Massachusetts Antique Dealer Arrested for Whale Teeth Trafficking
June 2, 2009 by USFWS
The owner of a Nantucket antique business investigated by the Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been charged and arrested on multiple felony counts for illegally importing and selling sperm whale teeth. Sperm whales are protected under the Endangered Species Act and international treaty; their teeth, which are commonly used for scrimshaw, are of commercial interest to antique dealers, collectors and others.
Sentencings Continue in Striped Bass Case
June 2, 2009 by USFWS
A Maryland commercial fisherman will spend 13 months in prison and pay a $4,500 fine and $70,569 in restitution for illegally overfishing striped bass. A multiyear undercover Service/State investigation documented large-scale unlawful harvest and trafficking in this State-regulated food fish; 15 individuals and two wholesale fish dealers have been charged to date.
Interior Secretary Salazar Approves Upper Mississippi River as Wetland of International Importance
June 1, 2009 by USFWS
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced approval of portions of the Upper Mississippi River, including the Midwest’s largest national wildlife refuge, as a Wetland of International Importance. The designation includes more than 300,000 acres of federal and state lands and waters of the Upper Mississippi River floodplain from near Wabasha, Minnesota, to Rock Island, Illinois.
Fish and Wildlife Service Releases New Refuge System DVD
May 29, 2009 by USFWS
“America’s Wildest Places – Volume 4” is a new DVD tour of seven of some of the most interesting and unique locales in the refuge system and is now on sale. This popular wildlife travelogue video series by America’s premier wildlife agency takes you from coast-to-coast, from the Appalachian highlands of West Virginia … to the teeming shores of San Francisco Bay … to the wild backcountry of Alaska … and includes a special appearance by President Theodore Roosevelt as a bonus feature.
Service Celebrates Endangered Species Day
May 14, 2009 by USFWS
On May 15, 2009, the Service will honor Endangered Species Day and the numerous nationwide conservation programs underway aimed at protecting America’s threatened and endangered species.
More Than $23 Million in Federal Grants and Matching Funds to Conserve Neotropical Migratory Birds
May 13, 2009 by USFWS
Department of the Interior Secretary Ken Salazar today announced more than $4.8 million in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grants for 36 projects supporting neotropical migratory bird conservation throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Service Launches Climate Change
May 12, 2009 by USFWS
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has launched a monthly electronic newsletter to inform employees and the public about actions and strategy related to climate change and its impact on fish, wildlife and plants.
Interior Department Honors Service Employees
May 12, 2009 by USFWS
During a special awards ceremony held recently in Washington, DC, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar cited the safety efforts of the Service’s heavy equipment operators and the career accomplishments of one member of senior management, Cynthia Dohner, Deputy Regional Director of the Southeast Region, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Salazar Retains Conservation Rule for Polar Bears
May 8, 2009 by USFWS
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that he will retain a special rule issued in December for protecting the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act, but will closely monitor the implementation of the rule to determine if additional measures are necessary to conserve and recover the polar bear and its habitat.
Secretary Salazar Presents Partners in Conservation Awards
May 8, 2009 by USFWS
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today presented the Partners in Conservation Awards “honoring those who achieve natural resource goals in collaboration and partnership with others” to 26 groups and individuals at a ceremony at Interior headquarters in Washington, D.C. From this list, four Service partnerships were recognized for their outstanding contributions.
International Migratory Bird Day 2009 Celebrates “Birds In Culture”
May 7, 2009 by USFWS
May 9th marks this year’s observance of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) and its theme of “Birds in Culture.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is joining numerous partners to recognize the cultural significance birds have in our lives and the motivation they have provided for people to become involved in wildlife conservation. Hundreds of National Wildlife Refuges across the country will be hosting events such as bird walks, open houses, festivals, wildlife lectures and demonstrations.
Service Marks American Wetlands Month
May 6, 2009 by USFWS
Throughout May, please join the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in celebrating the 19th anniversary of American Wetlands Month. Wetlands are among the most productive habitats on earth providing shelter and nursery areas for commercially and recreationally important animals like fish and shellfish, as well as vital wintering grounds for migrating birds.
