[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 52 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-6098]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: March 17, 1994]


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Part VII





Department of the Interior





_______________________________________________________________________



Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 15




Importation of Exotic Wild Birds to the United States; Proposed Rule 
Implementing the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 15

RIN 1018-AC15

 
Importation of Exotic Wild Birds to the United States; Proposed 
Rule Implementing the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: On October 23, 1992, the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 
(WBCA) was signed into law, the purposes of which include promoting the 
conservation of exotic birds by: ensuring that all imports into the 
United States of species of exotic birds are biologically sustainable 
and not detrimental to the species; ensuring that imported birds are 
not subject to inhumane treatment during capture and transport; and 
assisting wild bird conservation and management programs in countries 
of origin. This proposed rule would implement procedures for approval 
of foreign captive-breeding facilities and establishment of an approved 
list of species listed in the Appendices to the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora that 
can be imported.

DATES: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will consider comments 
and information received by April 16,1994 in formulating a final rule, 
except for subpart D, Sec. 15.32, for which the Service will consider 
comments and information received by June 15, 1994 in formulating a 
final rule.

ADDRESSES: Comments and information should be sent to: Director, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street NW., 420 ARLSQ, Washington, DC 
20240.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan S. Lieberman, Office of 
Management Authority, at the above address, telephone (703) 358-2093.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This rule proposes regulations implementing 
aspects of the WBCA, which was signed into law on October 23, 1992. 
This is the second of two notices of proposed rulemaking under the 
WBCA; the first was published in the Federal Register on August 12, 
1993 (58 FR 42926). The first final rulemaking under the WBCA was 
published in the Federal Register on November 16, 1993 (58 FR 60524). 
The WBCA limits or prohibits imports of exotic bird species to ensure 
that their wild populations are not harmed by trade. It also encourages 
wild bird conservation programs in countries of origin by both ensuring 
that all trade in such species involving the United States is 
biologically sustainable and is not detrimental to the species, and by 
creating an Exotic Bird Conservation Fund to provide conservation 
assistance in countries of origin. The final rule of November 16, 1993, 
summarized the effects of the WBCA and proposed procedures for 
obtaining import permits authorized by exemptions in the WBCA.
    An immediate moratorium, effective October 23, 1992, was 
established on the importation of ten species of wild birds of 
particular concern that are listed in appendix II of the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 
(CITES, or Convention), two of which were moved to appendix I at the 
March 1992 CITES meeting. The prohibition on importation of those 
species was announced in the Federal Register of December 4, 1992 (57 
FR 57510).
    During the one-year delay period from October 23, 1992, to October 
22, 1993, there was an import quota on CITES-listed bird species. That 
quota was announced in the Federal Register of December 4, 1992 (57 FR 
57510). A notice published on March 30, 1993 (58 FR 16644), solicited 
public comments and announced a public meeting, held April 15-16, 1993, 
to receive input from the public in the development of regulations to 
implement some of the provisions of the WBCA. Useful input was received 
from a broad cross-section of interested members of the public who 
participated in the meeting and submitted comments in writing; that 
input has been utilized in developing this proposed rule. A notice 
published on April 16, 1993 (58 FR 19840) announced species for which 
the quota had been met and no further individual birds could be 
imported.
    With the publication of the final rule of November 16, 1993, 
imports of all CITES-listed birds (as defined in the final rule) are 
prohibited, except for species included in an approved list, or for 
which an import permit has been issued. The approved list, which will 
include species (by country) and/or specific captive-breeding 
facilities, is proposed herein. The Service also has the emergency 
authority to suspend imports of any CITES-listed bird species at any 
time based on a series of criteria.
    This notice of proposed rulemaking proposes regulations called for 
in the WBCA that will accomplish the following: (1) For wild-caught 
CITES-listed birds to be on an approved list, the Service must 
determine that: CITES is being effectively implemented for the species 
for each country of origin from which imports will be allowed; CITES-
recommended measures are implemented; there is a scientifically based 
management plan for the species that provides for the conservation of 
the species and its habitat, includes incentives for conservation, 
ensures that the use of the species is biologically sustainable and 
maintained throughout its range at a level consistent with its role in 
its ecosystem, and addresses factors that include illegal trade, 
domestic trade, subsistence use, disease, and habitat loss; and that 
the methods of capture, transport, and maintenance of the species 
minimize the risk of injury or damage to health.
    (2) For captive-bred birds to be imported from other countries, in 
order to be listed in an approved list, the Service is required to 
determine either that the species is regularly bred in captivity and no 
wild-caught birds of the species are in trade, or that the species is 
bred in a qualifying facility.
    The Service is also required to review trade in all non-CITES avian 
species, and establish a moratorium on the import of any species, by 
country of origin, if any of a series of findings cannot be made. The 
procedures for such findings will be proposed in a future notice of 
proposed rulemaking.

Section-by-Section Analysis

    In the Federal Register notice of November 16, 1993, the Service 
included the regulations implementing the WBCA in 50 CFR part 15, 
subparts A-F. This proposed rulemaking proposes text for subparts D and 
E only, along with additional definitions for subpart A. A future 
notice of proposed rulemaking will propose regulations for subpart F.

Subpart D--Approved List of Species Listed in the Appendices to the 
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna 
and Flora

Section 15.31  Criteria for Including Species in the Approved List for 
Captive-Bred Species

    Pursuant to Section 106 of the WBCA, the Secretary is required to 
publish a list of species of exotic birds that are listed in an 
appendix to the Convention and that are not subject to a prohibition or 
suspension of importation otherwise applicable under the WBCA. In order 
to list a species as exclusively captive-bred, the Service is required 
to determine that the species is regularly bred in captivity and no 
wild-caught birds of the species are in trade, legally or illegally. 
These captive-bred species can be imported into the United States 
without meeting any additional requirements of the Wild Bird 
Conservation Act or this part 15; however, all of the existing 
requirements in parts 13 and 14, part 17 (species listed as endangered 
or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)), part 21 
(Migratory Bird Treaty Act) and part 23 (species listed in the 
Appendices to the Convention, or CITES) must still be complied with.
    This section establishes the criteria for the approval of the 
importation of captive-bred species. In the House of Representatives 
Committee Report for the WBCA, the Secretary was instructed ``to use 
the standards adopted by the State of New York with respect to 
importation of captive-bred species, and include such species on the 
approved list under this section, as long as the Secretary believes 
that trade based on these standards will not result in harm to species 
in the wild.'' These standards direct the Secretary to include species 
of exotic birds in the approved list if the species is regularly bred 
in captivity and none are taken from the wild for the trade. In order 
to comply with such standards, the Service proposes the following 
criteria for the approval of the importation of foreign captive-bred 
species: (a) All specimens of the species known to be in trade (legal 
or illegal) must be captive-bred; (b) No specimens of the species can 
be known to be removed from the wild for the pet bird market; (c) Any 
importation of specimens of the species must not be detrimental to the 
survival of the species in the wild; and (d) Adequate enforcement 
controls must be in place in countries of export to ensure compliance 
with the aforementioned paragraphs.
    If a species is bred in captivity in large numbers, but individual 
birds of that species are frequently, sometimes, or even rarely taken 
from the wild, or if there are enforcement concerns that illegal trade 
occurs in the species, that species cannot be included as a captive-
bred species. Thus, that species would not be approved as a captive-
bred species. However, individual captive-bred birds may still be 
imported into the United States under one of the following conditions: 
(1) The foreign breeding facility could be approved pursuant to subpart 
E of this part 15; or (2) a permit for an individual import could be 
obtained pursuant to subpart C, if the requirements of that subpart are 
met.

15.32 Criteria for Including Species in the Approved List for Non-
Captive-Bred Species

    Pursuant to Section 106 of the WBCA, the Secretary is required to 
publish a list of species of exotic birds that are listed in an 
Appendix to the Convention and that are not subject to a prohibition or 
suspension of importation otherwise applicable under the WBCA. For non-
captive-bred (i.e., wild-caught) exotic birds to be imported from other 
countries, in order to be listed in an approved list, the Service is 
required by the WBCA to ``use the best scientific information 
available, and to consider the adequacy of regulatory and enforcement 
mechanisms in all countries of origin for the species, including such 
mechanisms for control of illegal trade.'' In developing criteria on 
which to base approval of sustainable use management plans, the Service 
reviewed information available on the sustainable use of exotic birds 
subject to international trade. Beissinger and Bucher (1992) proposed a 
model for sustainable use of parrot species when biological data are 
incomplete (Bioscience Vol. 42, No 3, March, 1992: Can Parrots be 
Conserved through Sustainable Harvesting?); the Service drew upon this 
model in developing the approval criteria for non-captive-bred species.
    The WBCA requires the Service to ``find that the Convention is 
being effectively implemented with respect to that species''. The 
Service believes that it is conceivable, although extremely unlikely, 
that a country which is not a CITES Party might be complying with all 
relevant CITES requirements. However, a country that is not a CITES 
Party can be considered for approval of its sustainable use management 
plan under this rule. The Service does not wish to discourage the 
development of effective sustainable use management plans. The Service 
welcomes comment and input on these qualification requirements, in 
order to ensure that the final rule promotes conservation objectives 
and expands opportunities to implement scientifically-based management 
strategies.
    The WBCA requires the Service to make the finding that the 
Convention is being effectively implemented, by making each of the 
following findings specified in section 106, paragraph (c) of the WBCA, 
each of which the Service has included in Sec. 15.32(b):
    (1) That the country of origin has established a Scientific 
Authority.
    (2) That the requirements of Article IV of the Convention are 
implemented with respect to that species.
    In addition, since the WBCA requires that each country be 
effectively implementing the Convention, the proposed approval criteria 
also require that countries demonstrate implementation of Article VIII 
of the Convention regarding establishment of implementing legislation 
and submission to the Convention's Secretariat of required annual 
reports.
    (3) That remedial measures recommended by the Parties to the 
Convention with respect to that species are implemented. The House of 
Representatives Committee Report for the WBCA states that ``The 
Committee expects that the Secretary will weigh heavily the willingness 
and commitment of an exporting country to implement remedial measures 
in deciding whether to include a species on the list of approved 
species.'' This factor is included in the criteria for approval of 
country management plans.
    (4) ``That a scientifically-based management plan has been 
developed for the species which provides for the conservation of the 
species and its habitat and includes incentives for conservation'' 
(Section 106, paragraph (c)(2)(A) of the WBCA). The proposed approval 
criteria incorporate this consideration in a number of ways, including 
requiring: (a) Information on species conservation status and 
distribution; (b) habitat conservation information, including habitat 
requirements, habitat distribution and protection status, and habitat 
status and trends; and (c) information on population dynamics, 
including population assessments, reproductive success, and evidence of 
how the sustainable use management plan promotes the value of the 
species and its habitats. In the case of habitat information, several 
pieces of information are required, including management plans for 
habitats important to the species. They are only required, however, if 
they are available or applicable. For a species that breeds in the 
country of export, the Service has proposed a requirement of a 
description of nest sites and/or plant communities that are most 
frequently used for placement of nests and, if applicable, nesting 
habits. Nesting habit information may include clutch size, ability to 
renest, nesting season, and known nest competitors/predators.
    (5) ``That a scientifically-based management plan has been 
developed for the species which ensures that the use of the species is 
biologically sustainable and maintained throughout the range of the 
species in the country to which the plan applies at a level that is 
consistent with the role of the species in the ecosystem and is well 
above the level at which the species might become threatened with 
extinction'' (Section 106, paragraph (c)(2)(B) of the WBCA). The 
proposed criteria, in fulfilling this statutory requirement, require 
the following: (a) Information on the population of the species; and 
(b) information on the species' role in its ecosystem, including nest 
requirements and diet. The proposed rule requires information on any 
species or plant community that is dependent on the occurrence of the 
exotic bird species, in order to make the required finding that the 
proposed capture and export are at levels that are consistent with the 
role of the species in its ecosystem. The proposed rule requires recent 
population data of the population of the species in the country of 
export, as derived from indices of relative abundance (such as catch 
per unit effort or call count surveys) or population estimates (if 
available), along with documentation for each estimate. These 
population data or estimates should be based on studies conducted for 
at least three separate years, or data for one year can be provided, 
with a description of survey plans for future years. Population 
assessments should have been conducted during the same season (breeding 
or non-breeding) of each year for which documentation is submitted.
    For long-lived, more ``K-selected'' species of birds (as listed in 
the proposed rule in Sec. 15.32) the Service is proposing to require 
that the management plan (for species that breed in the country of 
export) include information on nesting ecology, and reproductive rates 
or mortality rates. Those species are defined as those not in one of 19 
specified families of birds. The Service is proposing more rigorous 
standards for the sustainable utilization of ``K-selected'' species, 
based on an awareness that their sustainable utilization is very 
difficult, and that they are extremely sensitive to population 
depletion.
    For species included in one of the 19 families of birds specified 
in the proposed rule in Sec. 15.32 (more ``r-selected'' species), the 
Service is proposing that, instead of detailed demographic information, 
the management plan (for species that breed in the country of export) 
need only include an estimation of recent reproductive success. 
Reproductive success may be estimated using pre-breeding and post-
breeding counts, wherever that is appropriate. For all birds, when the 
species occurs in the country of export only during the nonbreeding 
season, the Service proposes to require documentation or a letter from 
the Convention Scientific Authority that the species does not breed 
there.
    The Service has proposed, for the purposes of the WBCA, to define 
sustainable use as ``the use of a species in a manner and at a level 
such that populations of the species are maintained at optimal levels 
for the long term and involves a determination of the productive 
capacity of the species and its ecosystem, in order to ensure that 
utilization does not exceed those capacities or the ability of the 
population to reproduce and maintain itself.'' In order to determine 
that the management plan utilization of the species is sustainable, the 
Service proposes to require evidence of how levels of sustainable use 
were determined, including either (1) adequate long-term trends in 
relative abundance and take levels, or (2) population estimates, 
reproductive success, and estimation of the number exported from the 
country during the past 2 years, and the number of birds removed 
directly from the wild for export, domestic trade, illegal trade, 
subsistence use, and other purposes. The information should include the 
estimated number of birds to be removed from the wild from each area or 
region of take each year for all purposes, including age-class 
information for ``K-selected'' species, and a description of future 
plans to monitor the species in each area of take and to determine 
whether the number of birds taken has been sustainable. Throughout the 
proposed rule, area or region of take refers to the area or region 
within the country of export where birds will be removed from the wild; 
the degree of specificity used will depend on the particular situation 
in the country of export. If the species is abundant throughout its 
range, the region of take could be the entire country; a species that 
is locally abundant but rare elsewhere might have a more restricted 
area of take.
    The Service is aware that the criteria for approval of sustainable 
use management plans proposed herein may appear to be rigorous, and 
although desirable and scientifically valid, they may be difficult for 
many countries. The Service proposes to give particularly positive 
consideration to situations wherein very conservative capture and 
export quotas are implemented prior to being able to obtain all of the 
biological information necessary for a more large-scale management plan 
(in effect, a ``preliminary'' approval). Thus, the more tentative the 
biological information is, the more conservative the capture and export 
quotas are expected to be; the closer the capture quotas are to the 
reproductive capacity of the species, the biological information is 
expected to be more rigorous.
    (6) ``That a scientifically-based management plan has been 
developed for the species which addresses factors relevant to the 
conservation of the species, including illegal trade, domestic trade, 
subsistence use, disease, and habitat loss'' (Section 106, paragraph 
(c)(2)(C) of the WBCA). The proposed criteria, in fulfilling this 
statutory requirement, require the following information: estimation of 
annual mortality or loss, including natural mortality and take for 
subsistence use, export trade, and domestic trade (in each area or 
region of take); and the estimated number of birds that will be removed 
from the wild from each area or region of take each year for all 
purposes (export trade, domestic trade, illegal trade, and subsistence 
use), including information on the regulation of these factors within 
the country. When applicable, information on age-classes removed from 
the wild should be included. As in the previous paragraph, the Service 
will give particularly positive consideration to situations wherein 
very conservative capture and export quotas are implemented prior to 
being able to obtain all of the biological information necessary for a 
more large-scale management plan (a sort of ``preliminary'' approval).
    (7) That the management plan is implemented and enforced (Section 
106, paragraph (c)(3) of the WBCA). The proposed criteria incorporate 
this finding in a number of ways, including requiring: (a) 
Certification from the country of export's Management Authority that 
the country has the legal means necessary to ensure enforcement of and 
compliance with the requirements of the management plan and to ensure 
that the number of birds removed from the wild or exported will be 
consistent with the management plan; (b) an explanation of 
infrastructure and law enforcement and monitoring mechanisms that will 
ensure compliance with methodology in the management plan; and (c) 
evidence of implementing legislation. The Service expects in this 
context not just a copy of a country's implementing legislation, but a 
summary of how that legislation and the management plan is or will be 
put into practice. Information provided could be varied, but might 
include how a country's wildlife department is organized, how the 
wildlife department will monitor implementation and enforcement of the 
management plan, and evidence of prior enforcement actions.
    (8) That the methods of capture, transport, and maintenance of the 
species minimize the risk of injury or damage to health, including 
inhumane treatment (Section 106, paragraph (c)(4) of the WBCA). The 
proposed criteria incorporate this required finding in a number of 
ways, including requiring: (a) a description of the process of removing 
birds from the wild, including locations, time of year of removal, 
capture methods, means of transport, and pre-export conditioning; and 
(b) a description of the shipping methods and enclosures proposed to be 
used to transport the exotic birds, including but not limited to 
feeding and care during transport, and shipping densities. Since there 
is evidence that for some species and, in some cases, consignment size 
may increase the risk of mortality in transport, the Service has also 
proposed that estimated consignment sizes be included with the 
management plan. Although the proposed rule does not establish a 
maximum consignment size, the Service will take this factor into 
consideration in making the required finding. Consignment size in this 
context refers to the number of birds in a single shipment exported 
from the country of export.
    The WBCA also requires that the Service ``consider the adequacy of 
regulatory and enforcement mechanisms in all countries of origin for 
the species, including such mechanisms for control of illegal trade'' 
(WBCA Sec. 106(a)(3)). Therefore, in the approval criteria, for species 
with a multi-national distribution, the Service proposes to make the 
following determinations (the information needed may need to come from 
sources other than the country requesting approval of its management 
plan): (a) whether populations of the species in other countries in 
which it occurs will be detrimentally affected by exports of the 
species from the country requesting approval (this information could be 
obtained from those governments and/or from other sources, and could 
include communication from the Scientific Authorities of other range 
states); (b) whether factors affecting conservation of the species, 
including export from other countries, illegal trade, domestic use, or 
subsistence use are regulated throughout the range of the species so 
that recruitment and/or breeding stocks of the species are not 
detrimentally affected by the proposed export; (c) whether the proposed 
take and export from the requesting country include enough demographic 
information to ensure they will not detrimentally affect breeding 
populations; and (d) whether the proposed take and export will not 
detrimentally affect any existing enhancement activities or 
conservation programs throughout the species' range.
    The approved non-captive-bred (i.e., wild-caught) species can be 
imported into the United States without meeting any additional 
requirements of the WBCA or this part 15; however, all of the existing 
requirements in parts 13 and 14, part 17, part 21, and part 23 must be 
complied with. Upon receipt of a completed sustainable use management 
plan for a country of export, the Director will publish a Notice in the 
Federal Register for public comment. Approval of species will be 
granted in accordance with the criteria proposed in Sec. 15.32.
    The Service proposes to consider only sustainable use management 
plans for appendix II species and appendix III species from the country 
for which they are listed, since trade for primarily commercial 
purposes is not permitted under the Convention for appendix I species. 
If specimens of an appendix I species are required for zoological, 
scientific, or breeding purposes, individuals desiring such import may 
apply for a permit under Subpart C of this Part 15.

Section 15.33  Species Included in the Approved List

    (a) Captive-bred species. In order to establish a proposed list of 
approved captive-bred species, based on the criteria in proposed 
Section 15.31, the Service used the best information available, 
including import records of captive-bred species, law enforcement and 
intelligence data on the commercial trade in captive-bred species, and 
law enforcement and intelligence information on the illegal trade in 
exotic bird species. The proposed list of approved species includes 37 
captive-bred exotic bird species that can be imported from any other 
country, with export permits required by CITES, other federal laws, and 
the exporting country. In addition, the Service has proposed to include 
in the approved list of captive-bred species several exotic bird 
species that are not listed in an appendix to the Convention but are 
regularly bred in captivity and are not taken from the wild. Although 
these species are not listed in an Appendix and thus are not presently 
prohibited under the WBCA, these species are included in the list for 
the convenience of the public. To ensure that there is no confusion, 
even if the species or higher taxon to which it belongs were 
subsequently listed in the Appendices to the Convention, the Service 
would still consider it to be an approved captive-bred species pursuant 
to this subpart D.
    As established in the WBCA, the Service will periodically review 
the list of species that meet the approval criteria for the importation 
of captive-bred species. Any changes to this approved list will be 
proposed in the Federal Register for public comment. The Service is 
interested in receiving the comments, including documentation, of any 
interested individuals or organizations with information on the 
captive-bred status of any of the species in the list proposed in this 
subsection, or of any other exotic bird species that meet the criteria 
in Sec. 15.31 for inclusion in this list.
    (b) Non-captive-bred species. No species can be proposed for 
approval under this paragraph until the proposed regulations in Section 
15.32 are finalized, and a completed sustainable use management plan 
for a country of export for that species has been received by the 
Director. Upon granting approval in accordance with the issuance 
criteria of this section, approved species and countries of export 
would be listed in this paragraph.

Subpart E--Qualifying Foreign Facilities Breeding Exotic Birds in 
Captivity

Section 15.41  General Application Procedures

    Pursuant to Section 107 of the WBCA, any person may submit a 
petition to the Director to determine whether a foreign exotic bird 
breeding facility shall be designated as a qualifying facility. If a 
foreign facility is approved as a qualifying facility, species of 
exotic birds for which the facility is approved can be imported into 
the United States from that facility without import permits issued 
pursuant to subpart C of this part 15. In all cases, any additional 
requirements in 50 CFR parts 13, 14, 17, 21, and 23 must also be met. 
Applications for approval shall be submitted to the Service's Office of 
Management Authority. A separate application must be submitted for each 
species for which approval is requested.
    Applications must contain information as required in paragraph (c) 
of this section, in order to make a series of findings required by the 
WBCA. The Service notes that the fundamental purposes of these findings 
is to ensure that the birds exported from these facilities are indeed 
bred in captivity, no illegal trade is involved, and wild populations 
are not harmed by either the breeding program or export from these 
facilities. The information required includes but is not limited to the 
following: (1) Certification from the Management Authority of the 
country in which the facility is located that the facility is capable 
of breeding the species in the numbers to be traded, without detriment 
to the wild population of the species; (2) A summary of the 
legislation, and regulations where appropriate, implementing the 
Convention in the country in which the facility is located; (3) A 
detailed statement of the facility's capability of breeding the species 
in captivity in the numbers desired, including breeding methods, 
experience, and production levels; (4) A detailed statement 
demonstrating that the facility is operated in a manner not detrimental 
to the survival of the species, including details on the establishment 
of the parental stock; (5) A statement of any anticipated need for 
augmentation of breeding stock from other sources; (6) A detailed 
statement demonstrating that the facility is operated in a humane and 
healthful manner; (7) A description of the care and maintenance 
practices of the facility, including mortality and disease records and 
husbandry, veterinary, and hygienic practices; (8) A statement that all 
birds to be exported from the facility will be marked with closed leg 
bands or an electronic marking system; and (9) Details on the system of 
recordkeeping and tracking of birds and their progeny hatched at the 
facility would be required.

Section 15.42  Approval Criteria and Conditions

    This section would establish the criteria for approval of foreign 
captive-breeding facilities by the Director, and approval conditions 
and duration. The approval conditions would include: (1) Whether the 
facility is located in a country that is Party to the Convention and is 
implementing the requirements of the Convention, including designation 
of functioning Scientific and Management Authorities, submission of 
annual reports, and establishment of implementing legislation; (2) 
Whether the facility is capable of producing captive-bred birds in the 
numbers to be exported; (3) Whether the parental breeding stock was 
acquired from legally obtained, exported, and/or imported birds; (4) 
Whether the facility is operated in a manner not detrimental to the 
survival of the species in the wild; (5) Whether adequate enforcement 
controls are in place; (6) Whether the breeding protocol of the 
facility is adequate; (7) Whether the facility is operated in a humane 
and healthful manner; (8) Whether the facility will provide for proper 
and healthful care and maintenance of the birds; and (9) Whether all 
birds are identifiable through closed leg bands or electronic marking. 
The Service welcomes comments on these criteria, including those 
related to the applicability of relevant international law.
    The approval conditions established in this section require the 
submission of an annual report to the Service containing production and 
mortality records, including hatching records, numbers of birds 
exported, and their identification numbers. As established in the WBCA, 
approvals are to be effective for three years, provided that the 
facility continues to meet the requirements and approval conditions. 
Each application submitted for approval is proposed to be published in 
the Federal Register for public comment, and the Service will 
periodically publish in the Federal Register a list of all approved 
foreign breeding facilities and the effective dates of their approval.

Public Comments Solicited

    The Service intends that any final action resulting from this 
proposal will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, 
any comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned 
governmental agencies, the scientific or conservation communities, 
trade organizations, or any other interested party concerning any 
aspect of this proposal are hereby solicited.

Effects of the Rule

    The Service has determined that this proposed rule is categorically 
excluded under Departmental procedures in complying with the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). See 516 DM [Departmental Manual] 2, 
appendix 1 Paragraph 1.10. The proposed regulations are procedural in 
nature, and the environmental effects while crafted to carry out the 
benign purposes of the WBCA, are judged to be minimal, speculative, and 
do not lend themselves to meaningful analysis. Future regulations 
implementing the WBCA may be subject to NEPA documentation 
requirements, on a case-by-case basis.

Executive Orders 12866, 12612, and 12630 and the Regulatory Flexibility 
Act

    This rule has been reviewed under Executive Order 12866. This 
action is not expected to have significant taking implications for U.S. 
citizens, as per Executive Order No. 12630. It has also been certified 
that these revisions will not have a significant economic effect on a 
substantial number of small entities as described by the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act. Since the rule applies to importation of live wild 
birds into the United States, it does not contain any Federalism 
impacts as described in Executive Order 12612.

Paperwork Reduction

    This proposed rule does not contain information collection 
requirements for persons subject to the jurisdiction of the United 
States that require approval by the Office of Management and Budget 
under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.

Author

    The primary authors of this proposed rule are Dr. Susan S. 
Lieberman, Office of Management Authority, and Dr. Rosemarie Gnam, 
Division of Law Enforcement, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Washington, D.C. 20240 (703/358-2093).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 15

    Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation 
and Wildlife.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

PART 15--[AMENDED] EXOTIC WILD BIRD CONSERVATION

    Accordingly, 50 CFR part 15 is proposed to be amended as follows:
    1. The authority citation for part 15 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Pub. L. 102-440, 16 U.S.C. 4901-4916.

    2. Amend part 15 subpart A Sec. 15.3 by adding the following 
definitions, in alphabetical order:


Sec. 15.3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Documentation means a description of how information was collected, 
including the methodologies used; names and institutions of individuals 
conducting the work; dates and locations of any study; and any 
published results or reports from the work.
* * * * *
    Life cycle means the annual processes involved with breeding, 
migration, and all other non-breeding activities.
* * * * *
    Status means a qualitative measure of the vulnerability to 
extinction or extirpation of a population at a given time (e.g., 
endangered, threatened, vulnerable, not threatened, non-threatened or 
insufficiently known).
    Sustainable use means the use of a species in a manner and at a 
level such that populations of the species are maintained at optimal 
levels for the long term and involves a determination of the productive 
capacity of the species and its ecosystem, in order to ensure that 
utilization does not exceed those capacities or the ability of the 
population to reproduce and maintain itself.
    Trend means a long-term projection of any change in the size of a 
species' population or habitat over time (e.g., increasing, decreasing, 
equilibrium, insufficiently known).
* * * * *
    3. Subpart D is revised to read as follows:
Subpart D--Approved List of Species Listed in the Appendices to the 
Convention
15.31  Criteria for including species in the approved list for 
captive-bred species
15.32  Criteria for including species in the approved list for non-
captive-bred species.
15.33  Species included in the approved list.


Sec. 15.31  Criteria for including species in the approved list for 
captive-bred species.

    The Director will periodically review the list of captive-bred 
exotic bird species in Sec. 15.33(a), for which importation into the 
United States is approved. Any exotic bird species listed in paragraph 
15.33(a) pursuant to this section must meet all of the following 
criteria:
    (a) All specimens of the species known to be in trade (legal or 
illegal) are captive-bred;
    (b) No specimens of the species are known to be removed from the 
wild for the pet bird market;
    (c) Any importation of specimens of the species would not be 
detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild; and
    (d) Adequate enforcement controls are in place in countries of 
export to ensure compliance with paragraphs (a) through (c) of this 
section.


Sec. 15.32  Criteria for including species in the approved list for 
non-captive-bred species.

    Upon receipt of a completed sustainable use management plan for a 
country of export, the Director may approve a species listed in 
Appendices II or III of the Convention for importation from that 
country. Such approval shall be granted in accordance with the issuance 
criteria of this section. All approved species and countries of export 
will be listed in section 15.33.
    (a) Requirements for scientifically-based sustainable use 
management plans. Sustainable use management plans developed by the 
country of export shall include the following information, and any 
other information that may be appropriate:
    (1) Background information, including the following:
    (i) The scientific and common name of the species;
    (ii) Letters from the country of export's Management and Scientific 
Authorities transmitting the management plan of this species;
    (iii) A summary of the country of export's legislation related to 
this species and legislation implementing the Convention, and, where 
appropriate, a summary of implementing regulations;
    (iv) A summary, from the country of export's Management Authority, 
of the country's infrastructure and law enforcement and monitoring 
mechanisms designed to ensure both enforcement of and compliance with 
the requirements of the management plan, and that the number of birds 
removed from the wild or exported will be consistent with the 
management plan;
    (v) Recent information on the distribution of the species within 
the country of export, including scientific references and maps, and 
historical information on distributions, if relevant; and
    (vi) The species' status and its current population trend in the 
country of export, including scientific references.
    (2) Habitat information, including:
    (i) A general description of habitats used by the species for each 
portion of the life cycle completed within the country of export;
    (ii) Recent information on the size and distribution of these 
habitats throughout the country of export and in each area or region of 
take, including scientific references and maps. The approximate 
location of any reserves that provide protection for this species 
should be indicated on the accompanying map(s);
    (iii) Status and trends of the important habitats used by the 
species in the country of export as a whole and within each area or 
region of take, whenever available, including scientific references;
    (iv) Factors, including management activities, favoring or 
threatening the species' habitat in the foreseeable future throughout 
the country of export and within each area or region of take, whenever 
available, including scientific references; and
    (v) A list of management plans that have been or are being planned, 
developed, or implemented for the species' important habitats, if any.
    (3) Information on the role of the species in its ecosystem, 
including:
    (i) A description of the part(s) of the species' life cycle 
completed within the country of export;
    (ii) For a species that breeds in the country of export, a 
description of nest sites and/or plant communities that are most 
frequently used for placement of nests and, if applicable, nesting 
habits;
    (iii) A general description of the species' diet, where the species 
forages (aerial feeder, tree canopy, tree trunk, midstory, understory, 
open water or other), and seasonal changes in foraging habits, 
including, when available, scientific references; and
    (iv) Information on any species or plant community which is 
dependent on the occurrence of the exotic bird species.
    (4) Population dynamics of the species, including:
    (i) Recent population data of the population of the species in the 
country of export, as derived from indices of relative abundance or 
population estimates, along with documentation for each estimate;
    (ii) Within each area or region of take, documentation for recent 
population data or estimates, conducted for at least three separate 
years or one year with a description of survey plans for future years. 
These population assessments should have been conducted during the same 
season (breeding or non-breeding) of each year for which documentation 
is submitted;
    (iii) If a species belongs to the avian families Columbidae, 
Fringillidae, Ploceidae, Estrildidae, Sturnidae, Tinamidae, 
Podicepedidae, Burhinidae, Scolopacidae, Tyrannidae, Pittidae, 
Emberizidae, Zosteropidae, Vireonidae, Atrichornithidae, Sylviidae, 
Oriolidae, Meliphagidae, or Icteridae, the management plan shall 
include the following information:
    (A) For a species that does not breed in the country of export, 
documentation or a letter from the Convention Scientific Authority that 
the species occurs in the country of export only during the nonbreeding 
season; and
    (B) For a species that breeds in the country of export, estimation 
(with documentation) of recent reproductive success. Where 
apppropriate, this assessment could include number of young produced 
per egg-laying female per year, or pre-breeding and post-breeding 
surveys conducted within the same annual cycle; and
    (C) Estimation (with documentation) of annual mortality or loss 
including natural mortality and take for subsistence use, export trade, 
and domestic trade in each area of take; or
    (D) In lieu of paragraphs (a)(4)(iii) (A) and (C) of this section, 
documentation of long-term population and offtake trends based on 
indices of relative abundance, and measures of offtake and description 
of any long-term changes in other mortality factors (including 
subsistence use, domestic trade, and capture or transport mortalities).
    (iv) If a species belongs to an avian family other than those 
listed in paragraph (a)(4)(iii) of this section, the management plan 
shall include the following information:
    (A) For a species that does not breed in the country of export, 
certification by the Scientific Authority of that country that the 
species occurs in the country of export only during the nonbreeding 
season;
    (B) For a species that breeds in the country of export, scientific 
assessment (with documentation) of the nesting ecology of the species. 
Such an assessment may include the availability of active nest sites 
and the number of females or pairs that successfully produce young per 
year in each area or region of take; and
    (C) For a species that breeds in the country of export, estimation 
(with documentation) of recent reproductive rates (number of young 
produced per egg-laying female or pair per year) or mortality rates; 
and
    (v) Estimation (with documentation) of annual mortality or loss, 
including natural mortality and take for subsistence use, export trade, 
and domestic trade in each area of take.
    (5) Determination of biologically sustainable use:
    (i) Estimation of the number exported from the country during the 
past 2 years, and the number of birds removed from the wild for export, 
domestic trade, illegal trade, subsistence use, and other purposes 
(specify) for the country of export during the past 2 years;
    (ii) The estimated number of birds that will be removed from the 
wild from each area of take each year for all purposes (export trade, 
domestic trade, illegal trade, and subsistence use), including a 
description of age-classes (nestlings, fledglings, sub-adults, adults, 
all classes), when applicable;
    (iii) For the projected take addressed in the management plan, a 
description of the removal process, including, but not limited to, 
locations, time of year, capture methods, means of transport, and pre-
export conditioning;
    (iv) Documentation of how each level of take was determined;
    (v) Explanation of infrastructure and law enforcement and 
monitoring mechanisms that ensure compliance with the methodology in 
the management plan and that the species will be removed at a level 
that ensures sustainable use; and
    (vi) Description of future plans to monitor the species in each 
area or region of take and to determine whether the number of birds 
taken has been sustainable.
    (6) A description of incentives for conservation, including a 
description of how the sustainable use management plan promotes the 
value of the species and its habitats by means of environmental 
education, cooperative efforts or projects, development of cooperative 
management units, and/or activities involving local communities.
    (7) Additional factors:
    (i) Description of any captive-propagation programs (private and 
governmental) for the species carried out in the country of export;
    (ii) Description of any existing enhancement activities developed 
for the species, including, but not limited to, annual banding 
programs, nest watching/guarding, and nest improvement; and
    (iii) Description, including photographs or diagrams, of the 
shipping methods and enclosures proposed to be used to transport the 
exotic birds, including but not limited to feeding and care during 
transport, densities of birds in shipping enclosures, and estimated 
consignment sizes.
    (b) Approval criteria. Upon receiving a sustainable use management 
plan in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, the Director 
will decide whether or not an exotic bird species should be listed as 
an approved species for importation from the country of export, under 
Sec. 15.33. In making this decision, the Director shall consider in 
addition to the general criteria in part 13 of this subchapter, all of 
the following factors for the species:
    (1) Whether the country of export is effectively implementing the 
Convention, particularly with respect to:
    (i) establishment of a functioning Scientific Authority;
    (ii) the requirements of Article IV of the Convention;
    (iii) remedial measures recommended by the Parties to the 
Convention with respect to the species, including recommendations of 
permanent committees of the Convention; and
    (iv) Article VIII of the Convention, including but not limited to 
establishment of legislation and infrastructure necessary to enforce 
the Convention, and submission of annual reports to the Convention's 
Secretariat;
    (2) Whether the country of export has developed a scientifically 
based management plan for the species that:
    (i) provides for the conservation of the species and its 
habitat(s);
    (ii) includes incentives for conservation;
    (iii) is adequately implemented and enforced;
    (iv) ensures that the use of the species is:
    (A) sustainable;
    (B) maintained throughout its range at a level that is consistent 
with the species' role in its ecosystem; and
    (C) is well above the level at which the species might become 
threatened;
    (v) addresses illegal trade, domestic trade, subsistence use, 
disease, and habitat loss; and
    (vi) ensures that the methods of capture, transport, and 
maintenance of the species minimize the risk of injury, damage to 
health, or inhumane treatment; and
    (3) If the species has a multi-national distribution:
    (i) Whether populations of the species in other countries in which 
it occurs will not be detrimentally affected by exports of the species 
from the country requesting approval;
    (ii) Whether factors affecting conservation of the species, 
including export from other countries, illegal trade, domestic use, or 
subsistence use are regulated throughout the range of the species so 
that recruitment and/or breeding stocks of the species will not be 
detrimentally affected by the proposed export;
    (iii) If the species does not breed in the country of export, 
whether the projected take and export will not detrimentally affect 
breeding populations; and
    (iv) Whether the projected take and export will not detrimentally 
affect existing enhancement activities, conservation programs, or 
enforcement efforts throughout the species' range.
    (c) Publication in the Federal Register; The Director shall publish 
notice in the Federal Register of each complete sustainable use 
management plan under paragraph (a) of this section. Each notice shall 
invite the submission from interested parties of written data, views, 
or arguments with respect to the proposed approval.
    (d) Duration of approval. A species and country of export listed in 
Sec. 15.33 as approved shall be approved for three years, at which time 
renewal of approval shall be considered by the Service.


Sec. 15.33  Species included in the approved list.

    (a) Captive-bred species. The list in this paragraph includes 
species of captive-bred exotic birds for which importation into the 
United States is not prohibited by Sec. 15.11. The species are grouped 
taxonomically by order. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Species                            Common name            
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Order Columbiformes:                                                    
  Columba livia....................  Rock dove.                         
Order Psittaciformes:                                                   
  Agapornis roseicollis............  Peach-faced lovebird.              
  Barnardius barnardi..............  Mallee Ringneck parrot.            
  Barnardius zonarius..............  Port Lincoln parrot.               
  Lathamus discolor.                 Swift parrot.                      
  Melopsittacus undulatus..........  Budgerigar.                        
  Neophema bourkii.                  Bourke's parrot.                   
  Neophema pulchella...............  Turquoise parrot.                  
  Neophema splendida...............  Scarlet-chested parrot.            
  Nymphicus hollandicus............  Cockatiel.                         
  Platycercus adelaide.............  Adelaide rosella.                  
  Platycercus adscitus.............  Pale-headed rosella.               
  Platycercus caledonicus..........  Green rosella.                     
  Platycercus elegans..............  Crimson rosella.                   
  Platycercus eximius..............  Eastern rosella.                   
  Platycercus flaveolus............  Yellow rosella.                    
  Polytelis alexandrae.............  Princess parrot.                   
  Polytelis anthopeplus............  Regent parrot.                     
  Polytelis swainsonii.............  Superb parrot.                     
  Psephotus haematogaster..........  Blue-bonnet parakeet.              
  Psephotus haematonotus...........  Red-rumped parakeet.               
  Psephotus varius.................  Mulga parakeet.                    
  Psittacula cyanocephala..........  Plum-headed parakeet.              
  Purpureicephalus spurius.........  Red-capped parrot.                 
Order Passeriformes:.                                                   
  Chloebia gouldiae................  Gouldian finch.                    
  Emblema picta....................  Painted finch.                     
  Lonchura castaneothorax..........  Chestnut-breasted finch.           
  Lonchura domestica...............  Society (=Bengalese) finch.        
  Lonchura pectoralis..............  Pictorella finch.                  
  Neochmia ruficauda...............  Star finch.                        
  Poephila acuticauda..............  Long-tailed grassfinch.            
  Poephila bichenovii..............  Double-barred finch.               
  Poephila cincta..................  Parson finch.                      
  Poephila guttata.................  Zebra finch.                       
  Poephila personata...............  Masked finch.                      
  Serinus canaria..................  Common Canary.                     
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (b) Non-captive-bred species. The list in this paragraph includes 
species of non-captive-bred exotic birds and countries for which 
importation into the United States is not prohibited by Sec. 15.11. The 
species are grouped taxonomically by order, and may only be imported 
from the approved country, except as provided under a permit issued 
pursuant to subpart C of this part. 

                                                                        
     Species          Common name         Country        Date approved  
                                                                        

(To be determined at a later date)

    4. Subpart E is revised to read as follows:

15.41  General application procedures.
15.42  Approval criteria and conditions.

Subpart E--Qualifying facilities breeding exotic birds in captivity


Sec. 15.41  General application procedures.

    (a) Any person may petition the Director to determine whether a 
foreign exotic bird breeding facility may be designated as a qualifying 
facility. The Director may approve foreign breeding facilities to 
import exotic birds otherwise prohibited by Sec. 15.11, in accordance 
with the approval criteria of this subpart. Approved species from 
qualifying facilities do not require permits issued under this part 15 
and are not limited as to the number of birds that can be imported, for 
purposes of the WBCA.
    (b) Applications for approval of foreign breeding facilities under 
this subpart shall be submitted to the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Office of Management Authority, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, 
Arlington, Virginia 22203. Each application must be submitted on an 
official application (Form 3-200) provided by the Service and must 
contain all of the information specified in this section. The 
sufficiency of the application shall be determined by the Director in 
accordance with the requirements of this part. A separate petition must 
be submitted for each species for which the approval is requested.
    (c) Upon receipt of a complete application, the Director may 
approve foreign breeding facilities, which will allow individuals to 
import exotic bird species otherwise prohibited by section 15.11, if 
they are captive-bred in the facility. Each application shall provide 
the following information and any such other information that the 
Director may require:
    (1) A description of the exotic bird species to be imported, 
including the common and scientific name of the species;
    (2) The name and address of the foreign breeding facility, and a 
statement of the reasons supporting approval;
    (3) Certification in writing from the Management Authority of the 
country in which the facility is located that the facility has the 
capability of breeding the species in captivity in the numbers to be 
traded without detriment to the wild population, and that the operator 
of the facility has not been convicted of any violations of the 
country's laws governing trade and export of avian species;
    (4) A summary of the legislation implementing the Convention in the 
country in which the facility is located;
    (5) A statement of the facility's capability of producing captive-
bred birds of the species and in the numbers they wish to export to the 
United States, including:
    (i) Relevant experience of persons involved in the operation of the 
facility;
    (ii) Current stock of the facility, including total number, ages, 
sexes, and numbers of breeding pairs;
    (iii) Production levels that have been achieved at the facility, at 
least for the past two complete calendar years, including numbers of 
eggs produced, chicks hatched, and chicks reared to independence;
    (iv) Anticipated future production;
    (v) A breeding protocol, including a genetic management plan and a 
description of breeding methods. Breeding methods shall include whether 
breeding is continuous or seasonal (including descriptions of 
photoperiod manipulations used to stimulate or control breeding, if 
any) and whether breeding birds are induced to produce multiple 
clutches by the removal of eggs for artificial incubation; and
    (vi) Descriptions of incubation and rearing methods, as well as any 
other methods used to enhance production, including artificial 
insemination when applicable;
    (6) A statement demonstrating that the facility is operated in a 
manner that is not detrimental to the survival of the species in the 
wild, including:
    (i) The number and origin of original breeding stock (founders);
    (ii) A statement from the Scientific Authority of the country in 
which the facility is located attesting that the parental stock was 
established in a manner that was not detrimental to the survival of the 
species in the wild;
    (iii) If any parental breeding stock was wild-caught, a statement 
as to the country of origin, date of acquisition, and certification by 
the Management Authority in the country in which the facility is 
located that the parental breeding stock was legally acquired; and
    (iv) Certification from the Management Authority in the country in 
which the facility is located that adequate controls, including 
inspections, are in place to prevent the use of the facility for the 
export of wild-caught stock;
    (7) A statement of any anticipated need for augmentation of 
breeding stock with specimens from other sources; if augmentation is to 
be from the wild, an explanation as to why the removal of additional 
specimens from the wild shall be included. This explanation must 
address whether other captive-bred stock is available and describe 
breeding strategies employed at the facility to avoid deleterious 
inbreeding so that the need for augmentation from the wild is 
minimized;
    (8) A statement describing the facility and demonstrating that it 
is operated in a humane and healthful manner, including:
    (i) Diagrams or photographs of the facility;
    (ii) Descriptions of enclosures, including dimensions, construction 
materials, substrates, availability of water, lighting, ventilation, 
the need for supplemental heat or cooling and how these are provided, 
and shading (for outdoor enclosures);
    (iii) Densities of birds in enclosures;
    (iv) Internal features of enclosures, including perches, nest 
boxes, and plantings; and
    (v) A description of any facility features designed to satisfy 
unique requirements of the particular species;
    (9) A description of the care and maintenance practices of the 
facility, including:
    (i) Husbandry practices, feeding regimes (number of feedings per 
day), and diet;
    (ii) Hygienic practices, including methods and frequency of 
cleaning and disinfection of equipment and facilities;
    (iii) A statement as to the availability of routine professional 
veterinary care, including annual flock inspection or examination, and 
medication/vaccination schedules;
    (iv) Records of mortality and disease outbreaks for both adults and 
chicks for at least the past two years. Episodes of high mortality or 
disease should be explained, and measures taken to prevent similar 
mortality or disease outbreaks in the future should be described; and
    (v) Qualifications and experience of the personnel who will be 
responsible for the care of the exotic birds;
    (10) A statement that all birds exported or to be exported from the 
facility are bred at the facility and are marked with closed leg bands 
or an electronic marking system;
    (11) Details on the system of recordkeeping and tracking of birds 
and their progeny hatched at the facility, including:
    (i) Documentation that the facility maintains records of hatch 
dates and band numbers of all birds produced at the facility;
    (ii) Documentation that the facility maintains records of all birds 
traded from the facility, including both within the country in which 
the facility is located and internationally; and
    (iii) Copies of these production and trade data shall be included 
with the application for the past two calendar years; and
    (12) A statement documenting that adequate enforcement controls are 
in place in the country and at the facility to prevent the use of the 
facility for the export or re-export of wild-caught stock, including a 
statement on security at the facility and any prior losses due to 
theft.


Sec. 15.42  Approval criteria and conditions.

    (a) Approval criteria. Upon receiving an application completed in 
accordance with Sec. 15.41 of this subpart, the Director will decide 
whether or not a breeding facility should be approved. In making this 
decision, the Director shall consider, in addition to the general 
criteria in part 13 of this subchapter, the following factors:
    (1) The facility is located in a country that is:
    (i) a Party to the Convention;
    (ii) has domestic legislation that adequately implements the 
Convention;
    (iii) has designated functioning Management and Scientific 
Authorities; and
    (iv) is current in providing annual reports to the Convention 
Secretariat;
    (2) The facility has demonstrated the capability of producing 
captive-bred birds of the species in the numbers to be imported into 
the United States from that facility;
    (3) The facility is operated in a manner that is not detrimental to 
the survival of the species in the wild;
    (4) The parental breeding stock was acquired from birds that were 
legally obtained, exported, and/or imported;
    (5) Adequate enforcement controls are in place to prevent the use 
of the facility for the export or re-export of wild-caught stock;
    (6) The breeding protocol of the facility is adequate to avoid 
deleterious inbreeding so that the need for augmentation from the wild 
is eliminated or minimized;
    (7) The facility is operated in a humane and healthful manner;
    (8) The facility has the expertise or other resources necessary for 
proper and healthful care and maintenance of the exotic birds, and the 
facility is operated according to professionally recognized standards; 
and
    (9) All birds that are to be exported from the facility are bred at 
that facility, and are identifiable through either closed leg bands or 
electronic marking, and records kept are adequate to ensure 
identification, parentage, and disposition of individual birds.
    (b) Approval conditions. In addition to the general conditions set 
forth in part 13 of this subchapter, qualifying facilities must submit 
a report to the Service within 12 months of approval, and annually 
thereafter. These reports shall contain production and mortality 
records of the facility, including hatching and banding records, and 
the numbers of birds exported to the United States during the reporting 
period and the numbers by which the birds were identified. All 
approvals shall be subject to other conditions as the Director may deem 
appropriate.
    (c) Duration of approval. Approvals of foreign breeding facilities 
shall be effective for three years from the time a determination is 
made, provided that:
    (1) The facility continues to meet the requirements of a qualifying 
facility for the entire time;
    (2) The facility submits an annual report in order to remain 
designated as a qualifying facility; and
    (3) If the Director finds that a facility no longer meets these 
requirements, its designation as a qualifying facility shall be 
terminated. A notice will be published in the Federal Register 
containing the date that the approval is terminated and the reason for 
the termination.
    (d) Publication in the Federal Register. The Director shall publish 
a notice in the Federal Register of each application submitted for 
approval under this subpart. Each notice shall invite the submission of 
written data, views, or arguments with respect to the application from 
all interested parties. The Director shall publish notice periodically 
in the Federal Register listing the approved foreign breeding 
facilities and the effective dates of their approval.

    Dated: October 19, 1993.
Bruce Blanchard,
Director.
[FR Doc. 94-6098 Filed 3-16-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P