Executive Summary
Global Wildlife Trafficking
Effective December 3, 2015, Initiative 1401 amended and created a new section of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to make it a crime to sell, offer to sell, purchase, trade, barter for, or distribute any covered animal species part or product. Covered animal species are any species of elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, lion, leopard, cheetah, pangolin, marine turtle, shark or ray. Covered animal species are defined, in RCW 77.08.010, as any of the previously listed species that are: 1) listed in Appendix I or II of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna; or 2) listed as critically endangered, endangered, or vulnerable on the IUCN “Red List” of threatened species.
Implementation of the Washington Animal Trafficking Act
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Police is the law enforcement agency tasked with the authority to enforce the Washington Animal Trafficking Act (WATA), representing a significant responsibility for the agency. The work is a natural fit for the Department, with detectives specializing in investigating illegal trade in local natural resources, as well as a presence at border crossings, marine ports, and airports.
Department efforts to address wildlife trafficking support the act’s emphasis on eliminating markets for illegal goods and reducing the profits of those who procure, traffic, and sell them by engaging in outreach and education among the public. WDFW continues enforcement of the act through the authority the WATA grants, in partnership with international enforcement bodies to protect remaining animals currently at risk.
Ongoing success protecting endangered and threatened species, both globally and locally, depends upon bolstering cross-border partnerships, outreach and education, strong relationships with state and local prosecuting attorneys, and continued resources to investigate and eliminate markets for wildlife trafficking.
The report summary will provide 1) a description of investigative activities generated by WDFW Enforcement officers and detectives; 2) highlights of WDFW Enforcement’s WATA coordination and partnership efforts with the public, other regulatory agencies, and non-governmental organizations; and 3) a summary of observed WATA trends and other related issues of potential concern.