49 



at aquatic species, especially the zebra mussel. The National Bio- 

 logical Survey is currently preparing a 5-year plan for Congress on 

 prevention, containment and control of non-indigenous aquatic nui- 

 sance species. 



Finally, I want to say a few things about our efforts to imple- 

 ment other key portions of the Non-Indigenous Act. Section 1102 

 of the Act requires the completion of three studies on the introduc- 

 tion of aquatic nuisance species. One of these studies, the biological 

 study, is intended to determine whether aquatic nuisance species 

 threaten the ecological characteristics and economic uses of U.S. 

 waters, other than the Great Lakes. 



The task force will address this study on a case study basis, ex- 

 amining specific geographic areas where aquatic nuisance species 

 have historically been or may potentially be a problem. In fiscal 

 year 1993, the Fish and Wildlife Service initiated the first two such 

 case studies to examine the ecological and economic effects of bio- 

 logical invasions in the San Francisco Bay and the State of Florida. 

 The case study in Florida is being conducted by the National Bio- 

 logical Survey's Gainesville Center. A case study of the Chesapeake 

 Bay area will also be funded by the Fish and Wildlife Service and 

 is anticipated to begin later this year. 



Section 1209 of the Act required the task force to develop and 

 undertake a program to control the brown tree snake. The task 

 force established a Brown Tree Snake Control Committee com- 

 prised of representatives of appropriate Federal, State and terri- 

 torial agencies. A brown tree snake control program is under devel- 

 opment. 



The National Biological Survey's Patuxent Center is currently 

 conducting research on brown tree snake populations on the Pacific 

 IslEinds, evaluating the design and feasibility of snake barriers and 

 traps, creation of snake-free areas, methods of detection, and bio- 

 logical and chemical control methods. 



The task force has also undertaken an effort to identify and 

 evaluate approaches for reducing the risk of adverse consequences 

 associated with intentional introductions of aquatic organisms. A 

 report to Congress on the findings, conclusions and recommenda- 

 tions of that review has undergone extensive public scrutiny and 

 will be submitted to Congress this spring following administration 

 clearance. 



The Department of the Interior is committed to carrying out its 

 responsibilities under the Non-Indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Pre- 

 vention and Control Act and other authorities to ensure that we 

 protect our fish and wildlife resources from all non-indigenous nui- 

 sance species and that we prevent the introduction of new harmful 

 species. 



The Aquatic Nuisance Species Program, we believe, could serve 

 as a model for developing a comprehensive national strategy to ad- 

 dress the introduction of all harmful non-indigenous species. The 

 completion of the Intentional Introductions Policy Review and the 

 Aquatic Nuisance Species Program, as well as the progress on the 

 research protocol, brown tree snake control 8ind the studies re- 

 quired by the Act, demonstrate the effectiveness of the task force 

 as a forum for cooperation and reflects a shared commitment and 



