Attention and Action Needed on US Bill H.R. 669
Urgent Attention and Action Needed on US Bill H.R. 669
The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act (HR 669) has been written and presented with the intent of becoming law. The provisions of the bill would broadly and adversely affect nearly all pet owners and the pet industry.
The self-description of HR 669 is, "To prevent the introduction and establishment of nonnative wildlife species that negatively impact the economy, environment, or other animal species' or human health, and for other purposes." The stated purpose of the bill is good. Introductions of nonnative invasive species are an ongoing problem throughout the world. In some cases, the introduced species has a negative impact on the native ecosystem and even peoples' livelihoods. But HR 669 seeks to solve this problem for the United States by drastically regulating and restricting the importation and ownership of all nonnative animals. The bill includes regulations for marine and freshwater organisms as well as all other kinds of pet animals such as herptiles, birds and mammals.
HR 669 was copywritten on January 26, 2009 by Delegate Madeleine Bordallo (Democrat - Guam). The US Territory of Guam has an unfortunate history of ecosystem alteration and native species extinctions due to introductions of nonnative harmful invasive species. The bill is supported by 21 cosponsors, and will be brought forward for consideration by Congressional Committee (House Natural Resources & House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife) on April 23, 2009. The bill requires the risk assessment of all possible nonnative species with relation to their potential harm as an introduced invasive species. Organisms would either be listed as "approved" or "unapproved". Approval requires officials to somehow determine that a given species is not likely to be harmful. With thousands of species of marine ornamental organisms, the resources and expenses necessary to conduct proper risk assessment are obviously quite great. Unapproved species would be banned from importation, domestic trade and even personal possession. This would understandably have a dramatic negative impact on the US marine aquarium hobby and industry. As a country, the USA is the largest consumer of marine ornamentals in the world. If HR 669 passes, it will have reaching global economic effect for anyone in the aquarium industry whom engages in trade with the US.
Quality Marine urges aquarium hobbyists, industry operators and any concerned citizens to familiarize themselves with HR 669 and to contact Representatives to voice your oppositional opinions on how this bill would bring significant negative consequences. Comprehensive and rational letters can be beneficial in persuading Representatives to reject such a bill.
Quality Marine supports the efforts of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) to proactively monitor and address the situation with HR 669. Much information about the bill and procedures for contacting Representatives can be found at the PIJAC website.
HR 669 is a well-intended bill but one which is broadly overarching and highly restrictive. This bill would forever change the aquarium hobby and industry in drastic ways. Right now we can work together to prevent such legislation by bringing many voices towards opposition. Please politely contact a Representative and tell others to do the same. Also take some time to educate yourself on the issues surrounding nonnative invasive species and how you can do your part to prevent introductions of exotic species to native ecosystems. Please see our feature article on Caulerpa algae as a potentially harmful nonnative invasive species.
Linked Resources:
H.R. 669 (Full Text)
PIJAC webpage on HR 669
PIJAC PetAlert press release on HR 669