[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 7, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4716-4720]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-2638]
[[Page 4715]]
_______________________________________________________________________
Part III
Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
Draft Policy Regarding Controlled Propagation of Species Listed Under
the Endangered Species Act; Request for Public Comment; Notice
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 26 / Wednesday, February 7, 1996 /
Notices
[[Page 4716]]
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Draft Policy Regarding Controlled Propagation of Species Listed
Under the Endangered Species Act; Request for Public Comment
AGENCIES: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior; National Marine
Fisheries Service, NOAA, Commerce.
ACTION: Draft policy; request for public comments.
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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS), referred to jointly as the ``Services'',
propose to issue policy that will address the role of controlled
propagation in the conservation and recovery of species listed as
endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as
amended) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) (ESA). The proposed policy is
intended to assist the Services by providing guidance and establishing
consistency with respect to activities in which the controlled
propagation of a listed species may be implemented as a component of a
species' recovery strategy, ensuring smooth transitions between various
phases of species conservation efforts within both agencies, and
ensuring prudent and effective use of limited funding resources. The
proposed policy sanctions the controlled propagation of listed species
when recommended in an approved recovery plan and supported by an
approved genetics management plan. Controlled propagation may also be
approved by FWS's Regional Directors, or, in the case of the NMFS, by
the Assistant Administrator as necessary, to conduct recovery related
research, to maintain refugia populations, and to rescue species or
population segments at risk of imminent extinction or extirpation in
order to prevent the loss of essential genetic viability.
DATES: Comments on this proposed policy must be received by April 8,
1996, in order to be considered in the final decision on this proposal.
ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be
sent to the Chief, Division of Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 452, Arlington,
Virginia 22203 (telephone 703/358-2171). Comments and materials
received will be available for public inspection, by appointment,
during normal business hours in Room 452, 4401 North Fairfax Drive,
Arlington, Virginia 22203 (703/358-2105).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: LaVerne Smith, Chief, Division of
Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the above address
(703/358-2171), or Russell Bellmer, Chief, Endangered Species Division,
National Marine Fisheries Service, 1335 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, Maryland 20910 (telephone 301/713-2322).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.), specifically charges the Services with the responsibility for
identification, protection, management, and recovery of species of
plants and animals in danger of extinction. By implication, the ESA
also promotes the protection and conservation of the genetic resources
that these species represent and recognizes that the long-term
viability of species depends on maintaining genetic variability within
the biological species which is defined in the ESA as including ``any
subspecies of fish or wildlife or plants, and any distinct population
segment of any species of vertebrate fish or wildlife which interbreeds
when mature'' (section 3(16)). Though the ESA emphasizes the
restoration of listed species in their natural habitats, section 3(3)
of the ESA specifically recognizes propagation as a tool available to
the Services to meet their recovery responsibilities. To meet their
goals of restoring endangered and threatened animals and plants, the
Services are obligated to develop sound policies based on the best
available scientific and commercial information. To achieve this goal
the Services are soliciting review and comments from the public on the
Draft Interagency Cooperative Policy for Controlled Propagation of
Species Listed Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (as amended).
Draft Policy Statement
A. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is: (1) To provide guidance and
establish consistency with respect to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) activities in which
the controlled propagation of a listed species, as defined in section
3(16) of the Endangered Species Act, is implemented as a component of a
species' recovery strategy; (2) to ensure smooth transitions between
various phases of species conservation efforts (e.g., propagation,
introduction, and monitoring) within both agencies (hereafter referred
to as Services when addressed jointly); and (3) to ensure prudent use
of limited funding resources.
The purposes of controlled propagation under this policy include:
--Avoiding listed species, subspecies, or population extinction;
--Providing, when feasible, unlisted animals or plants as surrogates
for recovery oriented scientific research including, but not restricted
to, developing propagation methods and technology, and other actions
which are expected to result in a net benefit to the listed species;
--Maintaining genetic vigor, diversity, bloodlines, and an appropriate
mix of sexes and ages;
--Maintaining refugia populations for nearly extinct animals or plants
on a temporary basis until threats to a listed species' habitat are
alleviated, or necessary habitat modifications are completed, or when
potentially catastrophic events occur (e.g., chemical spills, severe
storms, fires, etc.);
--Providing individuals for establishment of new, self-sustaining
populations necessary for recovery of the listed species;
--Supplementing or enhancing extant populations to facilitate recovery
of the listed species;
--Holding offspring for a substantial portion of their development or
through a significant or critical life-stage which cannot be supported
in the wild.
B. Scope
This policy applies to all pertinent organizational elements of the
Services notwithstanding those differences in administrative procedures
and policies as noted. This policy pertains to all efforts funded,
authorized, or carried out by the Services that are conducted to
propagate threatened or endangered species by:
--Establishing or maintaining refugia populations;
--Producing individuals for research or technology development;
--Producing individuals for the supplementation of extant populations;
and,
--Producing individuals for reintroduction to historical habitat.
[[Page 4717]]
C. Background
The controlled propagation of animals and plants is recognized in
certain situations as an essential tool for the conservation and
recovery of listed species. The Services have used controlled
propagation to support the recovery of listed species and successfully
return them to suitable habitat. The NMFS, as lead Service for the
recovery of Pacific salmon, has developed an interim policy addressing
controlled propagation of these species. This policy was published in
the Federal Register on April 5, 1993 (58 FR 17573).
Though controlled propagation has a supportive role in the recovery
of some listed species, the Endangered Species Act clearly states that
its intent is ``to provide a means whereby the ecosystems upon which
endangered species and threatened species depend may be conserved.''
Therefore, the mandate of the Services is to recover wild populations
in situ whenever possible.
The Services recognize that there are a number of genetic and
ecological risks which may be associated with the controlled
propagation and release of animals and plants. When considering
controlled propagation as a recovery option for a listed species, an
assessment of the potential benefits and risks must be undertaken and
reasonable alternatives requiring less intervention objectively
evaluated. If controlled propagation is to be used as a strategy in the
recovery of a listed species, it must be conducted in a manner that
will minimize risks to existing populations (if any), and preserve the
genetic and ecological distinctiveness of the listed species. However,
controlled propagation is not a substitute for addressing factors
responsible for an endangered or threatened species' decline.
Controlled propagation can pose a number of genetic and ecological
risks to listed species. Specific risks which must be addressed in the
planning of controlled propagation programs include the following:
--Removal of natural broodstock that may result in an increased risk of
extinction by reducing the abundance of wild individuals and reducing
genetic variability within naturally occurring populations;
--Equipment failures, human error, disease, and other potential
catastrophic events that may cause the loss of some or all of the
population being held or maintained in captivity;
--The potential for an increased level of inbreeding or other adverse
genetic effects within populations that may result from the enhancement
of only a portion of the gene pool;
--Potential erosion of genetic differences between populations as a
result of mixed stock transfers or supplementation; and,
--Exposure to novel selection regimes in controlled environments that
may diminish a listed species' natural capacity to survive and
reproduce in the wild.
Potential genetic and ecological risks are also associated with
introductions of captively-reared individuals to naturally occurring
populations. Possible impacts may include:
--Genetic introgression which may diminish local adaptations of the
naturally occurring population;
--Increased predation, competition for food, space, mates, or other
factors which may displace naturally occurring individuals, or
interfere with foraging, migratory, reproductive, or other essential
behaviors; and,
--Disease transfer.
An additional risk specific to naturally occurring populations of
some listed species is incidental take through commercial and
recreational harvest. This is particularly true when listed species
occur with unlisted target species. It is therefore essential that
controlled propagation programs for listed species recovery be
coordinated in a manner that minimizes potentially adverse impacts to
existing wild populations of listed species, and that controlled
propagation programs be conducted by the Services in a manner that
avoids additional listing actions.
D. Definitions
The following definitions apply:
Controlled Environment
A controlled environment is one specifically manipulated by humans
for the purpose of producing or rearing progeny of the species in
question, and of a design intended to prevent unplanned escape or entry
of plants, animals, or reproductive products.
Intercross and Intercross Progeny
The term ``intercross'' is applicable to all crosses between
individuals of different species, subspecies, or populations. The
following description is excerpted from the Services' proposed Policy
on the Treatment of Intercrosses, Intercross Progeny to Include
Hybrids, and Proposed Definitions.
The degree of genetic mixing possible from intercrosses spans a
broad continuum. At one extreme are cases in which a small number of
individuals of a species display evidence of introgression. Genetic
material originating from another entity may remain as evidence of long
past and/or infrequent matings with that other entity but may have
little or no effect on the morphology and behavior of the organism. At
the other extreme are individuals that exhibit morphology that is
intermediate between that of the parent types, nuclear DNA showing
strong affinities with both parent types, some degree of functional
sterility, and/or an inability to ``breed true.'' Somewhere along this
continuum there may be individuals that possess DNA from past
intercrosses but in most other ways are representative of a single
parental stock.
Controlled Propagation
The mating, transfer of gametes or embryos, development of
offspring, and grow-out of animals, if reproduction is sexual, or other
development of offspring, including grow-out if reproduction is
asexual, when intentionally confined or directly intended by human
intervention.
--Propagation of plants by humans from seeds, spores, callus tissue,
divisions, cuttings or other plant tissue in a controlled environment
or when intentionally confined.
--Defined in the context of this policy, controlled propagation refers
to the production of individuals, generally within a managed
environment for the purpose of future supplementation or augmentation
of an extant population(s), or reintroduction to the wild (with the
exception of the establishment of an experimental population, which is
excluded from this policy).
Rescue/Salvage
Refers to extreme conditions wherein a species or population
segment at risk of extinction is brought into a controlled environment
(e.g., refugia) on a temporary or permanent basis as dictated by the
situation.
Recovery Priority System
The system whereby the Services assign priorities to listed species
and to recovery tasks. Recovery priority is based on the degree of
threat, recovery potential, taxonomic distinctness, and presence of an
actual or imminent conflict between the species' conservation and
development or other economic activities. (48 FR 43098, Endangered and
Threatened Species Listing and Recovery Priority Guidelines, September
21, 1983.)
[[Page 4718]]
E. Policy
This policy is intended to address primarily those activities
involving gamete transfer and subsequent development and grow-out of
offspring in laboratory, botanical facility, zoo, hatchery, aquaria, or
similarly controlled environments. This policy also encompasses
activities related to or preceding controlled propagation activities
such as:
--Obtaining and rearing offspring for research;
--Procuring broodstock for future controlled propagation and
supplementation efforts; or,
--Holding offspring for a substantial portion of their development or
through a significant or critical life-stage which cannot be supported
in the wild.
This policy is not intended to address temporary removal and
holding of individuals unless such actions intentionally involve
reproduction in the interim, or are the result of an action deemed
necessary to the survival of the listed species or a specific
population (such circumstances are addressed under rescue and/or
salvage). This policy is not intended to address short-term holding or
captive rearing of individuals obtained for later reintroduction,
supplementation, or translocation efforts when controlled propagation
does not take place or is not intended during the period of captive
maintenance. Actions involving cryopreservation or other preservation
of biological materials, if not intended for subsequent use in the
controlled propagation of listed species, are exempt from this policy.
Among the goals of this policy common to both Services are
coordinating recovery actions specific to controlled propagation
activities; maximizing benefits to the listed species from controlled
propagation efforts; assuring that appropriate recovery measures other
than controlled propagation are fully considered and that other
existing recovery priorities within Service regions and nationwide are
considered in decisions concerning the implementation or conduct of
controlled propagation activities; and, ensuring prudent use of limited
funds.
It is the policy of the Services that the controlled propagation of
threatened and endangered species:
1. Will be used as a recovery strategy only when other measures
employed to maintain or improve a listed species' status in the wild
have failed, are determined to be likely to fail, are shown to be
ineffective in overcoming extant factors limiting recovery, or would be
insufficient to ensure/achieve full recovery. Every effort should be
made to accomplish conservation measures that enable a listed species
to recover in the wild, with or without intervention (e.g.,
translocation), prior to implementing controlled propagation for
reintroduction or supplementation.
Controlled propagation programs must be coordinated with
conservation actions and other recovery measures, as appropriate or
specified in recovery plans, that will contribute to, or otherwise
support, the provision of secure and suitable habitat. Specifically,
controlled propagation programs intended for reintroduction or
supplementation (as opposed to the support of research and technology
development) must be coordinated with habitat management, restoration,
and other species' recovery efforts. Controlled propagation programs
and habitat conservation actions will be reviewed by the appropriate
Service at least annually, to insure that the efforts of the parties
involved in the recovery of the listed species maintain adequate
integration and coordination.
2. Will be based on the specific recommendations of recovery
strategies identified through approved recovery plans. The recovery
plan, in addressing controlled propagation, should clearly identify the
necessity and role of this activity as a recovery strategy; the lead
agency responsible for a particular controlled propagation effort
including the role of FWS or NMFS facilities, personnel, and resources,
or those of non-Service cooperators as appropriate (e.g., Center for
Plant Conservation (CPC), American Association of Zoological Parks and
Aquaria (AZA); and, the estimated cost and duration of controlled
propagation efforts.
3. Will specifically consider the potential ecological and genetic
effects on wild populations of the removal of individuals for
controlled propagation purposes and the potential effects of such
introductions on the receiving population and other resident species
[risk assessment] (e.g., Endangered Species Act--section 7, Endangered
Species Act section 10, NEPA).
4. Will be based on sound scientific principles to conserve genetic
variation and species integrity. Intercrossing will not be considered
for use in controlled propagation programs unless (1) recommended by an
approved recovery plan, (2) supported in an approved genetic management
plan (which may or may not be part of an approved recovery plan), (3)
implemented in a scientifically controlled and approved manner, and (4)
undertaken to compensate for a loss of genetic viability in listed taxa
that have been genetically isolated in the wild as a result of human
activity. Use of intercross individuals for species conservation will
require Director's/Assistant Administrator's approval.
5. Will be preceded by the development of a genetics management
plan based on accepted scientific principles and procedures. This plan
will: Include all necessary consultations and permits; use or be
comparable to existing standards (e.g., AZA Species Survival Program
studbooks and protocols for animals, or CPC guidelines for plant
species); insure that the genetic makeup of propagated individuals is
similar to that of free-ranging populations and that propagated
individuals are behaviorally and physiologically suitable for release
\1\ and, specifically address the issue of disposal of individuals
found to be:
(a) Unfit for introduction to the wild
(b) Unfit to serve as broodstock
(c) Surplus to the needs of research; \2\ or
(d) surplus to the recovery needs for the species (e.g., to
preclude genetic and ecological swamping); \3\
Programs involving the controlled propagation of individuals of listed
species for research purposes and not intended for reintroduction to
the wild are exempt from the requirement to develop a genetics
management plan. Examples of exempt actions include research involving
the determination of germination rates in plants and spawning success
rates in fishes and mussels.
6. Will be conducted in a manner that minimizes potential
introduction or spread of diseases and parasites into controlled or
suitable habitat.
7. Will be conducted in a manner that will prevent the escape or
introduction of captive stock outside their historic range.
8. Will, when feasible, be conducted at more than one location in
order to reduce the potential for catastrophic loss at a single
facility.
9. Will be coordinated as appropriate with organizations and
investigators both within and outside the Services. The Services will
cooperate with other Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments.
10. Will be conducted in a manner consistent with meeting the
information needs of the Services and other institutions including AZA
Species Survival Program and the International Union for the
Conservation of Nature's International Species Information System as
appropriate. In the case of listed species for which traditional
studbooks or registrations are not
[[Page 4719]]
practical, records of eggs and larvae, or other life-stages will be
maintained. Plant propagation programs and recordkeeping will be
coordinated as appropriate with the CPC.
11. Will, with limited exceptions, be implemented only after a
commitment to funding is secured following approval of final recovery
plans and genetics management plans.
12. Will, prior to releases of propagated individuals, require
development of a controlled propagation/reintroduction plan. This
document may be produced separately or in combination with a recovery
plan. However, the specific elements of the controlled propagation/
reintroduction plan must be clearly identifiable. Controlled
propagation/reintroduction plans will identify measurable objectives
and milestones for the proposed propagation/reintroduction effort. The
controlled propagation/reintroduction plan should be based on
strategies identified in the approved recovery plan, and it is strongly
recommended that it include protocols for health management, disease-
free certification, monitoring and evaluation of genetic, demographic,
life-history, phenotypic, and behavioral characteristics, data
collection, recordkeeping, and reporting. On implementation of
controlled propagation, annual evaluations must be made to assess
project objectives, evaluate progress, and consider new scientific
information and the status of any ongoing habitat conservation efforts.
This annual evaluation will be provided to the Director/Assistant
Administrator by the Regional Director with lead recovery
responsibility.
13. Will be conducted in accordance with the regulations
implementing the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act,
Animal Welfare Act, Lacey Act, Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, and
Departmental and Service procedures relative to the National
Environmental Policy Act.
F. Exceptions
Few exceptions to the above policy guidelines will be considered
and will require specific Regional Director/Assistant Administrator's
approval. The following circumstances have been anticipated and are
considered potential exceptions to the general policy guidelines.
1. In those instances where a listed species has an ephemeral
reproductive stage or very short (1-2 year) life span that necessitates
controlled propagation for the listed species' maintenance in refugia
or for purposes of required research, exceptions may be granted by the
Regional Director/Assistant Administrator.
2. In the absence of an approved recovery plan, and only in cases
of a defensible immediate need, information or recommendations
contained in recovery outlines or draft recovery plans may be used to
identify controlled propagation as a necessary recovery measure for
listed species in critical peril. Under such circumstances initiation
of controlled propagation activities will require Regional Director's/
Assistant Administrator's approval.
3. Programs in which candidate or proposed species are being held
in refugia, used for research, or under controlled propagation and
which are subsequently listed, are granted temporary exception to the
requirements of this policy and activities may be continued at their
present level unless directed otherwise by the Regional Director/
Assistant Administrator. No change in program activities will be made
without approval of the Regional Director/Assistant Administrator and
until such time as the requirements of this policy are met. Conformance
to this policy for candidate and proposed species which become listed
subsequent to the implementation of this policy is required within 12
months following listing.
4. Any additional exceptions for unforeseen circumstances which are
not specifically addressed by this policy will require the approval of
the Director/Assistant Administrator.
G. Cooperators
The Services recognize the need for partnerships with other Federal
agencies, States, Tribes, local governments, and private entities in
the recovery of listed species. In this regard the Services will seek
to develop partnerships with qualified cooperators for the purpose of
propagating listed, proposed, and candidate species (as authorized
under Sections 6 and 2(a)(5) of the Endangered Species Act). Guidance
for this activity is as follows:
1. The Regional Directors/Assistant Administrator will explore
opportunities for accomplishing controlled propagation and any
associated research tasks with other Federal cooperators, FWS/NMFS
facilities, State agencies, Tribes, zoological parks, aquaria,
botanical gardens, academia, and other qualified parties. Cooperators
will be selected on the basis of scientific merits, technical
capability, willingness to adhere to the Services' policies, guidance,
and protocols, and cost-effectiveness (e.g., willingness of non-agency
cooperators to assume or share costs). State and private cooperators
will be required to submit, either independently or in concert with the
appropriate lead agency (FWS or NMFS), a genetics management plan for
new species propagation efforts (as specified in E-5). Likewise, a
controlled propagation/reintroduction plan will also be required of
cooperators as and when appropriate (as specified in E-12).
2. The Regional Director/Assistant Administrator of the appropriate
listed species lead agency will be responsible for assigning staff to
oversee programs conducted by all cooperators to ensure adherence to
necessary protocols and permit conditions and to coordinate annual
reporting requirements.
3. The listed species' lead Region will be responsible for funding
maintenance in refugia, controlled propagation research, and controlled
propagation/reintroduction efforts unless this responsibility is
assumed by a cooperating facility.
4. The Regional Director/Assistant Administrator will be
responsible for ensuring Cooperator's compliance with this policy.
H. Responsibilities
This policy shall be implemented in accordance with the following
guidelines:
1. Regional Directors/Assistant Administrator are responsible for
recovery of listed species for which they have lead. Recovery actions
for which Regional Directors/Assistant Administrator have authority
include establishment of refugia, initiation of necessary research or
technology development, and implementation of controlled propagation
programs and/or propagation research for listed species. When
determining species priority for inclusion in controlled propagation
programs, considerations should include the following:
(a) Whether or not a listed species' recovery plan outline, draft
recovery plan, or final recovery plan, identifies controlled
propagation as an appropriate recovery strategy and what priority this
task is assigned within the overall recovery strategy.
(b) The potential a species' overall recovery program, including
controlled propagation, has to enhance the conservation of other listed
or candidate species.
(c) The availability and willingness of non-agency cooperators to
assume the lead or to contribute to recovery activities including cost
sharing.
(d) Exceptions to the general guidance of this policy may be made
if a critically
[[Page 4720]]
diminished listed species is threatened by imminent extinction or
population extirpation due to temporary or uncontrollable causes, and
therefore, in the Regional Director's/Assistant Administrator's
judgment, warrants partial or total removal from the wild for purposes
of rescue/salvage, the establishment of refugia, initiation of
research, or controlled propagation.
2. In the event that the current recovery plan fails to identify
the establishment of refugia, initiation of propagation research, or
controlled propagation as recovery tasks, the recovery plan will be
updated or revised as appropriate. Recovery plans in preparation will
be amended to reflect the changed status of the listed species and
provide justifications as necessary.
3. Within 6 months of the effective date of this policy, the
responsible Services' Regional Directors/Assistant Administrator will
identify all listed species for which they have the lead recovery
responsibility that are: (1) Being held in refugia; (2) involved in
pre-propagation research; (3) undergoing controlled propagation; and,
(4) if so, at what level and for what recovery purposes (e.g.,
augmentation of extant populations, establishment of new populations).
The status of each species with regard to conformity with this policy
will also be reported to the appropriate Regional and Washington D.C.
offices.
4. Continuation of those programs not in conformity 12 months
following implementation of this policy, shall require Director's/
Assistant Administrator's concurrence. The Regional Director shall
provide his/her recommendation to the Service Director/Assistant
Administrator.
I. Annual Reporting Requirements
Annual reports will be prepared by the responsible Regional
authority and submitted to the Director/Assistant Administrator not
later than October 31. Reports will contain the following information
for each species being maintained in refugia, in pre-propagation
research, and under propagation:
--Recovery priority number;
--Policy criteria that are not met (if any);
--A description of the controlled propagation program, including the
objectives and status;
--List of cooperators;
--Expenditures for the past fiscal year; and,
--Prospects for and obstacles to achieving research, controlled
propagation, or reintroduction objectives.
Both FWS and NMFS agree to exchange programmatic information
regarding controlled propagation of species of mutual interest on
request, and that access to such information will include but not be
limited to, budgetary information if required.
J. Authorities
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended; Marine Mammal
Protection Act of 1972, as amended; Animal Welfare Act; Lacey Act; Fish
and Wildlife Act of 1956; and National Environmental Policy Act.
K. Supersessions
All previously issued documents regarding this subject shall be
revised, as necessary, to be consistent with this policy.
Footnotes:
(1) Determination of biological ``suitability'' may include, but
should not necessarily be limited to, analysis of geomorphological
similarities of habitat, genetic similarity, phenotypic
characteristics, stock histories, habitat use, and other ecological,
biological, and behavioral indicators.
(2) Protocols should identify disposition of individuals that
die during holding, research, or propagation. Specimens can be
valuable sources of tissue for genetic research. Disposition of
remains in biological collections should also be considered.
(3) The Services recognize that reproduction among organisms
maintained in a controlled environment may occur under a variety of
circumstances that may not be necessarily predictable or desirable.
Reproduction of individuals under such circumstances may not be
desirable and culling or disposal of surplus offspring or seeds may
be necessary. Therefore, controlled propagation activities should
not be initiated without the inclusion of these provisions, the
securing of required take permits, and other authorizations as
necessary.
Public Comments Solicited
The Services intend that any final decision on this draft policy on
controlled propagation of listed species be as accurate and as
effective as possible and that it take advantage of information and
recommendations from all interested parties. Therefore, comments and
suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the
scientific community, industry, or any other interested party
concerning this draft policy are hereby solicited.
The final decision on this draft policy will take into
consideration the comments and any additional information received by
the Services, and such communications may lead to a decision that
differs from this draft. The Services' decision will be published for
public information.
Author/Editor: The editors of this draft policy are David
Harrelson of the Fish and Wildlife Service's Division of Endangered
Species, Mail Stop 452 ARLSQ, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, DC
20240 (703/358-2171), and Marta Nammack of the National Marine
Fisheries Service's Protected Species Management Division, 1335
East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 (301/713-2322).
Authority: The authority for this proposed action is the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
Dated: February 1, 1996.
John G. Rogers,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
Dated: February 1, 1996.
Nancy Foster,
Deputy Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries
Service.
[FR Doc. 96-2638 Filed 2-6-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
