Aquatic Alien Invasive Species

Enlist the Assistance of the International Joint Commission

The International Joint Commission is uniquely positioned to provide independent and objective advice to the Parties. The Commission remains firm in its opinion expressed in its Tenth and Eleventh Biennial Reports that the Parties should issue a reference¹¹ to the Commission to identify approaches that harmonize and coordinate binational efforts to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species to the Great Lakes. ¹² Potential areas where the Commission may assist the Parties include:

• identifying a binational approach to effective program coordination by government agencies;
• examination of tools and techniques to prevent introductions from vectors such as live food fish sales, the aquarium trade, bait buckets, and aquaculture;
• assessing the adequacy of existing programs and, where appropriate, recommending improved mechanisms to coordinate binational research and development, including research necessary to establish a regional standard;
• enhancing public awareness and outreach; and
• reporting on economic aspects, including the potential damages caused by aquatic alien invasive species, the cost of technological/transportation solutions to prevent new introductions, and the impact of alternative measures on the regional economy.

The borderless nature of aquatic alien invasive species requires continuing cooperation and vigilance by federal, state and provincial authorities to review all related legislation and regulations. Given the environmental costs of addressing species’ impacts once populations are established, government agencies should make every effort to minimize the threat from intentional and unintentional introductions of invasive species. The Commission stands ready to assist the governments of the United States and Canada in meeting this challenge.