April 21, 2004

Subject: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lists Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso) as Threatened

Background: On April 21, 2004, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in the Federal Register (Vol. 69, No. 77 21425-21438) the listing of the beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The rule identifies the beluga sturgeon as a species in need of conservation; implements protective measures by extending the full protection of the ESA to the species throughout its range; and complements future conservation measures to be undertaken by the species’ range countries, as recommended by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Standing Committee.

The rule also announces that the Service intends to publish a proposed rule in the Federal Register outlining regulations deemed necessary and advisable to provide for conservation of the species as provided by section 4(d) of the ESA. The effective date of this threatened species rule is delayed six months until October 21, 2004, allowing for possible development of a final 4(d) rule, with specific conservation measures for beluga sturgeon, as part of the listing decision.

Action: The import/export community should be aware of this new ESA beluga sturgeon listing and the effective date of October 21, 2004. We will notify the trade community through future public bulletins of any proposed or final rules affecting beluga sturgeon. See http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases/r9/2D129E08-B251-4902-8520E16F38DE286D.html for a news release on this listing announcement. The threatened species final rule may be found on-line from the Federal Register at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html or on the Service website at http://international.fws.gov.

Contact:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement
703-358-1949 703-358-2271 (fax)