3 

 than June 1995. The study will include the environmental impacts 

 of the release of salt water in the Great Lakes and other U.S. 

 freshwater ports, the survival potential of open ocean organisms 

 in coastal zones, and the identification of backup exchange 

 zones, if such exist. 



The Biological Study currently is being conducted to determine 

 whether ANS threaten the ecological characteristics and economic 

 uses of U.S. waters other than the Great Lakes. The study was 

 initiated with FWS funds and currently is proceeding on a case 

 study basis. Additional funds from NOAA and the EPA will be used 

 to complete the case studies. A study on the environmental 

 impacts of aquatic invasions in the State of Florida, begun in 

 July 1993 by the FWS, will be completed in the Spring of 1994. A 

 similar study on the fresh, brackish, and marine waters of the 

 San Francisco-Delta region began in September 1993 and will be 

 completed by September 1994. A case study of the Chesapeake Bay 

 may begin later this fiscal year. 



The Shipping Study, which also is part of the National Ballast 

 Water Control Program, is under the purview of the Secretary of 

 Transportation and will not be addressed in this testimony. 



Section 1102(d) of the National Ballast Water Control Program and 

 section 1206 of the Act encourage the Task Force representatives 

 to enter into negotiations and cooperative efforts with foreign 



