The California Fish and Game Commission is poised to consider two items at its March 3 meeting that address non-native frogs and turtles. In a statement, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) said these agenda items are not likely to lead to an immediate ban on the importation, possession or trade of all non-native amphibian and turtles. However, PIJAC warned that the commission could start a process that would lead to such a ban.

“While PIJAC does not believe that it is the intent of the commission or the department (of fish and game) to adopt such simplistic solutions, we must remain vigilant and be heard or the eventual outcome of the upcoming meeting could lead to such a result,” PIJAC said in the statement.

Agenda Item 12 calls for the commission to consider an act on “Draft Finding Regarding the Detrimental Effects of Non-Native Frogs and Turtles.” PIJAC said it has not been able to determine whether these draft findings will be made public prior to the meeting. PIJAC expects the findings will be revealed orally during the meeting and possibly handed out immediately prior to the start of the meeting.

The commission heard the testimony at its Feb. 3 meeting regarding possible options to control non-native frogs and turtles. Several members of the public spoke in support of a ban on all non-native amphibians and turtles. Click here to view a video of the meeting.

Agenda Item 14 calls for the commission to hear public testimony on a series of proposed amendments to state regulations that address restricted species permits and requirements. The proposal includes adding several species to the list of restricted species, such as Bufo marinus, Bufo paracnemis, Bufo horribilis (giant toad or marine toad group), all large toads from Mexico and South America and Eleutherodactylus coqui (common Coqui or Coqui frog), according to PIJAC. Click here to view the proposed rule changes.

According to PIJAC, the adverse economic impact of the pet industry would be enormous if the commission or the state department of fish and game were to adopt wholesale species bans or adopt a burdensome and costly permit system. The organization is calling on interested industry members, hobbyists and pet owners to attend the March 3 meeting and present their concerns. <HOME>