Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Interim Rule for the Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso)

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will allow the trade in beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) and its by-products, provided that specimens are accompanied by valid permits issued under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This interim rule will be effective until the publication of a final rule under Section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), pertaining to trade in beluga sturgeon and its by-products. This interim rule allows the take, import, export, re- export, and interstate and foreign commerce in beluga sturgeon, without the issuance of a threatened species permit under the Act for those specimens that are traded in accordance with the requirements of CITES. This rule will benefit entities which trade in these products and help further conservation of this threatened species.