Migratory Birds Convention Act
Encyclopedia
The Migratory Birds Convention Act (also MBCA) is a Canadian
law established in 1917 and significantly updated in June 1994 which contains regulations to protect migratory birds
, their eggs, and their nests from hunting
, trafficking
and commercialization. A permit is required to engage in any of these activities.
The original law was passed to satisfy the terms of an agreement with the United States
, signed because of concern in both countries of uncontrolled hunting of waterfowl
and shorebirds
. The updated version includes stronger enforcement and greater penalties. A geographical area may be designated as a Migratory Bird Refuge under this convention; this restricts activities targeting a specified set of birds in that area, but does not protect the land or water features. To establish complete habitat protection
, the more stringent requirements of the Canada Wildlife Act
are necessary.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
law established in 1917 and significantly updated in June 1994 which contains regulations to protect migratory birds
Bird migration
Bird migration is the regular seasonal journey undertaken by many species of birds. Bird movements include those made in response to changes in food availability, habitat or weather. Sometimes, journeys are not termed "true migration" because they are irregular or in only one direction...
, their eggs, and their nests from hunting
Hunting
Hunting is the practice of pursuing any living thing, usually wildlife, for food, recreation, or trade. In present-day use, the term refers to lawful hunting, as distinguished from poaching, which is the killing, trapping or capture of the hunted species contrary to applicable law...
, trafficking
Smuggling
Smuggling is the clandestine transportation of goods or persons, such as out of a building, into a prison, or across an international border, in violation of applicable laws or other regulations.There are various motivations to smuggle...
and commercialization. A permit is required to engage in any of these activities.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, signed because of concern in both countries of uncontrolled hunting of waterfowl
Waterfowl
Waterfowl are certain wildfowl of the order Anseriformes, especially members of the family Anatidae, which includes ducks, geese, and swans....
and shorebirds
Wader
Waders, called shorebirds in North America , are members of the order Charadriiformes, excluding the more marine web-footed seabird groups. The latter are the skuas , gulls , terns , skimmers , and auks...
. The updated version includes stronger enforcement and greater penalties. A geographical area may be designated as a Migratory Bird Refuge under this convention; this restricts activities targeting a specified set of birds in that area, but does not protect the land or water features. To establish complete habitat protection
Habitat conservation
Habitat conservation is a land management practice that seeks to conserve, protect and restore, habitat areas for wild plants and animals, especially conservation reliant species, and prevent their extinction, fragmentation or reduction in range...
, the more stringent requirements of the Canada Wildlife Act
Canada Wildlife Act
The Canada Wildlife Act specifies the requirements for a geographic area in Canada to be designated a National Wildlife Area by the Canadian Wildlife Service division of Environment Canada...
are necessary.