Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, November 2013
In July 2011, the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) re-established the Recreational Guidelines Committee, composed of 55 Federal and State agency, non-profit and industry representatives. The Committee’s mission is to update the 2000 ANSTF Recommended Voluntary Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species Associated with Recreational Activities (Federal Register/ Vol. 65, No. 76/ Thursday, April 13, 2000/ Notices, Pg. 19953). Those guidelines were revised taking into account new aquatic invasive species (AIS), and new recreational activities and equipment. Guidelines were revised for six recreational activities: anglers, motor boaters, non-motorized boaters, scuba divers and snorkelers, seaplane pilots, and waterfowl hunters.
The purpose of these guidelines is to:
- Provide a consistent, practical, and effective document to inform outreach efforts geared toward public recreationists to prevent the spread of AIS
- Take into account the specific pathways, vectors, and life histories of all AIS, including fish, aquatic plants, invertebrates, and pathogens
- Promote voluntary actions to support the national Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!™ campaign.