Biological Integrity

2. The governments should take the following measures to eliminate the threat and impacts of aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes:

Take immediate action to:

• in the United States, pass the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act (NAISA) reauthorizing the National Invasive Species Act (NISA);
• in Canada, implement the National Action Plan to address the threat of aquatic alien invasive species and finalize mandatory ballast water management practices; and
• ratify and implement the International Maritime Organization's Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, and pursue more stringent measures and rapid timelines.

3. Issue a reference on aquatic alien invasive species to the International Joint Commission to:

• help to identify the most effective ways to coordinate binational prevention efforts and harmonize national plans, particularly those dealing with residual ballast water and sediment in ballast tanks;
• evaluate the effectiveness of current institutional arrangements;
• assist with the establishment of a regional standard stronger than the minimum required by the International Maritime Organization Convention;
• ensure that economic analyses carried out for projects with potential environmental effects include the environmental and societal costs of aquatic alien invasive species control, damage, and mitigation, and the costs and benefits of prevention measures; and
• assist with public education and communications.

4. All levels of governments should create and implement coordinated planning actions to fully protect drinking water from increased pressures from industry, urban expansion, aging infrastructure and agriculture, including ecosystem and human health protection from large-scale animal operations.