Huffman, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Migratory Birds

Huffman, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Protections for Migratory Birds

Washington, D.C. - Today, in honor of World Migratory Bird Day on October 12^th, U.S. Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) introduced the Migratory Bird Protection Act and the Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act- two bills that will strengthen conservation efforts for protected species of birds. These bills will give the United States the tools to build upon existing efforts to protect migratory birds and the most threatened species of seabirds.

The Migratory Bird Protection Act would safeguard and strengthen longstanding protections for millions of North America's migratory birds by providing clarity on how the United States implements the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The legislation directs the Department of Interior to provide regulatory certainty on "incidental take" - killing or injuring birds by otherwise legal activities - by commercial activity. The bill will help ensure the United States meets the conservation goals of the MBTA, which has formed the backbone of our nation's migratory bird conservation efforts for over 100 years.

The Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act would implement the International Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP), protecting some of the most endangered seabirds on the planet from international fishing threats. Thousands of albatrosses and petrels die each year due to fisheries operations as they come into contact longline fishing equipment during their migration to nest and find food. Although the United States has attended and contributed to ACAP meetings regularly since the Agreement's signing in 2001, it has not yet joined the 13 member countries that have signed as parties.

"As the world grapples with a biodiversity crisis, now is the time to ensure strong, clear, and longstanding protections for migratory bird species," said Representative Huffman. "By codifying the ACAP agreement, the United States can guarantee its leadership position for conservation and urge other nations to adopt strong standards to ensure international protections for endangered seabirds. Combined with legislation that helps formalize and provide certainty for commercial and businesses interests to comply with the MBTA, my bills provide the opportunity for the United States to improve wildlife conservation both at home and around the world."

"Bucks and Montgomery Counties are home to hundreds of diverse species of birds and ecosystems," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "Many of these migratory birds are facing threats of extinction, and we must engage in initiatives to enhance standards for the conservation of these vital species. I am proud to join this bipartisan legislation to protect vulnerable species and improve habitat conditions."

Today's bills will build upon existing efforts to protect migratory bird species by codifying and clarifying crucial conservation standards.

What Supporters Are Saying:

"At a time when we have lost more than 3 billion birds in the past 50 years, these bills will help reverse the decline of bird populations when it is needed most," said Felice Stadler, Vice President of Government Affairs at the National Audubon Society. "It is time for Congress to take up and pass these bills. We thank Representatives Huffman and Fitzpatrick for advancing these important pieces of legislation, which combined will help bend the bird curve, and restore bird populations."

"American Bird Conservancy thanks Representatives Huffman and Fitzpatrick for championing this legislation, which would reduce preventable bird mortality," said Steve Holmer, Vice President of Policy at ABC. "Already industries, such as communication tower operators, are using best practices to reduce impacts to birds. A general permitting system would expand upon efforts like this and increase legal certainty benefiting industry and birds."

"Albatrosses and petrels are among the most threatened seabirds in the world and face unprecedented threats as they travel the open ocean and breed on remote islands," said Annie Chester, Director of Policy at ABC. "Threats to these seabirds, such as bycatch, habitat degradation, and marine debris, require international collaboration. ABC commends Representatives Huffman and Fitzpatrick for acting to conserve these incredible species, not just here at home but around the world."

"America's bird populations are under unprecedented threat from a variety of hazards," said Abby Tinsley, Vice President for Conservation Policy at the National Wildlife Federation. "The bipartisan Migratory Bird Protection Act would help address these challenges by clarifying protections passed more than a century ago while encouraging measures that will limit unnecessary deaths. Congress should act swiftly to pass this commonsense bill."

"Given that our country has lost more than three billion birds in the past half century, Congressional action is clearly needed," said Ed Arnett, Chief Executive Officer of The Wildlife Society. "Thanks to the leadership of Representatives Huffman and Fitzpatrick, the Migratory Bird Protection Act will provide greater certainty through the permitting process with long-term benefits for migratory bird species. This streamlined approach also ensures projects can move forward without unnecessary delays, ultimately benefiting both birds and businesses that rely on healthy ecosystems."

The Migratory Bird Protection Act is endorsed by the American Bird Conservancy, Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife, National Wildlife Federation, and Wildlife Society.

The Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act is endorsed by the Audubon Society and the American Bird Conservancy.

Additional Resources

Migratory Bird Protection Act

Text of the bill can be found here.

A one-pager of the bill can be found here.

Albatross and Petrel Conservation Act

Text of the bill can be found here.

A one-pager of the bill can be found here.

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