![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090110011105im_/http://www.fws.gov/le/images/pbheader.gif)
April 21, 2004
Subject:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Lists Beluga Sturgeon (Huso
huso) as Threatened
Background:
On April 21, 2004, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced
in the Federal Register (Vol. 69, No. 77 21425-21438) the
listing of the beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) as threatened
under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The rule identifies
the beluga sturgeon as a species in need of conservation;
implements protective measures by extending the full protection
of the ESA to the species throughout its range; and complements
future conservation measures to be undertaken by the species’
range countries, as recommended by the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Standing Committee.
The
rule also announces that the Service intends to publish a
proposed rule in the Federal Register outlining regulations
deemed necessary and advisable to provide for conservation
of the species as provided by section 4(d) of the ESA. The
effective date of this threatened species rule is delayed
six months until October 21, 2004, allowing for possible development
of a final 4(d) rule, with specific conservation measures
for beluga sturgeon, as part of the listing decision.
Action:
The import/export community should be aware of this new ESA
beluga sturgeon listing and the effective date of October
21, 2004. We will notify the trade community through future
public bulletins of any proposed or final rules affecting
beluga sturgeon. See http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases/r9/2D129E08-B251-4902-8520E16F38DE286D.html
for a news release on this listing announcement. The threatened
species final rule may be found on-line from the Federal Register
at: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html
or on the Service website at http://international.fws.gov.
Contact:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Office of Law Enforcement
703-358-1949 703-358-2271 (fax)
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