Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force
Headquarters POC
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration joined together to co-chair the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANS). The force, which consists members from many federal agencies, is dedicated to preventing and controlling aquatic nuisance species by implementing the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA) of 1990. Many of the NANPCA mandates were expanded in 1996 with the passage of the National Invasive Species Act (NISA). ANS strives to foster intergovernmental agency and private industry cooperation in combating aquatic invasives via regional panels and issue specific committees.
ANS has four organization wide goals. ANS works to develop strategies to identify and reduce the risk of harmful aquatic species being introduced into U.S. waters. The organization also works to minimize the harmful effects of harmful species that have already been introduced. The force facilitates research aimed at addressing the threat and harmful effects of aquatic invasives. Lastly, the force works to increase public understanding of the importance of reducing the introduction, spread, and impact of harmful aquatic species. ANS makes recommendations on appropriate actions bother domestically and internationally.
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ANS homepage