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1995 SESSION

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HJ 534 Ballast mediated invasions of nonindigenous species.

Introduced by: Howard E. Copeland | all patrons    ...    notes | add to my profiles

SUMMARY:

Ballast mediated invasions of nonindigenous species. Memorializes the United States Congress and various international, federal, regional and state agencies and organizations, both private and public, to take certain actions to aid in the prevention of the introduction of nonindigenous species through ballast water discharges into the Chesapeake Bay and other coastal waters. The federal government is requested to establish a voluntary ballast water management program, develop a reporting mechanism to assess participation in the program and to implement an education program. If the voluntary program does not achieve effective participation after a minimum of two years, a mandatory approach is to be developed. Congress is urged to reauthorize and fund the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 with amendments calling for research to be undertaken in the Bay region. Modifications to the International Convention on Marine Pollution that would have International Marine Organization nations (including the U.S.) undertake ballast water management protocols are encouraged. Demonstration projects on ballast water management techniques and continued work on the development of vessel designs that aid in offshore ballast water exchange and other means to reduce the introduction of nonindigenous species are promoted. This is a joint recommendation of the Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania delegations to the Chesapeake Bay Commission.


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