Fish and Aquatic Conservation - Aquatic Invasive Species

Established by the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA), the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) implements a program for waters of the United States to prevent introduction and dispersal of aquatic nuisance species (ANS), to monitor, control, and study such species, and to disseminate related information. The ANSTF provides financial support for two components of its program: Regional Panels of the ANSTF – The ANSTF provides funding to the host organizations to manage six Regional Panels. The panels help the ANSTF fulfill its responsibilities under NANPCA and collaborate with a broad spectrum of stakeholders to provide balanced advice to the Task Force on issues of regional significance. State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plans – Funding is provided to States to implement ANS Management Plans approved by the ANSTF, as authorized in NANPCA. The plans identify activities needed to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with ANS, focusing on feasible, cost-effective management efforts to prevent and control ANS infestations in an environmentally sound manner. Only States or Interstate organizations with ANSTF-approved ANS Plans are eligible for this annual funding.