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Managing Hull Transport of Aquatic Invasive Species
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) attach to all types and sizes of
vessels. Measures to prevent and control the hull transport of
AIS are necessary as they can have significant ecological and
socio-economic impacts.
The
University of California Sea Grant Extension Program collaborated
with the California State Lands Commission to lay a foundation
for solutions by convening a Workshop to educate participants,
learn from them and ask for recommendations. This coordinated
approach was chosen because hull transport of AIS is a complicated
issue affecting commercial and recreational vessels.
The
Workshop took place on May 11th, 2005 at the San Francisco Civic
Center. To ensure that the recommendations reflect the best available
information and consider the concerns of affected parties, representatives
from the shipping, boating and coating industries; vessel owners;
port, harbor, and marina managers; state and federal agencies;
research community and environmental organizations participated
in the Workshop.
Workshop
Goals:
• Educate stakeholders and facilitate the exchange of perspectives
on managing hull-borne invasive species, fouling growth and coastal
water quality from the commercial shipping and recreational boating
perspectives.
• Develop recommendations on managing the risks associated
with the hull transport of invasive species as well as feasible,
effective strategies for preventing associated introductions.
• Determine recommendations for action such as research,
education, outreach, management measures and policies needed to
prevent and control AIS introductions and establishment.
A
Workshop Report will be prepared and findings will be incorporated
into a White Paper to be prepared by the University of California
Sea Grant Extension Program to extend information on managing
hull transport of AIS and on water quality issues related to antifouling
paints for recreational vessels.
To
receive the White Paper and Workshop Report which will be available
later in 2005 please e-mail your complete contact information
to Leigh Johnson at ltjohnson@ucdavis.edu
Additional
Resources:
Invasive
Plants - San Diego Carl Bell, Regional Advisor
Nonindigenous
Species Research and Outreach
(National Sea Grant College Program) A national information
center that contains research publications and education materials
on zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species.
National
Marine Fisheries Service
California
Environmental Protection Agency
Article on the marine (saltwater) algae, "Caulerpa Taxifolia"
RIDNIS
Reducing the Introduction and Damage of Aquatic Nonindigenous
Species through Outreach and Education
West
Coast Ballast Outreach Project
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