Listing of all Sturgeon and Paddlefish Species and Their Products in the Appendices to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and its Implementation by the United States; Public Meetings

With this notice the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces 2 public meetings to discuss the implementation of the listing of all sturgeon and paddlefish, and their products in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This listing decision was reached at the Tenth Conference of the CITES Parties (COP10) which was held in June of 1997. The listing becomes effective April 1, 1998. With the listing of all sturgeon and paddlefish species in CITES, this fishery product is now covered by the Service's regulations regarding import or export of wildlife. The focus of the meeting will be on aspects of importation of caviar and other sturgeon products into the United States.