What's New - NIS
In the News
March 2007: Protecting The World From Harmful Introduced Species: People around the world can access information about harmful introduced species easier than ever thanks to the September 2006 launch of a new website for the Global Invasive Species Database (GISD). The world's premier source of free, authoritative information about introduced species that threaten native biodiversity and livelihoods now has improved content and functions.
While only a small proportion of the living organisms that are moved around the world with human activity and global trade actually cause harm, those that do can be devastating. Such "biological invasions" are now considered one of the biggest factors in biodiversity loss and extinctions. However, fighting back is possible provided communities and decision makers are aware of the threats and have access to information on what they can do about it.
"The Global Invasive Species Database alerts people to the causes and consequences of invasive species and provides practical information about effective prevention and management options. It helps protect natural resources and livelihoods," says Michael Browne from the Invasive Species Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of IUCN-The World Conservation Union.
September 2006: California Coastal Ecosystems Protection Act -- California Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law the Coastal Ecosystems Protection Act (SB 497). This legislation requires the State Lands Commission (SLC) to adopt, by January 1, 2008, regulations that require an owner or operator of a vessel carrying, or capable of carrying, ballast water that operates in state waters to implement certain performance standards for the discharge of ballast water. This legislation largely codifies the Performance Standards recommended by the SLC in January, which include a goal of zero detectable marine organisms in discharged ballast water by 2020. The SLC acknowledges that there is no current technology that can achieve the goal.
September 2006: Federal Court Orders U.S. EPA To Regulate Ships Dumping Ballast Water. Read the press release (pdf/40KB) and the order granting permanent injunction (pdf/92KB).
May 2006: A new working group of the Alaska Invasive Species Council published a newsletter covering topics from the inaugural meeting. (pdf/244KB)
April 2006: Invasive Species Definition Clarification and Guidance White Paper Submitted by the Definitions Subcommittee of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC). Approved by ISAC April 27, 2006. White paper published by the National Invasive Species Council. (pdf/111KB)
February 2006: NASA and USGS are developing satellite image technology to identify and map potential exotic species invasions. This tool is used primarily to identify terrestrial invaders, although these agencies expect to use the system to identify aquatic invaders.
Upcoming Conferences and Meetings
February 5-7, 2008: International Conference on Biofouling and Ballast Water Management – Goa, India
March 31 to April 4, 2008: IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting – London, England
March 11-13, 2008: West Coast Green Crab Technical Committee meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia
Week of May 12, 2008: Invasive Species Advisory Committee meeting in Anchroage, Alaska (more information to come)
Important Correspondence
Letter from PWSRCAC to Sen. Ted Stevens regarding S.363 "Ballast Water Management Act of 2005," May 12, 2005 (pdf/106KB)
Letter from PWSRCAC to Sen. Ted Stevens regarding the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act, September 19, 2003 (pdf/179KB). Similar letters were sent to Sen. Murkowski and Rep. Young.
Reports on Conferences and Meetings Attended by the Council
August 2006: Trip Report: Aleutian Life Forum. By Dan Gilson, PWSRCAC. (pdf/28KB)
May 2006: 14th International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species Trip Report. by Lisa Ka'aihue and Dan Gilson, PWSRCAC; and Linda Shaw, NOAA. (pdf/54KB)
June 2006: New report released: Workshop Report on Testing of Ballast Water Treatment Systems: General Guidelines and Step-wise Strategy Toward Shipboard Testing. By GM Ruiz, GE Smith, & M Sytsma, Aquatic Bioinvasion Research and Policy Institute. (pdf/249KB)
Trip Report by Bob Benda, TOEM Committee Chair: 13th International Aquatic Invasive Species Conference, September 20-24, 2004. Ennis, County Clare, Ireland (pdf/10KB)
Trip Report by Lisa Ka’aihue, PWSRCAC project manager: Environmental Soundness Work Group Meeting, January 8, 2004, Seattle WA (pdf/15KB)
Trip Report by Paul McCollum, PWSRCAC board member: INVASIVE-SPECIES SYMPOSIUM Accidental and Purposeful Introductions of Animals: Investigating Species Interactions at Different Trophic Levels, October 14-16, 2003, Sacramento, CA (pdf/84KB)
Trip Report by Marilyn Leland, PWSRCAC deputy director: Western Regional Panel of the National Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, September 9-11, 2003, La Jolla, CA (pdf/37KB)
Other Items of Interest
December 2005: Article on PLoS (Public Library of Science) Biology site: Eco-Defense against Invasions
December 2005: The EPA Office of Water released a publication titled "Overview of Authorities for Natural Resource Managers Developing Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response and Management Plans." This publication provides an overview of EPA authorities that may apply to aquatic invasive species rapid response or control actions. This is a tool designed for natural resource managers developing aquatic invasive species rapid response and management plans. Visit EPA's Web site for more information.
Significant Non-Indigenous Species Ruling: On March 30, 2005, a federal ruling was issued that disallows ships from discharging ballast water containing nonnative species without a permit. The Environmental Protection Agency had previously allowed for a ballast water exemption. The court ruling indicates that ballast water containing non-indigenous species falls under the Clean Water Act which prohibits the discharge of pollutants, including invasive species. To learn more, read the order. (pdf/82KB)
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