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FWS Opens Public Comment Period on Multiple ESA Recovery Permit Applications

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) published notice that it has received multiple applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered bats, birds, flying squirrels, and aquatic animals under the Endangered Species Act. FWS will accept public comments on the recovery permit applications through August 9, 2023.

NMFS Opens Public Comment Period on ESA Permit Application

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published notice that the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School for Marine Science and Technology has applied for an Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit for the incidental take of ESA-listed sturgeon and sea turtles associated with the otherwise lawful fisheries survey activities within and adjacent to the Massachusetts/Rhode Island Wind Energy Area. NMFS will accept public comments on the application through August 7, 2023.

AEL Advocacy Urges Federal Government to Prioritize Animal Welfare in National Biodiversity Strategy

Animal and environmental law organization, AEL Advocacy, has written a letter urging Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to incorporate animal health and welfare in Canada’s 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy. ECCC is currently seeking input on the strategy and AEL Advocacy has emphasized the connection between animal welfare and environmental issues, supporting the "One Health, One Welfare" approach. The group's recommendations include upholding wild animal welfare and transforming the food system by promoting high-welfare animal agriculture practices while supporting a shift to more plant-based diets.

The Netherlands Becomes First European Country to Approve Tastings of Cultivated Meat

The Dutch government has issued a letter outlining the conditions for allowing tastings of cultivated meat and seafood products in controlled environments in the Netherlands. This makes the Netherlands the first European Union country to permit pre-approval tastings of food grown directly from animal cells, prior to obtaining EU novel food approval. The agreement was reached in collaboration with national cultivated meat producers Meatable and Mosa Meat, as well as sector representative HollandBIO. Cultivated product tastings are already permitted in Israel, Singapore, and the United States.

United Kingdom Government Launches Fund to Create and Restore Wildlife-Rich Habitats

A new government fund has been launched in the United Kingdom to support the creation and restoration of natural habitats at scale, benefiting thousands of species including lapwings, water voles, and adders. The fund aims to tackle habitat loss and halt the decline in species by providing grants of up to three million pounds for projects safeguarding ecosystems and creating wildlife-friendly landscapes such as grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. It will also promote green jobs and vocational employment opportunities. Additionally, forty-eight local authorities will receive funding to develop tailored nature recovery strategies, working closely with communities and stakeholders to restore nature in their respective areas.

United Kingdom Passes Law to Ban Shark Fin Trade

The United Kingdom government has passed the Shark Fins Act, 2023 into law. The law prohibits the import and export of detached shark fins, including products containing shark fins like canned shark fin soup. This legislation builds upon the existing ban on the practice of shark finning, which has been in place since 2003. A significant concern remains, however, since as in Canada's approach to this issue, the new law still permits the removal of fins from intact sharks.

NMFS Seeks Public Comments on Caltrans’ Request for Authorization to Take Marine Mammals During a Northern California Bridge Restoration Project

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) received a request from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to Phase II of the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge Restoration Project in Richmond, CA. NMFS will accept public comments through July 28, 2023, on its proposal to issue an incidental harassment authorization to Caltrans to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities.

Conservation Groups Allege that FEMA’s Flood Insurance Program Has Triggered Development in High-Risk Areas and Destroyed Critical Habitat for Protected Species

The Center for Biological Diversity, Northwest Environmental Defense Center, Williamette Riverkeeper, and the Conservation Angler submitted a sixty-day notice of intent to sue the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) over its failure to protect floodplain-dependent imperiled salmonids and orcas in Oregon that are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Conservation groups argue that FEMA’s National Flood Insurance program, which provides taxpayer-subsidized flood insurance for structures in high-hazard, flood-prone areas that private insurers won’t cover, has led to increased development in floodplains and destroyed valuable habitat for endangered species.