Legal research and outreach leads to regional policy consensus on recreational watercraft pathway

April 21, 2022

One of the primary pathways for the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) is the movement of trailered watercraft. Inconsistency, overlaps, and gaps between neighboring states’ legal regimes can hinder prevention and enforcement efforts. The National Sea Grant Law Center (NSGLC) began providing legal research and other technical assistance to the Western Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species (WRP) “Building Consensus” Committee in 2012.

In July 2016, the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies passed a resolution recommending its member states adopt standardized regulations requiring watercraft operators to take certain action regarding drain plugs and visible plant material on watercraft and trailers.

In December 2016, the NSGLC and AFWA finalized the “Model Regulation for State Watercraft Inspection and Decontamination Programs.” Over a dozen western states amended agency regulations and policies to conform to the model provisions.

Group of people removing ghost nets from a beach.

Alabama

Biden-Harris administration invests $27 million to support community-driven marine debris solutions through Investing in America agenda

Today, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $27 million in funding for projects to prevent and remove marine debris in coastal and Great Lakes communities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

This funding will support innovative research and foster local coalitions to address urgent marine debris issues by using NOAA Sea Grant’s partnered approach to bring science together with communities for solutions that work.

Shoring up the future, together: Collaborative efforts in coastal resilience across the Mid-Atlantic

Community members and city leaders gathered during a listening session to identify key climate readiness needs in Erie, Pennsylvania during June of 2023. (Photo by

Biden-Harris Administration invests $60 million to build a climate-ready workforce through Investing in America agenda

Today, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced $60 million in funding to help train and place people in jobs that advance a climate-ready workforce for coastal and Great Lakes states, Tribes and Territories as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda under the Inflation Reduction Act. To date, awards like these from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda have created more than 270,000 jobs across the country.

The funding will support nine projects around the nation, with $50 million going directly to the projects and $10 million for technical assistance to support the grantees.