What is the CCITT?
The Collaborative to Combat the Illegal Trade in Turtles (CCITT) is a Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) national task team that formed in 2018 with the intent to better understand, prevent, and eliminate the illegal collection and trade of North America’s native turtles. Two of CCITT’s primary objectives are to raise the profile of the issue of illegal collection and to build bridges between the biologist and law enforcement communities in an effort to ensure the enforcement of existing state and federal laws and regulations that protect native turtles.
Does CCITT seek to ban all trade in turtles?
No. The CCITT’s mission seeks to reduce the illegal trade in North America’s native turtles. Sustainable, regulated wildlife trade is an important socioeconomic piece to the conservation puzzle. Navigating state and federal laws and regulations around the collection, possession, and sale of wildlife can be complex, making the public’s understanding of the law a critical part of a more sustainable future. Through a collaborative and adaptive socio-ecological approach, CCITT members work to address problems associated with the illegal trade of our native turtles.
What are some things CCITT does to fight illegal trade?
Below are examples of CCITT initiatives that help address the illegal turtle trade and its harmful impacts:
- Work with state agencies to develop science-based recommendations for effective, efficient, safe, and legal response to turtle seizures, confiscations, and surrenders.
- Develop a network of institutions with the expertise and capacity to house confiscated turtles.
- Develop restitution cost documents that offer guidance in courts of law on the value of confiscated turtles; these funds are usually reinvested in conservation.
- Partner with experts to develop genetic tools that will help biologists determine where illegally collected turtles originated.
- Provide law enforcement officials with training, tools, and resources to foster enforcement, networking, and support investigations.
Who can join CCITT?
CCITT’s membership is made up primarily of agency personnel (i.e., state, tribal, and federal agencies). Membership also includes select and vetted staff from academia, non-governmental organizations, judicial and legal personnel, and others that bring good-faith interest and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities to the group in a way that furthers trust and collaboration among all members. Non-agency personnel are required to submit an application that will be considered by the CCITT Steering Committee and to sign a Letter of Understanding committing to the organizational policies.
Can students join?
Yes. Students and other temporary status employees, interns, fellows, etc. can submit an application for temporary membership. For non-permanent employees working within government, there is a temporary member agreement document that must be agreed to and signed. For those outside of government, there is an application that is identical to the permanent member application but that has an end-date associated with the end of the applicant’s employment. Please note that supervisory permission is required before joining in all cases. Temporary members can re-apply for permanent member status when they gain permanent employment with an organization.
Is membership transferable within an organization?
No. Membership is not transferable in any way, including within your institution. Members are expected to refrain from sharing call information, internal documents, links, etc. with anyone that does not have CCITT membership. If another individual within your organization would like to engage with CCITT, we would encourage them to submit an application.
Is all CCITT content private?
No. Much of the content we create is intended for wide public and professional distribution. When this is the case, it is made clear to members so that they can share. Many of the information products we have created can be found on the CCITT Media and Resources webpage.
Where can I learn more about CCITT?
Check out our main webpage at: https://parcplace.org/species/collaborative-to-combat-the-illegal-trade-in-turtles/
I’m ready to join! How do I submit an application?
Send an email requesting an application to: ccitt.leadership.board@gmail.com
