Ask Congress - Protect against Aquatic Invasive Species

Ask Congress TODAY for Strong Protections from Aquatic Invasive Species

November 4, 2011

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote TODAY on legislation that would eliminate the tools used by both federal and state officials to control the introduction of aquatic invasive species from the ballast water of vessels. 

We believe that passage of the current version of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2011 (HR 2838), which includes the Commercial Vessel Discharges Reform Act of 2011 (HR 2840), would jeopardize the health of our nation's aquatic ecosystems, exacerbate the spread of invasive species, undermine recreational and commercial fishing interests, and generally threaten regional economies that depend on healthy waterways. 

Aquatic invasive species disrupt the food chain, foul beaches, and damage infrastructure. In the Great Lakes alone, more than 185 aquatic invasive species are costing citizens and businesses at least $200 million per year. More than 30 percent of the invasive species entering the Great Lakes have come in through ballast water. Other states also face significant threats from aquatic invasive species. 

Preventing the introduction of invasive species is the most effective way to ensure that these problems do not continue to plague our nation's waters. Weakening our ballast water discharge standards and the tools necessary to enforce them set the stage for other aquatic invaders to further threaten the health of these important ecosystems. 

Please take a minute to call your U.S. Representative TODAY and urge him or her to vote against the Commercial Vessel Discharges Reform Act. Your call will make a difference. 

Visit the League's Conservation Advocacy Center now for the phone number for your U.S. Representative and simple talking points.

CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions about this action alert or other IWLA programs, please contact:

The Izaak Walton League of America
707 Conservation Lane
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
(301) 548-0150
conserve@iwla.org
www.iwla.org