PrintOutdoors Community Seeks Senate Action on Ballast Water Invasive Species
In Washington, DC, the Potomac River has seen its share of invasive, non-native species adapt and thrive. Some of them like the northern snakehead fish have attracted a great deal of attention and became the ‘poster child' for invasive species.
Other areas of the country are threatened by a variety of non-native plants and animals that have hitched a ride to our shores in the ballast water tanks of ocean-going freighters and survived, only to be discharged into our waterways, potentially wreaking havoc with sustainability of our native fish and wildlife. California is plagued by mitten crabs; the Great Lakes are now home to zebra mussels and round goby fish. These and others compete with native species for food and sanctuary.
In April, the House of Representatives recently overwhelmingly passed H.R. 2830 (395-7) which included a provision to eliminate any threat of non-native invasive species transported via ballast water tanks by 2015. The Senate has yet to act on the legislation.
The outdoors community recently sent a letter urging the Senate leadership to advance this legislation that would regulate ballast water management and protect our native fish and wildlife.
Read the letter to the Senate
