Photo: SLOWMOTIONGLI - STOCK.ADOBE.COMThe National Marine Manufacturers Association this morning announced in a statement that it is backing a commission to address the spread of aquatic invasive species in the United States.
The northern snakehead, zebra mussels, silver carp, didymo, mitten crabs and other invasive species are spreading at levels the group says are unsustainable, posing a threat to ecosystems, local economies and outdoor recreation.
The group said the cost to control and eradicate invasives is more than $100 billion a year, adding that a “patchwork of federal and state initiatives has failed to address this crisis.”
“The Aquatic Invasive Species Commission, spearheaded by some of the biggest names in outdoor recreation and conservation, will be at the forefront of working alongside the administration and Congress to stop and reverse the spread of aquatic invasive species, which threaten recreational boating and fishing access, local economies, and aquatic ecosystems,” NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer said in the statement. “As the nation’s original conservationists, our industry looks forward to the commission’s findings and implementing more effective practices to eradicate AIS.”
Commissioners in the group include NMMA, Yeti, Yamaha Marine, BoatUS, B.A.S.S., the American Sportfishing Association, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.
