Strategies for reducing risks from introductions of aquatic organisms: The federal perspective

Abstract

The Lacey Act of 1900 and subsequent amendments have provided the basis for existing federal regulations on species introductions. The 1981 version repealed the Black Bass Act and corrected certain insufficiencies in the original Lacey and Black Bass Acts. A 1977 executive order instructs federal agencies, to the extent permitted by law, to restrict the introductions of exotic species into federally owned or controlled lands and waters. The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973 indirectly relate to the stocking of exotic fish. The first requires each federal agency to prepare an environmental impact statement if a proposed action, such as a species introduction, may significantly affect the environment. The second regulation prohibits the importation of endangered or threatened animals, and specific exotic fishes could be in one of these categories. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as part of the Department of Interior's charge, initiated a program in 1977 at Gainesville, Florida, to conduct and coordinate research on non-native fish introduced or considered for stocking into United States waters. Construction of a fishery laboratory and other research facilities began in 1984 and are scheduled for completion in 1987.