Reference

National Invasive Species Act of 1996

Summary

This Act reauthorizes and amends the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention Control Act of 1990. It includes a number of additional findings, including that once introduced, aquatic nuisance species are unintentionally transported and introduced into inland lakes and rivers by recreational boaters, commercial barge traffic and other pathways. It stresses that preventative management measures are needed nationwide to prevent the further introduction and infestation of destructive species.

Main Points

• The findings state that nonindigenous species may compete with or prey upon native species of plants, fish, and wildlife, and may carry diseases or parasites that affect native species, and may disrupt the aquatic environment and economy of affected nearshore area
• The Act reauthorizes and modifies a number of the ballast management programs and provisions identified in the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention Control Act of 1990, and directs establishment of record keeping and reporting procedures and sampling techniques, and monitoring for compliance with guidelines.