U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-Michigan) and U.S. Representative Sarah Elfreth (D-Maryland) have partnered on a new bill to improve state and federal responses to aquatic invasive species.
"The strength of Michigan’s economy is directly tied to the long-term health of the Great Lakes, and as stewards of the Great Lakes, we bear the responsibility of preserving their well-being for future generations," Walberg said. "This vital legislation will streamline coordination and prioritize prevention and rapid response, so we can better protect fisheries and outdoor recreation economies. We must ensure the Great Lakes and waterways across the country remain protected from the ecological and economic threats posed by aquatic invasive species."
According to the bill’s sponsors, the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control and Prevention Act would support state-led management of invasive species and improve coordination between federal, state, and regional AIS programs.
“Whether it’s invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay, invasive carp in the Great Lakes, or snakehead in North Carolina, it’s clear that no community or district – Democrat and Republican alike – is safe from the ecological and economic harms caused by invasive species,” Elfreth said. “I’m proud to co-lead the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control and Prevention Act with Congressman Walberg to ensure we’re working together to think bolder and faster about combating the threat of invasive species and protecting our waterways, our economy, and our keystone native species.”
If passed, the legislation would authorize a grant program funding research, development, and demonstration of technologies and practices to control or eradicate AIS.
The legislation is supported by 18 fishing and boating groups.
“The AIS Control and Prevention Act represents the most comprehensive modernization of federal aquatic invasive species policy in decades, improving coordination across agencies and states, strengthening prevention and rapid response efforts, and providing long-overdue tools to support effective management,” the groups said in a 19 May letter supporting the legislation.
“From quagga mussels to blue catfish to invasive carp, AIS harm fisheries, limit access and diminish sportfishing opportunities across the country,” American Sportfishing Association President Glenn Hughes said in a statement. “This legislation represents the most comprehensive modernization of federal aquatic invasive species policy in decades, improving coordination across agencies and states, strengthening prevention and rapid response efforts, and providing long-overdue tools to support effective management. ASA strongly supports this bipartisan legislation and looks forward to working with Congress and our partners to advance these solutions and protect America’s fisheries for the future.”
