Great Lakes and other marine environments are protected from 

 further introduction of aquatic nuisances. We must find a work- 

 able, permanent solution to the transfer of aquatic nuisances 

 through ballast water. 



The information gathered today is a step toward finding a long- 

 term practical solution to the spread of aquatic nuisances. I have 

 introduced legislation to explore promising ballast management 

 technologies. This legislation will bring together aquatic biologists, 

 marine architects, shipping companies, and Federal agencies in a 

 demonstration program incorporating ballast management technol- 

 ogies and practices into shipping operations in an effort to elimi- 

 nate the threat of aquatic invasions. 



Congress and th.e Administration must take the lead to forge a 

 comprehensive solution to this problem. I am encouraged by the 

 shipping industry's voluntary efforts to help stem the tide of aquat- 

 ic nuisance invasions. The public and private sectors must once 

 again come together to find a real world solution to a problem 

 threatening our environment. 



I would just like to say, too, that we refer to it as the Great 

 Lakes, but being from the City of Chicago, I have always referred 

 to Lake Michigan as Lake Chicago, and I think I am seriously con- 

 sidering expanding that to the entire Great Lakes, we will just call 

 it Great Chicago and we will all be better off. 



I now recognize Mr. Kingston for his opening remarks. 



STATEMENT OF HON. JACK KINGSTON, A U.S. REPRESENTATIVE 



FROM GEORGIA 



Mr. Kingston. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If you are going to in- 

 troduce a bill to that effect, I will be glad to cosponsor it since I 

 don't think my constituents really worry about it. 



Mr. LiPiNSKi. I am really happy to hear that and if I can do you 

 a favor sometime, please let me know. 



Mr. Kingston. I am glad you are having this hearing, Mr. Chair- 

 man, and I have no opening statement except that I am interested 

 in it and I am looking forward to hearing the testimony. 



Mr. LiPiNSKi. Thank you very much. Mr. Coble, how are you this 

 morning. 



Mr. Coble. Mr. Chairman, how are you doing this morning? 



Mr. LiPiNSKi. Just fine, thank you, and it is a pleasure to have 

 you here. Do you have any opening statement by any chance at the 

 present time. 



Mr. Coble. Just a few short comments, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. LiPiNSKi. Certainly, the floor is yours. 



STATEMENT OF HON. HOWARD COBLE, A U.S. REPRESENTATIVE 

 FROM NORTH CAROLINA 



Mr. Coble. I look forward to studying your recently introduced 

 bill which calls for the Coast Guard to study technologies which 

 may prevent vessel ballast water from inadvertently introducing 

 nonindigenous species, such as the harmful zebra mussel, into 

 United States waters. 



The recently released study from the Office of Technology As- 

 sessment about harmful nonindigenous species reports that these 



