Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat News
The Newsletter of the Great Lakes
Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund
The Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat News is the newsletter of the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund, published five times per year. The News is intended to provide a forum for the free exchange of ideas among citizens and organizations working to protect aquatic habitats in the Great Lakes Basin.
Volume 15, Number 2 • Summer2007
Basin-wide News
Fishing Interests Urge Legislation
and Shipping Moratorium to Combat Invasive Species
By Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Last month during the 52nd annual meeting of the Great Lakes
Fishery Commission in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the Canadian and
U.S. committees of advisors presented the commission with a rare
binational resolution urging the passage of aquatic
invasive species legislation and calling for an immediate
moratorium on ocean-vessel access to the Great Lakes until
adequate ballast water regulations are implemented. The
committee-representing recreational and commercial fishing, aboriginal
communities, the public-at-large, and academia-expressed
deep concern over the continued influx of aquatic invasive species
into the Great Lakes and disappointment over the Canadian and U.S.
Governments' inaction to remedy this serious problem.
"The Great Lakes have now been invaded by at least 183
non-native species, many of which cause major harm to the interests
of the people I represent," said Canadian committee chair Dr.
Terry Quinney of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
"The problem is, once a species becomes established, control, let
alone eradication, is virtually impossible. These invaders-like zebra
mussels and round gobies-reproduce, spread, and cause irreversible
damage and severe economic loss."
"Despite all we know about the harm from invasive species,
governmental action to stop these invasions has been woefully
inadequate," said U.S. committee vice-chair Mike Ryan of the
Northwest Indiana Steelheaders. "Each new invader has the potential
to destroy the fishery that is so valuable to the people of the
United States and Canada. By neglecting to take appropriate action,
the governments are essentially placing a "welcome mat" at the
doorstep of the Great Lakes inviting new invaders, and it is stakeholders
like us and the next generation that are paying the price."
"The resolution reflects widespread agreement across two
countries that the situation needs to change, and it needs to change
now. Our resolution simply says that ballast water-the primary way
in which these invaders enter the Great Lakes-must be managed,
and until it is, ocean vessels are not welcome in our waters," said
Dr. Quinney. "Since transportation alternatives exist, it is our responsibility
to use them to protect our valuable fishery."
"The resolution presented to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission
and its Commissioners reflects binational agreement, and advisors
encourage the commission to convey our will to government in the
strongest possible terms," said U.S. committee chair Ed Sander of
Rochester New York.
For mor informtaion contact:
Dr. Terry Quinney, Chair, Canadian Committee of Advisors:
705-748-6324
Mr. Ed Sander, Chair, U.S. Commission Committee of Advisors
585-544-1830
Mr. Michael Ryan, Vice-Chair, U.S. Commission Committee
of Advisors 219-926-7938
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