§4722. Aquatic nuisance species program
(a) In general
The Task Force shall develop and implement a program for waters of the United States to prevent introduction and dispersal of aquatic nuisance species; to monitor, control and study such species; and to disseminate related information.
(b) Content
The program developed under subsection (a) of this section shall-
(1) identify the goals, priorities, and approaches for aquatic nuisance species prevention, monitoring, control, education and research to be conducted or funded by the Federal Government;
(2) describe the specific prevention, monitoring, control, education and research activities to be conducted by each Task Force member;
(3) coordinate aquatic nuisance species programs and activities of Task Force members and affected State agencies;
(4) describe the role of each Task Force member in implementing the elements of the program as set forth in this subchapter;
(5) include recommendations for funding to implement elements of the program; and
(6) develop a demonstration program of prevention, monitoring, control, education and research for the zebra mussel, to be implemented in the Great Lakes and any other waters infested, or likely to become infested in the near future, by the zebra mussel.
(c) Prevention
(1) In general
The Task Force shall establish and implement measures, within the program developed under subsection (a) of this section, to minimize the risk of introduction of aquatic nuisance species to waters of the United States, including-
(A) identification of pathways by which aquatic organisms are introduced to waters of the United States;
(B) assessment of the risk that an aquatic organism carried by an identified pathway may become an aquatic nuisance species; and
(C) evaluation of whether measures to prevent introductions of aquatic nuisance species are effective and environmentally sound.
(2) Implementation
Whenever the Task Force determines that there is a substantial risk of unintentional introduction of an aquatic nuisance species by an identified pathway and that the adverse consequences of such an introduction are likely to be substantial, the Task Force shall, acting through the appropriate Federal agency, and after an opportunity for public comment, carry out cooperative, environmentally sound efforts with regional, State and local entities to minimize the risk of such an introduction.
(d) Monitoring
The Task Force shall establish and implement monitoring measures, within the program developed under subsection (a) of this section, to-
(1) detect unintentional introductions of aquatic nuisance species;
(2) determine the dispersal of aquatic nuisance species after introduction; and
(3) provide for the early detection and prevention of infestations of aquatic nuisance species in unaffected drainage basins.
(e) Control
(1) In general
The Task Force may develop cooperative efforts, within the program established under subsection (a) of this section, to control established aquatic nuisance species to minimize the risk of harm to the environment and the public health and welfare. For purposes of this chapter, control efforts include eradication of infestations, reductions of populations, development of means of adapting human activities and public facilities to accommodate infestations, and prevention of the spread of aquatic nuisance species from infested areas. Such control efforts shall be developed in consultation with affected Federal agencies, States, Indian Tribes, local governments, interjurisdictional organizations, and other appropriate entities. Control actions authorized by this section shall be based on the best available scientific information and shall be conducted in an environmentally sound manner.
(2) Decisions
The Task Force or any other affected agency or entity may recommend that the Task Force initiate a control effort. In determining whether a control program is warranted, the Task Force shall evaluate the need for control (including the projected consequences of no control and less than full control); the technical and biological feasibility and cost-effectiveness of alternative control strategies and actions; whether the benefits of control, including costs avoided, exceed the costs of the program; the risk of harm to non-target organisms and ecosystems, public health and welfare; and such other considerations the Task Force determines appropriate. The Task Force shall also determine the nature and extent of control of target aquatic nuisance species that is feasible and desirable.
(3) Programs
If the Task Force determines in accordance with paragraph (2) that control of an aquatic nuisance species is warranted, the Task Force shall develop a proposed control program to achieve the target level of control. A notice summarizing the proposed action and soliciting comments shall be published in the Federal Register, in major newspapers in the region affected, and in principal trade publications of the industries affected. Within 180 days of proposing a control program, and after consultation with affected governmental and other appropriate entities and taking into consideration other comments received, the Task Force shall complete development of the proposed control program.
(f) Research
(1) Priorities
The Task Force shall, within the program developed under subsection (a) of this section, conduct research concerning-
(A) the environmental and economic risks associated with the introduction of aquatic nuisance species into the waters of the United States;
(B) the principal pathways by which aquatic nuisance species are introduced and dispersed;
(C) possible methods for the prevention, monitoring and control of aquatic nuisance species; and
(D) the assessment of the effectiveness of prevention, monitoring and control methods.
(2) Protocol
Within 90 days of November 29, 1990, the Task Force shall establish and follow a protocol to ensure that research activities carried out under this subchapter do not result in the introduction of aquatic nuisance species to waters of the United States.
(3) Grants for research
The Task Force shall allocate funds authorized under this chapter for competitive research grants to study all aspects of aquatic nuisance species, which shall be administered through the National Sea Grant College Program and the Cooperative Fishery and Wildlife Research Units. Grants shall be conditioned to ensure that any recipient of funds follows the protocol established under paragraph (2) of this subsection.
(g) Technical assistance
The Task Force shall, within the program developed under subsection (a) of this section, provide technical assistance to State and local governments and persons to minimize the environmental, public health, and safety risks associated with aquatic nuisance species, including an early warning system for advance notice of possible infestations and appropriate responses.
(h) Education
The Task Force shall, with the program developed under subsection (a) of this section, establish and implement educational programs through Sea Grant Marine Advisory Services and any other available resources that it determines to be appropriate to inform the general public, State governments, governments of political subdivisions of States, and industrial and recreational users of aquatic resources in connection with matters concerning the identification of aquatic nuisance species, and control methods for such species, including the prevention of the further distribution of such species.
(i) Zebra mussel demonstration program
(1) In general
The Task Force shall, within the program developed under subsection (a) of this section, undertake a program of prevention, monitoring, control, education and research for the zebra mussel to be implemented in the Great Lakes and any other waters of the United States infested or likely to become infested by the zebra mussel, including-
(A) research and development concerning the species life history, environmental tolerances and impacts on fisheries and other ecosystem components, and the efficacy of control mechanisms and means of avoiding or minimizing impacts;
(B) tracking the dispersal of the species and establishment of an early warning system to alert likely areas of future infestations;
(C) development of control plans in coordination with regional, State and local entities; and
(D) provision of technical assistance to regional, State and local entities to carry out this section.
(2) Public facility research and development
The Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Task Force, shall develop a program of research and technology development for the environmentally sound control of zebra mussels in and around public facilities. The Assistant Secretary shall collect and make available, through publications and other appropriate means, information pertaining to such control methods.
(j) Implementation
(1) Regulations
Not later than 18 months after November 29, 1990, the Director and the Under Secretary may issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement this section.
(2) Participation of others
The Task Force shall provide opportunities for affected Federal agencies which are not part of the Task Force, State and local government agencies, and regional and other entities with the necessary expertise to participate in control programs. If these other agencies or entities have sufficient authority or jurisdiction and expertise and where this will be more efficient or effective, responsibility for implementing all or a portion of a control program may be delegated to such agencies or entities.
(k) Reports
(1) Not later than 12 months after November 29, 1990, the Task Force shall submit a report describing the program developed under subsection (a) of this section, including the research protocol required under subsection (f)(2) of this section, to the appropriate Committees.
(2) On an annual basis after the submission of the report under paragraph (1), the Task Force shall submit a report to the appropriate Committees detailing progress in carrying out this section.
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References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (e)(1) and (f)(3), was in the original "this Act", which, to reflect the probable intent of Congress, was translated as reading "this title" meaning title I of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in sections 4723, 4725, 4741 of this title.