U.S. federal policies, legislation, and responsibilities related to importation of exotic fishes and other aquatic organisms

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Within the Federal government, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has primary responsibility for legal and policy responsibility for introduced exotic species. The Lacey Act of 1900 authorizes the Service to prohibit the importation of species that are potentially injurious to native fish and wildlife. However, regulations under authority of the Lacey Act cover only a few species. The Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 established a Task Force co-chaired by the Director of the Service and Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. The Task Force consults with the Secretary of Transportation to develop regulations to prevent the importation and spread of aquatic nuisance species into the Great Lakes through exchange of ballast water. Federal agencies must comply with Presidential Executive Order 1198, Exotic Organisms, that prohibits Federal agencies or activities they fund or authorize from introducing exotic species. The Service conducts research and evaluation of exotic species to support Federal, State, and local efforts to prevent further importation of harmful species. Effective regulation will also depend on the full cooperation with Canada.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title U.S. federal policies, legislation, and responsibilities related to importation of exotic fishes and other aquatic organisms
Series title Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
DOI 10.1139/f91-315
Volume 48
Issue Supplement 1
Year Published 1991
Language English
Publisher NRC Research Press
Contributing office(s) Great Lakes Science Center
Description 5 p.
First page 162
Last page 166
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details