Species Proposals for Consideration at the Eighteenth Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 3179-3182 [2018-01128]
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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 15 / Tuesday, January 23, 2018 / Notices
• Families with housing vouchers,
remaining in the current rent system
(control group): up to 3,350.
• Families with housing vouchers,
enrolled in the alternative rent system
(treatment group): up to 3,310.
Estimated total number of hours
needed to prepare the information
collection including number of
respondents, frequency of response,
hours of response, and cost of response
Information collection
Number of
respondents
time: Based on the assumptions and
table below, we calculate the annual
burden hours for the study to be
4,462.20 hours and the annual cost to be
$40,338.29. For the study consent form
and the 36-month follow-up survey, we
averaged the median hourly minimum
wage across the 4 study sites: 1,904
enrolled participants, which is 28.59
percent of the study sample, in
Washington, DC at $13.50 per hour
Frequency of
response
Consent Forms ..........
6,660
1
Baseline Information ..
6,660
1
Total ....................
6,660
........................
Burden hour
per response
expected in Q3 2018 (28.59 percent x
$13.50 = $3.86), and 4,756 enrolled
participants, which is 71.41 percent of
the study sample, in the remaining sites
at $7.25 per hour in Kentucky and Texas
(71.41 percent x $7.25 = $5.18) produces
a weighted average of the hourly wage
rates equal to $9.04.
All assumptions are reflected in the
table below.
Hourly cost
per response
Annual burden hours
Up to 10 minutes (or 0.17
hours).
30 minutes, on
average (or
0.50 hours).
.........................
4,462.20 ....................
$9.04 1
1,132.2 hours (6,660
*0.17).
3,330 hours (6,660
*0.50).
9.04
........................
Total cost
$10,235.09 (6,660*
$9.04 * 0.17 hours)
$30,103.20 (6,660
*$9.04 * 0.50 hours)
$40,338,29
1 We
have estimated the hourly wage at the expected prevailing minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour in Kentucky and Texas and is the
same as the federal minimum wage rate. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor, https://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm). The hourly minimum wage in the District of Columbia is expected to be $13.50 by Q3 of 2018. (Source: District of Columbia Department of Employment
Services,
https://does.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/does/page_content/attachments/DC%20Minimum%20Wage%20Increase%20%20DC%20Register%20Public%20Notice.pdf). Accordingly, we assume an hourly rate across all sites of $9.04 that represents an average of
these two rates, weighted by the enrolled sample at each site. (1,904 enrolled participants in Washington, DC and 4,756 enrolled in the remaining sites).
B. Solicitation of Public Comment
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This notice solicits comments from
members of the public and affected
parties concerning the collection of
information described in Section A on
the following:
(1) Whether the proposed collection
of information is necessary for the
proper performance of the functions of
the agency, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
(2) The accuracy of the agency’s
estimate of the burden of the proposed
collection of information;
(3) Ways to enhance the quality,
utility, and clarity of the information to
be collected; and
(4) Ways to minimize the burden of
the collection of information on those
who are to respond, including the use
of appropriate automated collection
techniques or other forms of information
technology, e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses.
HUD encourages interested parties to
submit comment in response to these
questions.
Authority: Section 3507 of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35.
Dated: January 9, 2018.
Todd M. Richardson,
Acting General Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Policy Development and Research.
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resolutions, decisions, and agenda items
for discussion at CoP18 and to provide
Fish and Wildlife Service
information on how to request approved
[FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0079; XXXXX–XXX–0000 observer status.
DATES: We will consider all information
FY18–XX]
and comments we receive on or before
Species Proposals for Consideration at March 26, 2018.
the Eighteenth Regular Meeting of the
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
Conference of the Parties to the
by one of the following methods:
Convention on International Trade in
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
and Flora
instructions for submitting comments
on Docket No. FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0079.
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service,
• Hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or
Interior.
hand-delivery to Public Comments
ACTION: Notice.
Processing; Attn: Docket No. FWS–HQ–
IA–2017–0079; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
SUMMARY: We (the U.S. Fish and
Service Headquarters; MS: BPHC; 5275
Wildlife Service) invite you to provide
Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–
us with information and
3803.
recommendations on animal and plant
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
species to be considered as candidates
for U.S. proposals to amend Appendices Rosemarie Gnam, Chief, Division of
Scientific Authority, 703–358–1708
I and II of the Convention on
(phone); 703–358–2276 (fax); or
International Trade in Endangered
scientificauthority@fws.gov (email).
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES, or the Convention) at the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the
upcoming eighteenth meeting of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, hereby
Conference of the Parties (CoP18). Such notify you of the convening of 18th
amendments may concern the addition
meeting of the Conference of the Parties
of species to Appendix I or II, the
(CoP18) of the Convention on
transfer of species from one Appendix
International Trade in Endangered
to another, or the removal of species
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
from Appendices. We also describe the
(CITES, or the Convention), which is
U.S. approach to preparations for
scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from
CoP18. We will publish a second
23 May to 3 June 2019. We invite you
Federal Register notice specifically to
to provide us with information and
solicit information and
recommendations on animal and plant
recommendations on possible
species to be considered as candidates
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
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for U.S. proposals to amend Appendices
I and II of CITES at CoP18. Such
amendments may concern the addition
of species to Appendix I or II, the
transfer of species from one Appendix
to another, or the removal of species
from Appendices. We also describe the
U.S. approach to preparations for
CoP18. We will publish subsequent
Federal Register notices to request
information and recommendations on
resolutions, decisions, and agenda items
for discussion at CoP18 and to provide
information on how to request approved
observer status.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES
Background
The Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES, or the
Convention) is an international treaty
designed to regulate international trade
in certain animal and plant species that
are now, or potentially may become,
threatened with extinction. These
species are included in the Appendices
to CITES, which are available on the
CITES Secretariat’s website at https://
www.cites.org/eng/disc/species.php.
Currently there are 183 Parties to
CITES, 182 countries, including the
United States, and one regional
economic integration organization, the
European Union. The Convention calls
for regular meetings of the Conference of
the Parties (Conference, or CoP) every
2–3 years, unless the Conference
decides otherwise. At these meetings,
the Parties review the implementation
of CITES, make provisions enabling the
CITES Secretariat in Switzerland to
carry out its functions, consider
amendments to the list of species in
Appendices I and II, consider reports
presented by the Secretariat, and make
recommendations for the improved
effectiveness of CITES. Any Party to
CITES may propose amendments to
Appendices I and II, resolutions,
decisions, and agenda items for
consideration by all the Parties at the
meeting.
This is our first in a series of Federal
Register notices that, together with a
public meeting (time and place to be
announced), provide you with an
opportunity to participate in the
development of the U.S. submissions to,
and negotiating positions for, the 18th
regular meeting of the Conference of the
Parties to CITES (CoP18). Our
regulations governing this public
process are found in title 50 of the Code
of Federal Regulations (CFR) at § 23.87.
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U.S. Approach for the Conference of the
Parties
What are the priorities for U.S.
submissions to CoP18?
Priorities for U.S. submissions to
CoP18 continue to be consistent with
the overall objective of U.S.
participation in the Convention: to
maximize the effectiveness of the
Convention in the conservation and
sustainable use of species subject to
international trade. With this in mind,
we plan to consider the following
factors in determining issues to submit
for inclusion in the agenda at CoP18:
(1) Does the proposed action address
a serious wildlife or plant trade issue
that the United States is experiencing as
a range country for species in trade?
Since our primary responsibility is the
conservation of our domestic wildlife
resources, we will give native species
the highest priority. We will place
particular emphasis on terrestrial and
freshwater species with the majority of
their range in the United States and its
territories that are or may be traded in
significant numbers; marine species that
occur in U.S. waters or for which the
United States is a major trader; and
threatened and endangered species for
which we and other Federal and State
agencies already have statutory
responsibility for protection and
recovery. We also consider CITES
listings as a proactive measure to
monitor and manage trade in native
species in order to preclude the need for
the application of stricter measures,
such as listing under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), or inclusion in
CITES Appendix I.
(2) Does the proposed action address
a serious wildlife or plant trade issue for
species not native to the United States?
As a major importer of wildlife, plants,
and their products, the United States
has taken responsibility, by working in
close consultation with range countries,
for addressing cases of potential overexploitation of foreign species in the
wild. In some cases, the United States
may not be a range country or a
significant trading country for a species,
but we will work closely with other
countries to conserve species being
threatened by unsustainable
exploitation for international trade. We
will consider CITES listings for species
not native to the United States if these
listings will assist in addressing cases of
known or potential over-exploitation of
foreign species in the wild, and in
preventing illegal, unregulated trade,
especially if the United States is a major
importer. These species will be
prioritized based on the extent of trade
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and status of the species, and also the
role the species plays in the ecosystem,
with emphasis on those species for
which a CITES listing would offer the
greatest conservation benefits to the
species, associated species, and their
habitats.
(3) Does the proposed action provide
additional conservation benefit for a
species already covered by another
international agreement? The United
States will consider the inclusion of
such a species under CITES when it
would enhance the conservation of the
species by ensuring that international
trade is effectively regulated and not
detrimental to the survival of the
species.
Request for Information and
Recommendations for Amending
Appendices I or II
Criteria for Inclusion
The purpose of this notice is to
request information and
recommendations that will help us
identify species that the United States
should propose for addition to, removal
from, or reclassification in the CITES
Appendices, or to identify issues
warranting attention by the CITES
specialists on zoological and botanical
nomenclature. This request is not
limited to species occurring in the
United States. Any Party may submit
proposals concerning animal or plant
species occurring in the wild anywhere
in the world. We encourage the
submission of information on any
species for possible inclusion in the
Appendices if the species is subject to
international trade that is, or may
become, detrimental to the survival of
the species. We also encourage you to
keep in mind the U.S. approach to
CoP18, described in this notice in the
section U.S. Approach for the
Conference of the Parties, when
considering which species the United
States should propose for inclusion in
the Appendices.
We are not necessarily requesting
complete proposals, but they are always
welcome. However, we are asking you
to submit convincing information
describing: (1) The status of the species,
especially trend information; (2)
conservation and management programs
for the species, including the
effectiveness of enforcement efforts; and
(3) the level of international as well as
domestic trade in the species, especially
trend information. You may also
provide any other relevant information,
and we appreciate receiving a list of
references.
The term ‘‘species’’ is defined in
CITES as ‘‘any species, subspecies, or
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geographically separate population
thereof.’’ Each species for which trade is
controlled under CITES is included in
one of three Appendices, either as a
separate listing or incorporated within
the listing of a higher taxon. The basic
standards for inclusion of species in the
Appendices are contained in Article II
of CITES (text of the Convention is on
the CITES Secretariat’s website at https://
www.cites.org/eng/disc/text.php).
Appendix I includes species threatened
with extinction that are or may be
affected by trade. Appendix II includes
species that, although not necessarily
now threatened with extinction, may
become so unless trade in them is
strictly controlled. Appendix II also
includes species that must be subject to
regulation in order that trade in other
CITES-listed species may be brought
under effective control. Such ‘‘lookalike’’ inclusions usually are necessary
because of difficulty inspectors have at
ports of entry or exit in distinguishing
one species from other species.
CITES specifies that international
trade in any readily recognizable parts
or derivatives of animals included in
Appendices I or II, or plants included in
Appendix I, is subject to the same
conditions that apply to trade in the
whole organisms. With certain standard
exclusions formally approved by the
Parties, the same applies to the readily
recognizable parts and derivatives of
most plant species included in
Appendix II. Parts and derivatives often
not included (i.e., not regulated) for
Appendix-II plants are seeds, spores,
pollen (including pollinia), and
seedlings or tissue cultures obtained in
vitro and transported in sterile
containers. You may refer to the CITES
Appendices on the Secretariat’s website
at https://www.cites.org/eng/app/
index.php for further exceptions and
limitations.
In 1994, the CITES Parties adopted
criteria for inclusion of species in
Appendices I and II (in Resolution Conf.
9.24 (Rev. CoP17)). These criteria apply
to all listing proposals and are available
from the CITES Secretariat’s website at
https://www.cites.org/eng/res/index.php
or upon request from the Division of
Scientific Authority at
scientificauthority@fws.gov, or via mail
from CITES—Division of Scientific
Authority; 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: IA;
Falls Church, VA 22041–3803.
Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) also
provides a format for proposals to
amend the Appendices. This
information is also available upon
request from the Division of Scientific
Authority or via mail (see contact
information above).
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What information should be submitted?
To provide us with information and
recommendations on species subject to
international trade for possible
proposals to amend the Appendices,
please include as much of the following
information as possible in your
submission:
(1) Scientific name and common
name;
(2) Population size estimates
(including references if available);
(3) Population trend information;
(4) Threats to the species (other than
trade);
(5) The level or trend of international
trade (as specific as possible, but
without a request for new searches of
our records);
(6) The level or trend in total take
from the wild (as specific as reasonable);
and
(7) A short summary statement clearly
presenting the rationale for inclusion in,
or removal or transfer from, one of the
Appendices, including which of the
criteria in Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev.
CoP17) are met.
If you wish to submit more complete
proposals for us to consider, please
consult Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev.
CoP17) for the format for proposals and
a detailed explanation of each of the
categories. Proposals to transfer a
species from Appendix I to Appendix II,
or to remove a species from Appendix
II, must also be in accordance with the
precautionary measures described in
Annex 4 of Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev.
CoP17).
3181
analyzing the information provided by
the public in response to this notice as
well as other information available to
us.
One important function of the CITES
Scientific Authority of each Party is
monitoring the international trade in
plant and animal species and ongoing
scientific assessments of the impact of
that trade on species. For native U.S.
species included in Appendices I and II,
we monitor trade and export permits
authorized so that we can prevent
overutilization and restrict exports if
necessary. We also work closely with
the States to ensure that species are
correctly listed in the CITES
Appendices (or not listed, if listing is
not warranted). For these reasons, we
actively seek information about U.S. and
foreign species subject to international
trade.
Next Steps
The next regular meeting of the
Conference of the Parties (CoP18) is
scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka 23
May to 3 June 2019. The United States
must submit any proposals to amend
Appendix I or II, or any draft
resolutions, decisions, or agenda items
for discussion at CoP18, to the CITES
Secretariat at least 150 days prior to the
start of the meeting. In order to meet
this deadline and to prepare for CoP18,
we have developed a tentative U.S.
schedule.
We plan to publish a Federal Register
notice approximately 16 months prior to
CoP18; in that notice, we intend to
request potential resolutions, decisions,
and agenda items for discussion at
What will we do with the information we
CoP18. Approximately 12 months prior
receive?
to CoP18, we intend to announce the
The information that you submit will
tentative species proposals that the
help us decide if we should submit, or
United States is considering submitting
co-sponsor with other Parties, a
for CoP18 and request further
proposal to amend the CITES
information and comments.
Appendices. However, there may be
Approximately 10 months prior to
qualifying species for which we may
CoP18, we plan to publish a Federal
decide not to submit a proposal to
Register notice announcing proposed
CoP18. Our decision will be based on a
resolutions, decisions, and agenda items
number of factors, including available
the United States is considering
scientific and trade information;
submitting for CoP18. Approximately 5
whether or not the species is native to
months prior to CoP18, we will post on
the United States; and, for foreign
our website an announcement of the
species, whether or not a proposal is
species proposals, draft resolutions,
supported or co-sponsored by at least
draft decisions, and agenda items
one range country for the species. These submitted by the United States to the
factors and others are included in the
CITES Secretariat for consideration at
U.S. Approach for the Conference of the CoP18.
Through a series of additional notices
Parties section. We will carefully
consider all factors of the U.S. approach and website postings in advance of
CoP18, we will inform you about
when deciding which species the
preliminary negotiating positions on
United States should propose for
resolutions, decisions, and amendments
inclusion in the Appendices.
to the Appendices proposed by other
We will consult range countries for
foreign species, and for species we share Parties for consideration at CoP18, and
with other countries, after receiving and about how to obtain observer status
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from us. We will also publish an
announcement of a public meeting
tentatively to be held approximately 5
months prior to CoP18; that meeting
will enable us to receive public input on
our positions regarding CoP18 issues.
The procedures for developing U.S.
documents and negotiating positions for
a meeting of the Conference of the
Parties to CITES are outlined in 50 CFR
23.87. As noted, we may modify or
suspend the procedures outlined there if
they would interfere with the timely or
appropriate development of documents
for submission to the CoP and of U.S.
negotiating positions.
Before including your address, phone
number, email address, or other
personal identifying information in your
comment, you should be aware that
your entire comment—including your
personal identifying information—may
be made publicly available at any time.
If you submit a hardcopy comment that
includes personal identifying
information, you may request at the top
of your document that we withhold this
information from public review;
however, we cannot guarantee that we
will be able to do so.
Author
The primary author of this notice is
Thomas E.J. Leuteritz, Division of
Scientific Authority, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
Authority
The authority for this action is the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Gregory J. Sheehan,
Principal Deputy Director.
[FR Doc. 2018–01128 Filed 1–22–18; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau of Indian Affairs
[189A2100DD/AAKC001030/
A0A501010.999900253G; OMB Control
Number 1076–0182]
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Agency Information Collection
Activities; Sovereignty in Indian
Education Grant Program
Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of information collection;
request for comment.
In accordance with the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we,
the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) are
SUMMARY:
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Interested persons are invited to
submit comments on or before March
26, 2018.
ADDRESSES: Send your comments on
this information collection request (ICR)
by mail to the Dr. Maureen Lesky,
Bureau of Indian Education, 1011
Indian School Road NW, Albuquerque,
NM 87104; or by email to
Maureen.Lesky@bie.edu. Please
reference OMB Control Number 1076–
0182 in the subject line of your
comments.
DATES:
To
request additional information about
this ICR, contact to Dr. Maureen Lesky
by email at Maureen.Lesky@bie.edu, or
by telephone at (505) 563–5397.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Public Availability of Comments
AGENCY:
proposing to renew an information
collection.
In
accordance with the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1995, we provide the
general public and other Federal
agencies with an opportunity to
comment on new, proposed, revised,
and continuing collections of
information. This helps us assess the
impact of our information collection
requirements and minimize the public’s
reporting burden. It also helps the
public understand our information
collection requirements and provide the
requested data in the desired format.
We are soliciting comments on the
proposed ICR that is described below.
We are especially interested in public
comment addressing the following
issues: (1) Is the collection necessary to
the proper functions of the BIE; (2) will
this information be processed and used
in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate
of burden accurate; (4) how might the
BIE enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (5) how might the BIE
minimize the burden of this collection
on the respondents, including through
the use of information technology.
Comments that you submit in
response to this notice are a matter of
public record. We will include or
summarize each comment in our request
to OMB to approve this ICR. Before
including your address, phone number,
email address, or other personal
identifying information in your
comment, you should be aware that
your entire comment—including your
personal identifying information—may
be made publicly available at any time.
While you can ask us in your comment
to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Abstract: Indian Tribes and Tribal
Organizations may submit proposals to
support their efforts to take control and
operate BIE-funded schools located on
the tribe’s reservation. Each proposal
must include a project narrative, a
budget narrative, a work plan outline,
and a Project Director to manage the
execution of the grant. The Project
Directors will participate in monthly
collaboration meetings, submit quarterly
budget updates, ensure an annual report
is submitted at the end of each project
year, and ultimately ensure that the
tribal education agency fulfills the
obligations of the grant.
Title of Collection: Sovereignty in
Indian Education Grant Program.
OMB Control Number: 1076–0182.
Form Number: None.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently approved collection.
Respondents/Affected Public: Indian
Tribes and/or Tribal Education
Departments.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Respondents: 11 per year.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Responses: 55 per year.
Estimated Completion Time per
Response: Ranges from 1 hour to 40
hours.
Total Estimated Number of Annual
Burden Hours: 682 hours.
Respondent’s Obligation: Required to
Obtain a Benefit.
Frequency of Collection: Proposals
and Annual reports once per year and
Budget Reports are submitted 4 times
per year.
Total Estimated Annual Nonhour
Burden Cost: $0.
An agency may not conduct or
sponsor and a person is not required to
respond to a collection of information
unless it displays a currently valid OMB
control number.
The authority for this action is the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.).
Elizabeth K. Appel,
Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs and
Collaborative Action—Indian Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2018–01107 Filed 1–22–18; 8:45 am]
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 15 (Tuesday, January 23, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3179-3182]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-01128]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-HQ-IA-2017-0079; XXXXX-XXX-0000 FY18-XX]
Species Proposals for Consideration at the Eighteenth Regular
Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) invite you to provide
us with information and recommendations on animal and plant species to
be considered as candidates for U.S. proposals to amend Appendices I
and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, or the Convention) at the upcoming
eighteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP18). Such
amendments may concern the addition of species to Appendix I or II, the
transfer of species from one Appendix to another, or the removal of
species from Appendices. We also describe the U.S. approach to
preparations for CoP18. We will publish a second Federal Register
notice specifically to solicit information and recommendations on
possible resolutions, decisions, and agenda items for discussion at
CoP18 and to provide information on how to request approved observer
status.
DATES: We will consider all information and comments we receive on or
before March 26, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-HQ-
IA-2017-0079.
Hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to Public
Comments Processing; Attn: Docket No. FWS-HQ-IA-2017-0079; U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service Headquarters; MS: BPHC; 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls
Church, VA 22041-3803.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosemarie Gnam, Chief, Division of
Scientific Authority, 703-358-1708 (phone); 703-358-2276 (fax); or
[email protected] (email).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
hereby notify you of the convening of 18th meeting of the Conference of
the Parties (CoP18) of the Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES, or the Convention),
which is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka from 23 May to 3 June 2019.
We invite you to provide us with information and recommendations on
animal and plant species to be considered as candidates
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for U.S. proposals to amend Appendices I and II of CITES at CoP18. Such
amendments may concern the addition of species to Appendix I or II, the
transfer of species from one Appendix to another, or the removal of
species from Appendices. We also describe the U.S. approach to
preparations for CoP18. We will publish subsequent Federal Register
notices to request information and recommendations on resolutions,
decisions, and agenda items for discussion at CoP18 and to provide
information on how to request approved observer status.
Background
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
Fauna and Flora (CITES, or the Convention) is an international treaty
designed to regulate international trade in certain animal and plant
species that are now, or potentially may become, threatened with
extinction. These species are included in the Appendices to CITES,
which are available on the CITES Secretariat's website at https://www.cites.org/eng/disc/species.php.
Currently there are 183 Parties to CITES, 182 countries, including
the United States, and one regional economic integration organization,
the European Union. The Convention calls for regular meetings of the
Conference of the Parties (Conference, or CoP) every 2-3 years, unless
the Conference decides otherwise. At these meetings, the Parties review
the implementation of CITES, make provisions enabling the CITES
Secretariat in Switzerland to carry out its functions, consider
amendments to the list of species in Appendices I and II, consider
reports presented by the Secretariat, and make recommendations for the
improved effectiveness of CITES. Any Party to CITES may propose
amendments to Appendices I and II, resolutions, decisions, and agenda
items for consideration by all the Parties at the meeting.
This is our first in a series of Federal Register notices that,
together with a public meeting (time and place to be announced),
provide you with an opportunity to participate in the development of
the U.S. submissions to, and negotiating positions for, the 18th
regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP18). Our
regulations governing this public process are found in title 50 of the
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at Sec. 23.87.
U.S. Approach for the Conference of the Parties
What are the priorities for U.S. submissions to CoP18?
Priorities for U.S. submissions to CoP18 continue to be consistent
with the overall objective of U.S. participation in the Convention: to
maximize the effectiveness of the Convention in the conservation and
sustainable use of species subject to international trade. With this in
mind, we plan to consider the following factors in determining issues
to submit for inclusion in the agenda at CoP18:
(1) Does the proposed action address a serious wildlife or plant
trade issue that the United States is experiencing as a range country
for species in trade? Since our primary responsibility is the
conservation of our domestic wildlife resources, we will give native
species the highest priority. We will place particular emphasis on
terrestrial and freshwater species with the majority of their range in
the United States and its territories that are or may be traded in
significant numbers; marine species that occur in U.S. waters or for
which the United States is a major trader; and threatened and
endangered species for which we and other Federal and State agencies
already have statutory responsibility for protection and recovery. We
also consider CITES listings as a proactive measure to monitor and
manage trade in native species in order to preclude the need for the
application of stricter measures, such as listing under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), or inclusion
in CITES Appendix I.
(2) Does the proposed action address a serious wildlife or plant
trade issue for species not native to the United States? As a major
importer of wildlife, plants, and their products, the United States has
taken responsibility, by working in close consultation with range
countries, for addressing cases of potential over-exploitation of
foreign species in the wild. In some cases, the United States may not
be a range country or a significant trading country for a species, but
we will work closely with other countries to conserve species being
threatened by unsustainable exploitation for international trade. We
will consider CITES listings for species not native to the United
States if these listings will assist in addressing cases of known or
potential over-exploitation of foreign species in the wild, and in
preventing illegal, unregulated trade, especially if the United States
is a major importer. These species will be prioritized based on the
extent of trade and status of the species, and also the role the
species plays in the ecosystem, with emphasis on those species for
which a CITES listing would offer the greatest conservation benefits to
the species, associated species, and their habitats.
(3) Does the proposed action provide additional conservation
benefit for a species already covered by another international
agreement? The United States will consider the inclusion of such a
species under CITES when it would enhance the conservation of the
species by ensuring that international trade is effectively regulated
and not detrimental to the survival of the species.
Request for Information and Recommendations for Amending Appendices I
or II
Criteria for Inclusion
The purpose of this notice is to request information and
recommendations that will help us identify species that the United
States should propose for addition to, removal from, or
reclassification in the CITES Appendices, or to identify issues
warranting attention by the CITES specialists on zoological and
botanical nomenclature. This request is not limited to species
occurring in the United States. Any Party may submit proposals
concerning animal or plant species occurring in the wild anywhere in
the world. We encourage the submission of information on any species
for possible inclusion in the Appendices if the species is subject to
international trade that is, or may become, detrimental to the survival
of the species. We also encourage you to keep in mind the U.S. approach
to CoP18, described in this notice in the section U.S. Approach for the
Conference of the Parties, when considering which species the United
States should propose for inclusion in the Appendices.
We are not necessarily requesting complete proposals, but they are
always welcome. However, we are asking you to submit convincing
information describing: (1) The status of the species, especially trend
information; (2) conservation and management programs for the species,
including the effectiveness of enforcement efforts; and (3) the level
of international as well as domestic trade in the species, especially
trend information. You may also provide any other relevant information,
and we appreciate receiving a list of references.
The term ``species'' is defined in CITES as ``any species,
subspecies, or
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geographically separate population thereof.'' Each species for which
trade is controlled under CITES is included in one of three Appendices,
either as a separate listing or incorporated within the listing of a
higher taxon. The basic standards for inclusion of species in the
Appendices are contained in Article II of CITES (text of the Convention
is on the CITES Secretariat's website at https://www.cites.org/eng/disc/text.php). Appendix I includes species threatened with extinction that
are or may be affected by trade. Appendix II includes species that,
although not necessarily now threatened with extinction, may become so
unless trade in them is strictly controlled. Appendix II also includes
species that must be subject to regulation in order that trade in other
CITES-listed species may be brought under effective control. Such
``look-alike'' inclusions usually are necessary because of difficulty
inspectors have at ports of entry or exit in distinguishing one species
from other species.
CITES specifies that international trade in any readily
recognizable parts or derivatives of animals included in Appendices I
or II, or plants included in Appendix I, is subject to the same
conditions that apply to trade in the whole organisms. With certain
standard exclusions formally approved by the Parties, the same applies
to the readily recognizable parts and derivatives of most plant species
included in Appendix II. Parts and derivatives often not included
(i.e., not regulated) for Appendix-II plants are seeds, spores, pollen
(including pollinia), and seedlings or tissue cultures obtained in
vitro and transported in sterile containers. You may refer to the CITES
Appendices on the Secretariat's website at https://www.cites.org/eng/app/index.php for further exceptions and limitations.
In 1994, the CITES Parties adopted criteria for inclusion of
species in Appendices I and II (in Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17)).
These criteria apply to all listing proposals and are available from
the CITES Secretariat's website at https://www.cites.org/eng/res/index.php or upon request from the Division of Scientific Authority at
[email protected], or via mail from CITES--Division of
Scientific Authority; 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: IA; Falls Church, VA
22041-3803. Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) also provides a format
for proposals to amend the Appendices. This information is also
available upon request from the Division of Scientific Authority or via
mail (see contact information above).
What information should be submitted?
To provide us with information and recommendations on species
subject to international trade for possible proposals to amend the
Appendices, please include as much of the following information as
possible in your submission:
(1) Scientific name and common name;
(2) Population size estimates (including references if available);
(3) Population trend information;
(4) Threats to the species (other than trade);
(5) The level or trend of international trade (as specific as
possible, but without a request for new searches of our records);
(6) The level or trend in total take from the wild (as specific as
reasonable); and
(7) A short summary statement clearly presenting the rationale for
inclusion in, or removal or transfer from, one of the Appendices,
including which of the criteria in Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17)
are met.
If you wish to submit more complete proposals for us to consider,
please consult Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev. CoP17) for the format for
proposals and a detailed explanation of each of the categories.
Proposals to transfer a species from Appendix I to Appendix II, or to
remove a species from Appendix II, must also be in accordance with the
precautionary measures described in Annex 4 of Resolution Conf. 9.24
(Rev. CoP17).
What will we do with the information we receive?
The information that you submit will help us decide if we should
submit, or co-sponsor with other Parties, a proposal to amend the CITES
Appendices. However, there may be qualifying species for which we may
decide not to submit a proposal to CoP18. Our decision will be based on
a number of factors, including available scientific and trade
information; whether or not the species is native to the United States;
and, for foreign species, whether or not a proposal is supported or co-
sponsored by at least one range country for the species. These factors
and others are included in the U.S. Approach for the Conference of the
Parties section. We will carefully consider all factors of the U.S.
approach when deciding which species the United States should propose
for inclusion in the Appendices.
We will consult range countries for foreign species, and for
species we share with other countries, after receiving and analyzing
the information provided by the public in response to this notice as
well as other information available to us.
One important function of the CITES Scientific Authority of each
Party is monitoring the international trade in plant and animal species
and ongoing scientific assessments of the impact of that trade on
species. For native U.S. species included in Appendices I and II, we
monitor trade and export permits authorized so that we can prevent
overutilization and restrict exports if necessary. We also work closely
with the States to ensure that species are correctly listed in the
CITES Appendices (or not listed, if listing is not warranted). For
these reasons, we actively seek information about U.S. and foreign
species subject to international trade.
Next Steps
The next regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP18)
is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka 23 May to 3 June 2019. The United
States must submit any proposals to amend Appendix I or II, or any
draft resolutions, decisions, or agenda items for discussion at CoP18,
to the CITES Secretariat at least 150 days prior to the start of the
meeting. In order to meet this deadline and to prepare for CoP18, we
have developed a tentative U.S. schedule.
We plan to publish a Federal Register notice approximately 16
months prior to CoP18; in that notice, we intend to request potential
resolutions, decisions, and agenda items for discussion at CoP18.
Approximately 12 months prior to CoP18, we intend to announce the
tentative species proposals that the United States is considering
submitting for CoP18 and request further information and comments.
Approximately 10 months prior to CoP18, we plan to publish a Federal
Register notice announcing proposed resolutions, decisions, and agenda
items the United States is considering submitting for CoP18.
Approximately 5 months prior to CoP18, we will post on our website an
announcement of the species proposals, draft resolutions, draft
decisions, and agenda items submitted by the United States to the CITES
Secretariat for consideration at CoP18.
Through a series of additional notices and website postings in
advance of CoP18, we will inform you about preliminary negotiating
positions on resolutions, decisions, and amendments to the Appendices
proposed by other Parties for consideration at CoP18, and about how to
obtain observer status
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from us. We will also publish an announcement of a public meeting
tentatively to be held approximately 5 months prior to CoP18; that
meeting will enable us to receive public input on our positions
regarding CoP18 issues.
The procedures for developing U.S. documents and negotiating
positions for a meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES are
outlined in 50 CFR 23.87. As noted, we may modify or suspend the
procedures outlined there if they would interfere with the timely or
appropriate development of documents for submission to the CoP and of
U.S. negotiating positions.
Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone number, email address, or
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying
information--may be made publicly available at any time. If you submit
a hardcopy comment that includes personal identifying information, you
may request at the top of your document that we withhold this
information from public review; however, we cannot guarantee that we
will be able to do so.
Author
The primary author of this notice is Thomas E.J. Leuteritz,
Division of Scientific Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Authority
The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Gregory J. Sheehan,
Principal Deputy Director.
[FR Doc. 2018-01128 Filed 1-22-18; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-55-P
