Conclusion

The introduction and spread of alien invasive species are continuing to impair the biological integrity and threaten the many water-dependent economic sectors of the Great Lakes basin. The costs for treatment and control are massive, rising, and largely borne by local communities, utilities and industry rather than those who create the problem.

Current regulations, guidelines, and practices in place are not sufficient to prevent further alien invasive species introduction and spread. Specifically, current regulations exempting ships declaring no ballast on board (NOBOB) do nothing to minimize the threat they pose. The Great Lake region's sense of the biological and economic urgency of the problem drives the call for more federal leadership and immediate steps to prevent further introduction and spread of alien invasive species.

Immediate federal action to make mandatory ballast water management practices, including the requirement for NOBOB participation in the program, can reduce the biologic and economic threat from the introduction and spread of alien invasive species. The time to act is now.