Congressman Tim Walberg has introduced new legislation intended to help prevent the spread of invasive species in the Great Lakes.
Walberg says his Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act would support state-led and coordinated management efforts while improving coordination across federal, state, and regional programs.
“Invasive species threaten the Great Lakes ecological health and impose billions in cost annually,” Walberg said.
Walberg says aquatic invasives like zebra mussels, invasive carp, and sea lamprey damage fisheries, habitat, and infrastructure. He says the new bill would prioritize prevention and rapid response to reduce long-term, more costly management.
“The Great Lakes are a national treasure, and we must continue to be good stewards of their waters and wildlife.”
Walberg says the strength of the Michigan economy is tied directly to the Great Lakes, making the prevention of invasives critical.
Walberg introduced the act with Democratic Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth of Maryland this week.
