Background
Ethical conduct of research requires investigators
adhere to all permitting requirements that state, federal, or other government
agencies may require, including foreign governments in the case of
international fieldwork.
Related
Policies and Guidance
- Policy 529-248: Euthanasia of Wildlife in
Emergency Situations
Guidance
The capture of wild animals (including fish, sharks and
rays, birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and other vertebrates) typically requires
permits from state agencies (principally, California Department of Fish and
Wildlife, CDFW). In some circumstance (e.g., threatened or endangered species;
or most species of bird) may require permits and/or a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) from the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Moreover, capture of vertebrates on private
property (such as personal or non-government affiliated property) also requires permission from the
landowner. Finally, transport of animals
(such as across state lines) may require additional federal permits, such as
from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
International research typically requires a collecting
permit from the local government; and export of specimens out of another
country, into the US, always requires a USFWS 3-177 declaration form, and
typically requires an export permit from the country of origin.
It is the PI’s responsibility to know which permits are
needed for their research; to obtain them prior to conducting research; to
adhere to the conditions therein; to submit any applicable reports to the
relevant agency; and to maintain copies of their expired research permits for
the duration of time specified on their permits.
Whenever an AUP involves the capture of wild animals
(capture and release or collection), in the AUP the investigator must provide a
list of all required permits. Since
obtaining permits can sometimes take a long time, the IACUC recognizes that it
is not necessary for the PI to already have permits in hand when submitting an
AUP. In that instance, the investigator must state in the protocol that all required
permits will be obtained prior to conducting research on animals.
The investigator is not required to submit permits to the
IACUC when an AUP is submitted but shall promptly furnish a copy of their permits
to the IACUC upon request.
Approved: 9/10/07, 6/10/10; latest revision 10/18/2021