Public Comment Period Open for Proposed Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan

[NJDFW]

NJ AISMP – Public Comment Statement 12/6

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection invites public comment on a proposed Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan for New Jersey. The department will take comments on the proposed plan through Feb. 6, 2024.

Public Comment Draft

Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan (AISMP)

New Jersey is one of few states in the country without an Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) threaten all of New Jersey’s fresh and marine waters. AIS can cause displacement or extinction of native species, economic harm and/or threaten recreational enjoyment of the state’s waters.

New Jersey is geographically and historically unique. It is adjacent to and hosts some of the busiest ports in the nation, which makes it vulnerable to AIS invasion from shipping and other related activities. The state also has nearly 127 miles of coastline and more than 900,000 acres of wetlands. In almost 400 years, New Jersey has experienced intense and extensive land use alteration, creating conditions favorable for AIS invasion and establishment. Yet, it still harbors distinctive endemic species and those that are globally rare.

The AISMP requires approval from the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF), which was established by Congress to create a coordinated, unified approach to managing AIS. New Jersey resources are limited and the state does not have dedicated resources available to control AIS. Funding for this work is needed. Having an ANSTF-approved plan would allow New Jersey access to annual federal funding for implementation of the AISMP.

The ANSTF consists of 13 federal and 13 ex-officio members. Its mission is to work with partners to protect U.S. waters by creating a network that raises awareness of aquatic nuisance species, takes action to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species and manages established aquatic nuisance species.

Following the public comment period, the plan will be submitted to the Governor’s Office for review and signature, and sent to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) for final approval.

Public comments should be sent to: njaismp@dep.nj.gov

Public comments will be accepted through Feb. 6, 2024.

View the full article