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CONGRESSIONAL AND FEDERAL ACTIONS |
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CONGRESSIONAL AND FEDERAL ACTIONS |
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About the Non-Native Species of the Gulf of Mexico |
While it has been known for decades that some non-native species can be problematic, for example nutria, water hyacinth, and hydrilla, it has only been in recent years that federal and state governments have taken steps to provide guidance and resources for a planned approach to address problems associated with non-native species occurrences. In 1990, the U.S. Congress passed into law the Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA). The NANPCA was the first federal law to address the problem of aquatic nuisance species, but focused mainly on ballast water introductions and the accidental introduction of zebra mussels. In addition, the NANPCA established the National Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANS Task Force), which is a federal agency task force established to coordinate federal actions to address aquatic invasive species and to provide a resource to states to implement measures to manage and control invasive species at the state and local level. As a part of the ANS Task Force process, the NANPCA also called for the establishment of the Great Lakes Regional Panel, which was charged with providing a regional and local infrastructure to document problems, establish priorities, and make recommendations to state and federal agencies for action. The NANPCA was a good first step; however, it was recognized that more needed to be done. As a result the NANPCA was re-authorized in 1996 and became the National Invasive Species Act (NISA). The new law recognized the need to expand efforts beyond ballast water and zebra mussels to address other important pathways and the variety of non-native species that are associated with those pathways. In addition, the NISA established a voluntary ballast water exchange and reporting program, designed to help prevent continued introduction of non-native aquatic species through ballast water discharges and to provide a record of compliance by the shipping industry. The NISA also established provisions to create additional regional panels around the country to interact with the ANS Task Force and provide regional and local recommendations, planning, and an infrastructure for action. Six years later, the learning curve continues, revealing the need for yet additional national legislative guidance. Beginning in 2002, the U.S. Congress initiated action to reauthorize NISA and increase the capabilities of state and federal agencies to effectively address the significant and growing problem of aquatic invasive species. Currently, debates are taking place to consider reauthorization of NISA with significant amendments. Supporters are hopeful for adoption of these improved measures for invasive species management and control. |
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the * Current site content modified from original content developed by the University of Southern Mississippi/College of Marine Sciences/Gulf Coast Research Laboratory through a grant administered by the Gulf of Mexico Program. |
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