EXOTIC SPECIES ORDINANCE SABA
AB2000
THE ISLAND COUNCIL OF THE ISLAND TERRITORY OF SABA:
Considering:
Considering that it is desirable for the purpose of protection of indigenous flora and
fauna, to establish regulations concerning the import and introduction of exotic species
of flora and fauna,
Has decided:
To decree the following Island Ordinance:
SECTION I:
DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE 1
1.
Island Territory:
the Island Territory of Saba in the Netherlands Antilles,
2.
Executive Committee: the Executive Committee of the Island Territory of Saba,
3.
Exotic Species:
any species of flora and fauna not native to the Island
Territory,
4.
Native Species:
all species of flora and fauna listed in Annexes I-IV of the
Biological Inventory of Saba by the Foundation CARMABI
of 1997,
5.
Pets:
animals that are tamed or domesticated and kept as a
companion by humans,
6.
Import:
the act of knowingly bringing exotic species of flora and
fauna into the Island Territory,
7.
Introduction:
the act of accidentally or deliberately releasing species of
flora and fauna into the wild.
8.
CITES:
the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.
SECTION II:
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ARTICLE 2
1. There will be a scientific advisory committee, appointed by the Executive
Committee, consisting of one member of the Saba Conservation Foundation, one
member of the Island Conservation Effort and one member of the Foundation
CARMABI.
2. The Scientific Advisory Committee will advise the Executive Committee on all
permit applications for the import of exotic species. The advice of the Committee
is binding.
SECTION III:
REGULATIONS FOR THE IMPORT AND
INTRODUCTION OF EXOTIC SPECIES AND
PETS
ARTICLE 3
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of CITES regulating the trade in endangered
species of wild flora and fauna, the following regulations will also apply in the
Island Territory.
2. Import of any exotic species without a written permit, issued by or on behalf of
the Executive Committee, is prohibited.
3. Introduction of any exotic species and any pet is prohibited.
4. Import of pets without a valid health certificate issued in the country of origin is
prohibited.
5. Import of pets that have been caught in the wild (non-captive bred) is prohibited.
SECTION IV:
PERMIT
ARTICLE 4
1. A permit for the import of exotic species will only be issued if the Scientific
Advisory Committee has given a positive recommendation.
2. The Executive Committee may attach conditions to a permit as mentioned in
Article 4, paragraph one.
SECTION V:
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
ARTICLE 5
1. Officers authorized to enforce the regulations of this Island Ordinance are police
officers; the Head of the Agriculture Department and any other law enforcement
officers as may be designated for this purpose by the Executive Committee.
2. Authorized officers have the power to remove illegally imported and introduced
species which form a threat to native flora or fauna.
SECTION VI:
CRIMINAL PROVISIONS
ARTICLE 6
1. Violations of any of the prohibitions in this Island Ordinance are considered to be
misdemeanors and can be punished with a maximum monetary fine of ANG five
thousand or imprisonment for a maximum of one month.
2. The species of flora and fauna that are the object of a misdemeanor may be
confiscated and deported to their country of origin.
ARTICLE 7
This Island Ordinance can be cited as: “Exotic Species Ordinance Saba”.