Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing Two Freshwater Mussel Genera and One Crayfish Species
Published Date: 1/10/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to stop certain freshwater mussels and a crayfish from invading U.S. waters by banning their import and movement without special permission. This protects native wildlife and ecosystems from harm. People and businesses dealing with these species should know comments are open until March 11, 2025, with no immediate costs but big environmental benefits.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Protects Wildlife, Farming, and Water Infrastructure
The Service proposes the listings to prevent introduction and establishment of these invasive aquatic invertebrates so they do not harm wildlife and wildlife resources, agriculture (including aquaculture), or water infrastructure such as hydropower.
Import and Interstate Shipment Ban
The Service proposes to ban importation into the United States and shipment between the continental U.S., District of Columbia, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories of any live animal, larvae, viable egg, or hybrid of Asian pond mussels (Sinanodonta spp.), golden mussels (Limnoperna spp.), and marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis), except as specifically authorized.
Permits Allowed for Research and Agencies
The proposed listing would still allow importation or shipment of these listed taxa if specifically authorized under permit terms (for zoological, educational, medical, or scientific purposes under 50 CFR 16.22) or for Federal agencies for their own use.
Intrastate Transport and State Authority Preserved
The proposed federal listings would not prohibit transport of these taxa within an individual State, and any State rules about possession, transport, or use within a State would remain the authority of that State.
Final Listing Scope May Vary
The Service may confirm for listing in the final rule one, some, or all of the individual species proposed within the Sinanodonta and Limnoperna genera and the marbled crayfish; the final rule may therefore narrow or confirm the specific taxa listed.
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