44 



they first entered, and we each helped cover those billions of dol- 

 lars of losses you mentioned in your opening statement. 



With harmfiil species capable of such spread and such cost, many 

 feel that time is running out. Yes, Federal and State agencies have 

 many efforts underway already and, yes, a number are also moving 

 quickly to improve their work, and I am sure that you will hear 

 about these activities today. They are important and it is gratifying 

 that some have been responsive to our work. 



But the vision of Jimmy Carter's 1977 executive order haunts us. 

 It could have had far-reaching effects. It could have given us a 15- 

 year head start, but it has yet to be formalized in regulations or 

 fully implemented. Therefore, the Federal agencies need to provide 

 more than reassurance that efforts are underway and that all will 

 be well. Instead, it is crucial that they be specific about what they 

 intend to accomplish, why, and by what date. Anything less jeop- 

 ardizes nationgd resources and compromises the future of this Na- 

 tion's rich biological heritage. 



Thank you. 



Senator Akaka. Before we begin the questions, let me congratu- 

 late Dr. Windle and OTA on their landmark study on non-indige- 

 nous species. 



Ms. Windle. Thank you. 



Senator Akaka. This document is a blueprint for Federal and 

 State response to the alien species threat. 



Your testimony covered a wide range of concerns. One, I guess, 

 boils down to Federal agencies really ignoring some of the Acts that 

 have been passed to control these species. 



Dr. Windle, New Zealand is a small island Nation with alien spe- 

 cies problems as severe as those in Hawaii. Yet, New Zealand is 

 often cited as a country that most effectively addresses alien spe- 

 cies. Would you highlight for me and for the Committee the tactics 

 that New Zealand employs to combat this threat? 



Ms. Windle. New Zealand is particularly interesting because 

 they recently consolidated their laws and regulations that relate to 

 agriculture. I think that was 12 major acts and hundreds of related 

 regulations. Their intent was to be comprehensive, to be forward- 

 looking, to be fair to importers, but also to ensure that they were 

 protecting the country from the possible harm of introductions. 



Now, all potentially harmful imports will be regulated through 

 an appointed hazards commission with different groups responsible 

 for advocating introductions and those responsible for cautioning 

 about their potential dangers. They expect that scrutiny for dif- 

 ferent introductions will vary depending upon the level of risk and 

 eventually any decision about introductions or stopping the intro- 

 ductions will require a careful balance between both the benefits 

 and the potential harms, as defined very widely. 



Senator Akaka, Of the successful policies that have been proven 

 in New Zealand as you know them, what can be used to improve 

 the U.S. response to this problem? 



Ms. Windle. Some of the methods are things that New Zealand 

 has done in the past. Others are new with this new consolidation 

 of legislation, so we are not sure which of the new ones will ulti- 

 mately be successful. But it does seem to us that it is clear that 

 their emphasis on agency performance standards and their user 



