. To that end, we have the following.... Announcing the Aquatic-Terrors VIP Package! Aquatic-Terrors is offering a VIP Package to anyone interested. All funds obtained from payment(s) for this package, will be used for board expenses, raffles, prizes, decals, advertising, and anything else we may offer in the near future. Rest assured that every dollar you pay and/or donate, will be given back to the community. We are offering subscription packages for a mere $19.99, which is renewable after 1 whole year. Your payment/donation will be used accordingly and will give you a few extra perks above what the regular member is entitled. VIP Members can: - Can use and see ratings and who left them.
- Can hide their reputation from others.
- Have no Search Flood Control
- 100 storable messages
- Can rate topics
- No edit time restriction for own posts/threads
- Can remove the "Edited by" legend
- Can add events to the Calendar
In addition to the above perks, VIP's will be allowed to obtain a raffle number prior to the others. More perks to be available in the near future, as deemed appropriate. You have the option of clicking on the PayPal Donate Button located at the bottom of the page or go to "My Controls", scroll down to the options section on the left and click on "Purchase Paid Subscriptions". Thanks in advance for your generous contribution/subscription and your continued patronage.  Respectfully, Proprietorship & Administration
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Read 526 times - last comment by WaterChangeWarrior
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