FWS Waterbird Bycatch Policy Statement, approved October 30, 2000. It is the policy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended, legally mandates the protection and conservation of migratory birds.
Avian conservation is of significant concern to many in the United States.
The goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the elimination of waterbird bycatch in fisheries. The Service will actively expand partnerships with Regional, national, and international organizations, States, tribes, industry, and environmental groups to meet this goal. The Service, in cooperation with interested parties, will aggressively promote public awareness of waterbird bycatch issues, and gather the scientific information to develop and provide guidelines for management, regulation, and compliance.