CONTENTS Goss, Hon. Porter J., a U.S. Representative from Florida Hayden, Mike, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, Hochbrueckner, Hon. George J., a U.S. Representative from New York Leape, Jim, Senior Vice President for U.S. and Developed Countries, Meyers, Marshall, General Counsel, Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council.. Studds, Hon. Gerry E., a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts, and Chairman, Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and Waltman, James R., National Audubon Society (prepared statement). Beissinger, Steve (American Ornithologists Union): Resolution on Bird Bruning, Don (New York Zoological Society): An Issue Analysis, "When a Bird in the Hand Means None in the Bush: A Call to Stop the Current Practices of the Wild Bird Trade," June 1992.. Desborough, Laurella (Aviculturist): Informational pamphlet, "Model Avi- 203 Communications submitted: Arbon, Bill (Pionus Breeders Association): Letter to Hon. Gerry Studds ..... 198 Baker, Susan, (The AMAZONA Society) dated March 13, 1992.. Bauer, Fred (The Study Group For Avicultural Certification) to Hon. 171 Communications submitted-Continued Page Bruning, Don (New York Zoological Society)-Letter from-Continued 172 Flynn, Joyce M. (American Pheasant & Waterfowl Society) to Hon. 177 Martin, Phyllis K. (International LORIINAE Society) to the Honora- 173 162 Salonek, Scott (Minnesota Pheasant and Waterfowl Society) to Hon. 167 Stanton, Michael (Idaho Bird Breeders Association) to Hon. Gerry 170 Sturgeon, Walter, Jr. (International Wild Waterfowl Association, 161 Sturgeon, Walter, Jr. (International Wild Waterfowl Association, 163 Thoms, Mary Alice (Western New York Pheasant & Waterfowl Asso- 169 Van Oosten, Jan Roger (The AMAZONA Society) to the Congress of 175 Van Oosten, Jan Roger (The International LORIINAE Society) to the Manzur, Dr. Maria I. (Comite Nacional Pro Defensa de la Fauna y Flora, McMullen, Sheryl (Aviculturist): Letter to Ms. Deirdre Kimball, Subcom- Schubot, Richard M. (Avicultural Breeding & Research Center): Letter to 209 193 Van Oosten, Jan Roger (The International LORIINAE Society): Letter to 196 176 200 205 208 THE WILD BIRD CONSERVATION ACT TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 1992 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISHERIES Washington, DC. The subcommittees met, pursuant to call, at 10:08 a.m., in room 1334, Longworth House Office Building, Hon. Gerry E. Studds (Chairman of the Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation and the Environment) presiding. Members present: Representatives Studds, Hughes, Pallone, Hochbrueckner, Anderson, Coble, Goss, Lowey, and Herger. Staff present: Edmund B. Welch, Chief Counsel; Will Stelle, General Counsel; Laurie Wilkerson, Counsel; Thomas Kitsos, Senior Policy Analyst; Tom O. Melius, Professional Staff; Jennifer Thompson, Štaff Assistant; Gina DeFerrari, Professional Staff; Leslie Dierauf, Professional Staff; Jim McCallum, Professional Staff; Suzanne Waldron, Press Secretary; George Pence, Minority Staff Director; Margherita Woods, Chief Minority Clerk; Lesli Gray, Subcommittee Clerk; Jill Brady, Professional Staff; and Tom Bennett. OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. GERRY E. STUDDS, A U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM MASSACHUSETTS, AND CHAIRMAN, SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT Mr. STUDDS. Before we begin, we do not anticipate an overflow of Members in attendance, people who wish to sit down and cannot find chairs are welcome to sit around the front row here. I will give you 10 seconds to show the courage. The Subcommittee on Fisheries and Wildlife meets jointly with the Subcommittee on Trade this morning to discuss H.R. 5013, the Wild Bird Conservation Act. Although habitat loss is the single most significant factor in the decline of wild bird populations around the world, trade has contributed significantly to the decline. The extent of the damage that has been done to wild bird populations is not known precisely, because many exporting countries lack the resources needed to ana-· lyze the ecological impacts of the trade. What is clear is that some of the world's greatest breeding grounds for beautiful and unusual birds have been systematically plundered in order to supply house pets for people. This trade is literally wreaking havoc on some of the world's most beautiful creatures, and the United States is the largest importer. Clearly, something needs to be done. The legislation before us today will phaseout bird imports if they are having a detrimental effect on the wild populations. Mr. Hayden deserves a great deal of credit for drafting this bill. And while it does not completely satisfy everyone, it is a step in the right direction, and it has clearly provided an incentive for fruitful discussions. It is a very serious and urgent problem we are discussing today. It is my hope that after today's hearing, we will be able to muster sufficient support behind a common proposal to enact legislation this year. If we don't then it will likely be at least two more years before the 103rd Congress can complete the job-meaning two more years of continuing the trade that is pushing these birds toward extinction. If we are to enact legislation this year, we will have to move more quickly. I urge everyone here today to think creatively and negotiate flexibly in the days ahead so that we can move forward in time to provide these birds the protection they desperately need. I look forward to an interesting morning. Are there other opening statements? The gentleman from Florida. STATEMENT OF HON. PORTER J. GOSS, A U.S. REPRESENTATIVE FROM FLORIDA Mr. Goss. Mr. Chairman, thank you. I want to commend you and those responsible for bringing this matter to our attention. There is a surprising amount of constituent interest. This is a subject that cannot go away. I concur with your conclusion, the time has come to try and move some legislation on at this time. I would like to reserve the right to submit an opening statement if I may. Mr. STUDDS. Certainly. Any other opening statements? STATEMENT OF HON. GEORGE J. HOCHBRUECKNER, A U.S. Mr. HOCHBRUECKNER. Thank you for having this hearing. I think it is an important subject. Certainly in New York State, we passed legislation back when I was back in the assembly in 1984, a very strong bill and I am hoping it can be a model for the Nation and can be dovetailed in terms with this legislation. Thank you. I look forward to the hearing. Mr. STUDDS. The gentleman from California. STATEMENT OF HON. GLENN M. ANDERSON, A U.S. Mr. ANDERSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for holding this hearing on H.R. 5013, the Wild Bird Conservation Act. I would further like to thank our distinguished panel of experts for taking the time to come here today to offer their insights. H.R. 5013 represents the fourth attempt to address the regulatory shortcomings and practical abuses of today's international |