The Wildlife Trafficking Enforcement Act of 2015 - Summer

Illegal wildlife trafficking is the third most profitable global criminal enterprise, generating approximately $10 billion annually and contributing to rapid species decline and ecosystem destabilization. The bill strengthens enforcement mechanisms by expanding the application of racketeering statutes to high-value wildlife crimes and increasing penalties for trafficking of species and wildlife products valued at $10,000 or more. The scientific analysis underscores ecological consequences of removing keystone and apex species, including trophic cascades, habitat degradation, and disruption of ecological processes.

The report finds that stronger enforcement authority and interagency coordination are necessary to dismantle organized criminal networks driving wildlife exploitation. Success indicators include measurable reductions in trafficking volume, improved detection rates, and stabilization or recovery of targeted species populations. By addressing enforcement gaps and elevating wildlife crime to a higher prosecutorial priority, the Act aims to protect biodiversity while mitigating broader ecological, economic, and security risks associated with transnational wildlife trafficking.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.