|
July 11, 2007
Subject: Ban on Importation and Interstate Transport of Live Silver and Largescale Silver Carp
Background: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has listed silver and largescale silver carp as injurious species under the Lacey Act. This listing, which was announced in a final rule that was published in the Federal Register on July 10, 2007, means that live fish of these species can no longer be imported into the United States. Interstate transport is also prohibited. The listing does not prohibit the importation or interstate transport of dead silver or largescale silver carp.
Silver carp, which were brought to the United States from Asia in the early 1970s for use in controlling algae in sewage lagoons and fishery production ponds, have already established themselves in the Mississippi River Basin. The Service’s listing of the species as injurious is intended to prevent additional introductions of these fish into U.S. waters. The agency has also banned the import and interstate transport of largescale silver carp – another Asian fish that would also compete with native species for food and habitat if it were introduced into the United States.
Action: As of August 9, 2007, it will be illegal to import live silver and live largescale carp into the United States or to transport these fish from one State to another without a permit from the Service. Those caught unlawfully bringing these fish into the United States or transporting them across State lines face penalties that include up to six months in prison and fines as high as $5,000 for individuals or $10,000 for organizations.
|
