INVASIVE SPECIES

Ballast Water Legislation

SUPPORT WITH MODIFICATIONS

A proactive federal approach to keep new species from entering the Great Lakes ecosystem is essential to our economic and ecological well-being. Two ballast water bills have been introduced, the Coast Guard Authorization Act in the House of Representatives and the Ballast Water Management Act in the Senate. These bills establish tough U.S. standards for treating ballast discharges and set a goal of requiring treatment on board ships. However, the bills must be strengthened in the following ways:

• Require Best Available Technology (BAT) by 2011
• Close the NOBOB (No Ballast on Board) Loophole
• Preserve State and Clean Water Act authority
• Define EPA’s role in Ballast Water Management

National Aquatic Invasive Species Act (NAISA) (S. 725)

SUPPORT

NAISA, introduced by Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), provides a comprehensive approach to preventing the introduction of more aquatic invasive species to all waters of the United States. It includes provisions to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species into U.S. waters by vessels, including use of best ballast water management practices, ballast water treatment requirements based on discharge standards, installation of the best performing treatment technology available, certified ballast water exchange, and education and technical assistance programs. It further contains provisions to prevent invasive species introductions from non-U.S. pathways, screen live aquatic organisms when they enter the U.S for the first time commercially, and conduct research on invasion pathways, prevention, and control technologies. NAISA would establish a national network for the early detection and monitoring of new aquatic invasive species, a rapid response fund to help states take immediate control and eradication measures.

Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act (S. 726 and H.R. 83)

SUPPORT

The Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act would list three species of Asian carp - the bighead, black and silver carp - as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. By doing so, Congress would prevent the intentional introduction of these species into the Great Lakes by prohibiting the interstate transportation or importation of live Asian carp without a permit.

Great Lakes Asian Carp Barrier Act of 2007 (H.R. 553) and Barrier Project Consolidation and Construction Act of 2007 (S.336)

SUPPORT

This legislation authorizes the completion of an electronic barrier to keep the Asian carp out of the Great Lakes. Asian carp are voracious filter feeders that could destroy the $4 billion recreational fishery in the Great Lakes. The electric barrier in the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is the Great Lakes' last line of defense. Unless we invest in a solution today, the price we will pay tomorrow will be much higher. If we don't act now, future generations may never experience the Great lakes as we know them. Congress must authorize and fully fund the barrier.