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About the Northeast Regional Aquatic Nuisance
Species Panel
The Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel (the NEANS Panel)
was established in the summer of 2001 in response to the growing
threat of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) to the region, as well
as the need for a coordinated, regional approach to stop their spread.
The NEANS Panel will address ANS concerns in the Gulf of Maine,
as well as the freshwater systems of the Northeastern US and Atlantic
Canada. The Panel is currently comprised of 41 members representing
state and federal agencies, academic institutions, non-profits,
and industry.
Federal Roots
Mission
and Goals
Bylaws,
adopted May 17, 2004 (39KB, PDF)
Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel Committees
Geographic Scope
Federal
Roots
The NEANS Panel is a regional committee of the Federal
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (the ANS Task Force). The
ANS Task Force is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to
preventing and controlling the introduction and spread of ANS, and
has the overall responsibility of implementing the Nonindigenous
Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention and Control Act of 1990
(amended
as the National Invasive Species Act of 1996). Under the provisions
of these Acts, the Federal ANS Task Force is to encourage the development
of regional panels, which will:
- Identify priorities for the each region with respect to ANS;
- Coordinate, where possible, ANS program activities in each region;
- Develop an emergency response strategy for Federal, State, and
local entities for stemming new invasions of ANS in each region;
and
- Provide advice to public and private individuals and entities
concerning methods of preventing and controlling ANS infestations.
To date, Panels have been established for the Great Lakes, Western
States, Gulf of Mexico, and most recently, the Northeast Region.
Northeast
Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel Committees
The Northeast ANS Panel is comprised of four issue-oriented committees.
Committees include members representing both marine and freshwater
interests, and include:
Ballast
Water Committee
The Ballast Water Committee is the Panel's newest committee. It
addresses the important issue of looking at ballast water as a
vector for aquatic and marine invasive plant and animal species.
The Ballast Water Committee be conducting a risk assessment for
waters in the North Atlantic and drafting a management plan to
eliminate or reduce release of invasive plants and snimals through
this vector. BW Workplan
through September 30, 2003.
Communication,
Education, and Outreach Committee
The Communications, Education, and Outreach Committee facilitates
regional coordination of information dissemination. Among the
objectives of the committee are to 1) serve as a regional resource
or clearinghouse to coordinate information sharing among all the
states, provinces, organizations, and institutions represented
on the Northeast panel, as well as other stakeholders, 2) promote
awareness of the Northeast panel to increase recognition of and
support for its mission and priorities, and 3) increase ANS awareness
among all sectors of the public, emphasizing the need for and
importance of preventative actions. CEO
Workplan through September 30, 2003.
Policy
and Legislation Committee
The Policy and Legislation Committee promotes consistent and effective
policies and legislation to prevent and control ANS throughout
the northeast. The committee's activities provide support for
the adoption of state, provincial, and regional ANS policies,
management plans, and regulatory and legislative authorities.
In particular, the committee seeks to elevate policy-makers' interest
in addressing prevention and management issues. Additionally,
the committee assists and provides input to the ANS Task Force
on national projects and policies, including reauthorization of
the National Invasive Species Act. P&L
Workplan through September 30, 2003.
Science
and Technology Committee
The Science and Technology Committee advances the research, development,
and implementation of scientific methods and new technologies
for ANS prevention and control. As such, the committee fosters
research initiatives that further understanding of the biology,
ecology, and potential impacts of ANS; address vectors by which
these invaders are dispersed in marine and freshwater ecosystems;
and promote control, eradication, baseline monitoring, and prevention
of ANS. The development of a uniform regional database is one
of the committee's initial tasks. The database will document the
extent and characteristics of invasions and aid in developing
an early detection system for ANS invasions. S&T
Workplan through September 30, 2003.
Geographic Scope
The NEANS Panel will address issues and concerns relative to the
freshwater and marine resources of the states of Maine, New Hampshire,
Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.
These jurisdictions are represented on the Panel membership. Due
to the bi-national significance of waters included within these
jurisdictions, the Panel includes the freshwater and marine resources
of the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. Federal
and provincial governments of Canada, as well as other relevant
stakeholders will participate as full members of the Panel, ensuring
appropriate representation.
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