Resolution: Great Lakes Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species
Adopted on October 16, 2000

Whereas, the introduction of nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species (ANS) has presented a significant and growing threat to the economy and environment of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence System; and

Whereas, such species are a form of biological pollution that preys upon and displaces native animals and plants, reduces biodiversity, limits water use activities and damages public and private infrastructure; and

Whereas, on a global scale, ecological changes resulting from ANS invasions are threatening the biological diversity and ecological integrity of aquatic and terrestrial habitats around the world; and

Whereas, preventing new infestations and limiting the spread of existing ones is critical to protecting and enhancing the ecological integrity and economic health of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence System; and

Whereas, the Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species, a binational group of state, provincial, federal and tribal authorities, as well as private and citizen sector representatives, was formed in 1990 under the authority of U.S. federal law to coordinate and promote ANS prevention and control efforts within the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence System; and

Whereas, a Great Lakes Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species was recently developed, under the auspices of the Great Lakes Panel, to provide a regional policy framework to guide collective interjurisdictional action for ANS prevention and control efforts within Great Lakes-St. Lawrence jurisdictions, and

Whereas, the intent of the Action Plan is to acknowledge the importance of the ANS problem in the Great Lakes region and present goals and principles that can guide prevention and control efforts; and

Whereas, the Action Plan provides a blueprint that the Great Lakes states and provinces can collectively work toward that is fully consistent with current federal, state and provincial policies.

Therefore, Be it Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission endorses the Great Lakes Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species; and

Be It Finally Resolved, that the Great Lakes Commission encourages the Great Lakes governors and premiers sign the Action Plan and use it as guidance in their individual and collective prevention and control efforts.

Adopted by the unanimous action of the eight member states of the Great Lakes Commission at the 2000 Annual Meeting, Hamilton, Ontario, October 16, 2000.