Georgia Water/Laws/National Invasive Species Act

U.S. National Invasive Species Act (1996)

General Description

The National Invasive Species Act (NISA) was passed in 1996 amending the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990. The 1990 Act established the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force to direct ANS activities annually. The Task Force is co-chaired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Other members include the National Marine Fisheries Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. State Department, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Purpose and Findings

Nonindigenous invasive species have become established throughout the waters of the U.S. and are causing economic and ecological degradation to the affected near shore regions. Zebra mussels are present in the Great Lakes and inland waters including the Mississippi drainage, Arkansas River, Hudson River, and Lake Champlain. Other exotic species infestations, such as the mitten crab, brown mussel, ruffe, Eurasian watermilfoil, and hydrilla, occur throughout waters of the U.S. If preventive measures are not taken nationwide, introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species will continue in marine and fresh waters of the U.S.

Expansion of ANS

NISA furthered ANS activities by calling for ballast water regulations, the development of State management plans and regional panels to combat the spread of aquatic nuisance species, and additional ANS research.

Cross Reference

Executive Order: In 1999, President Clinton signed the Executive Order on Invasive Species. See XIX, above.

Text of Act

Available online at http://library.law.unc.edu/ocean-coastal/nisa.html