🐠Proposed Rule on Injurious Wildlife Affecting Trade and Business
Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing Two Freshwater Mussel Genera and One Crayfish Species
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to add all species of freshwater mussels from two genera, Asian pond mussels (Sinanodonta species) and golden mussels (Limnoperna species), to the list of injurious mollusks. Additionally, the Service proposes to add marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) to the list of injurious crustaceans. Listing these taxa as injurious will prohibit the importation of any live animal, larvae, viable egg, or hybrid of these taxa into the United States, except as specifically authorized. These listings would also prohibit shipment of any live animal, larvae, viable egg, or hybrid of these species between the continental United States, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States, except as specifically authorized. The action is necessary to protect wildlife and wildlife resources by preventing the introduction and subsequent establishment of these foreign aquatic invertebrates into ecosystems of the United States.
Agencies
- Interior Department
- Fish and Wildlife Service
Business Impact
$$ - Med
The proposed regulation lists certain invasive species as injurious, prohibiting their import and shipment, affecting businesses involved in the trade of these species. The mention of potential impacts on agriculture and aquaculture demonstrates significant regulatory compliance requirements that could alter business operations related to these industries.