On August 18, 2003, the Fish and Wildlife Service
released a proposed policy that provides guidance on the issuance of enhancement-of-survival
permits authorized by the Endangered Species Act.(1) The aim of this policy is to broaden consideration of issuing
permits for the harvesting and import of foreign endangered species, as an incentive to encourage
conservation of the endangered species in the wild. This policy has generated controversy. Some
contend that the take of endangered species in foreign countries cannot be controlled and may lead
to the reduction of many endangered species. Further, some contend that the proposed policy is
vague in describing how funds generated from the harvesting of endangered species will be
transferred to conservation programs. The Fish and Wildlife Service and some supporters of the
policy contend that limited harvesting of endangered species will create an overall benefit to the
species by funding conservation programs to help the species. Currently, the proposed policy is still
being considered and no final policy has been issued. This report will be updated as events warrant.