Partnership

In 2009, the U.S. Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation initiated the formation of the Great Lakes Ballast Water Collaborative, in conjunction with the International Joint Commission, to bring together industry and state and federal regulators on the issue of ballast water and invasive species in the region. One of the primary goals of the Collaborative is to share relevant, useful, and accurate information and foster better communication and collaboration among the key stakeholders engaged in the effort to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species.

The purpose of the Great Lakes Hydrilla Collaborative (Collaborative) is to facilitate cooperation and the transfer of knowledge about this highly invasive aquatic plant amongst stakeholders throughout the Great Lakes. The Collaborative will connect the stakeholder community, share advances in science and management, and serve as the primary online resource center for hydrilla-related information.

Through the Aquatic Invasive Species Annex of the 2012 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, the United States and Canada have committed to “… contribute to the achievement of the General and Specific Objectives of this Agreement. Through this Annex the Parties shall establish a binational strategy to prevent the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), to control or reduce the spread of existing AIS, and to eradicate, where feasible, existing AIS within the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem.”

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors’ & Premiers’ Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force works to stop the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) into the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Basin. Since its inception, the Task Force has coordinated State and Provincial efforts to combat AIS through strategic regional action. 

AsianCarp.us provides up-to-date information on ongoing efforts to prevent Asian carp from becoming established in the Great Lakes and beyond. We invite you to learn more about the work of federal, provincial, state and local partners as we join together to prevent the spread of these destructive fish.

The Invasive Mussel Collaborative was established to advance scientifically sound technology for invasive dreissenid mussel control to produce measurable ecological and economic benefits. The Collaborative provides a framework for communication and coordination, and works to identify the needs and goals of resource managers, prioritize the supporting science, and align science and management goals into a common agenda.

In 1992, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, established the Invading Species Awareness Program in order to address the increasing threats posed by invasive species in Ontario. Our objectives are to generate education and awareness of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, address key pathways contributing to introductions and/or spread, and facilitate monitoring and early detection initiatives for invasive species found within Ontario.

The Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species coordinates education, research, management and policy efforts to prevent new AIS from entering the basin and to control and mitigate those AIS populations already established. The Great Lakes Panel is one of six regional panels that report to the federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, which coordinates AIS efforts on a federal level. 

The Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force was established by Congress with the passage of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA) in 1990 and reauthorized with the passage of the National Invasive Species Act (NISA) in 1996. Co-chaired by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ANS Task Force works in conjunction with Regional ANS Panels and issue-specific committees to coordinate efforts among Federal and State agencies as well as efforts of the private sector and other North American interests.

The ASDWA represents state drinking water programs, which is typically where source water protection programs reside.

The AMWA is an organization of the largest publicly owned drinking water systems in the United States that identifies source water protection as one of its top priorities.

The ACWA consists of state, interstate, and territorial officials who are responsible for the implementation of surface water protection programs throughout the United States. In addition to policy and advocacy work, ACWA provides toolkits to assist state water quality regulators with nutrient management activities.

The Water Research Foundation provides information and resources including a source water protection cost/benefit tool that is designed to evaluate different protection strategies.

The Wisconsin American Water Works Association provides education, advocacy, career development, and outreach for water quality protection. The Wisconsin AWWA hosts training and events for members, and provides resources on Wisconsin water services legislation and regulations.

The Pennsylvania AWWA provides resources to assist communities in managing and protecting drinking water resources.

The Ohio American Water Works Association provides education, advocacy, career development, and outreach for water quality protection. The Ohio AWWA hosts training and events for members, and provides resources on Ohio water services legislation and regulations.

New York American Water Works Association provides education, advocacy, career development, and outreach for water quality protection. The New York AWWA manages the New York Water/Wastewater Response Network (NY WARN), and hosts training and events for members, and provides resources on New York water services legislation and regulations.

Minnesota American Water Works Association provides education, advocacy, career development, and outreach for water quality protection. The Minnesota AWWA hosts training and events for members, and provides resources on Minnesota water services legislation and regulations.

Michigan American Water Works Association provides education, advocacy, career development, and outreach for water quality protection. The Michigan AWWA hosts training and events for members, and provides resources on Michigan water services legislation and regulations.

INAWWA provides members with resources on drinking water regulations and technology, and hosts training events and conferences for members.