This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into between the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)

This MOU is entered into pursuant to Executive Order 13186, 66 Fed. Reg. 3,853 (January 17, 2001), concerning the responsibilities of Federal agencies to protect migratory birds. The Executive Order directs executive departments and agencies to take certain actions consistent with the requirements of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBT A) 1 and its underlying treaties. The purpose of this MOU is to strengthen migratory bird conservation through enhanced collaboration between the Parties. This MOU does not waive any applicable legal requirements and does not authorize the take of migratory birds. This MOU identifies specific areas where cooperation between the Parties will contribute substantially to the conservation and management of migratory birds and their habitats. This MOU replaces the expired Memorandum of Understanding between the USCG Assistant Commandant for Acquisitions and the FWS Addressing the USCG's National Distress and Response System Modernization Project -Rescue 21, March 2003 (see Appendix C).