U.S. conservation groups are calling for a trade war over Canada's failure to pass endangered species legislation. On 23 March, citing a little-used provision of a fisheries law, Defenders of Wildlife and the Northwest Ecosystem Alliance petitioned the secretaries of Interior and Commerce to impose trade sanctions--such as blocking imports of fish--on the United States' largest trading partner until the Canadian Parliament passes long-stalled wildlife protections. Last year, a bill that enjoyed broad popular support withered under opposition from industry and the leaders of some provinces.
In a bid to get a new bill introduced, more than 600 Canadian scientists earlier this month signed an open letter calling on the government to get behind strong species protections. Now, some of the researchers hope the U.S. groups' move will ratchet up the pressure to act. But Commerce officials caution that the petition may face a cool reception. "It is unlikely the U.S. would start a trade fight over something like this," says one. A formal verdict on the petition won't come for several months at least.
