Number: 1984-15
WHEREAS, exotic species of fish and wildlife are those species of domestic or foreign origin imported to locations outside their historic range; and
WHEREAS, exotic species have the potential to enhance economic and recreational activities and species diversity; and
WHEREAS, introduction of exotic species through planned release or escape in some instances has endangered endemic species, spread disease, caused environmental damage, adversely affected commercial and recreational use of fish and wildlife, and caused natural resource management problems; and
WHEREAS, naturally isolated islands and other environments, especially the Hawaiian and Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, now have a major proportion of the nation’s endangered birds and plant life due to competition and predation from alien species; and
WHEREAS, professional fish and wildlife managers can determine potential effects of a species prior to importation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 15-18, 1984, in Atlanta, Georgia, recommends that the U.S. Congress require the conduct of intensive research on the potential consequences to the environment as prerequisite to introduction/importation; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that those states, Canada, and Mexico, potentially affected by introduction of an exotic species be party to any decisions regarding the species’ release to the environment.