92 



Service, which seeks to track the spread of this nuisance 

 species. This Is primarily the responsibility of the Coast 

 Guard's Aids to Navigation teams who check buoys and other aids 

 during routine maintenance to see if Zebra Mussels are attached. 

 The Coast Guard has no statutory authority to prescribe 

 regulations in areas of the United States, other than the Great 

 Lakes and Hudson River. The Coast Guard believes that incidents 

 such as the cholera episode in Mobile Bay and the discovery of 

 nonindlgenous aquatic species nationwide give impetus to the 

 discussion of whether or not regulations, or a nationwide program 

 of voluntary ballast water management, should be in place. 



EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS 



As previously mentioned, the Coast Guard has been conducting a 

 ballast water management education program for the last two 

 years. This program consists of written, audiovisual and lecture 

 materials. A video, specially produced for the Coast Guard, in 

 both VHS and international formats. Illustrates the problems and 

 history of aquatic nuisance species Introduction, and outlines 

 the proper methods to exchange ballast water. Additionally, a 

 brochure was developed to complement the video that gives 

 specific instructions for the Great Lakes. This material is 

 given to each vessel that is inbound through the St. Lawrence 

 Seaway. A similar brochure is under development for the Hudson 

 River and will be available soon. Copies of both the video and 

 brochure have been provided to the committee. 



11 



