Invasive species introductions are increasing both in
frequency and in the extent of damage they cause to the
Nation's environment and economy. Nonindigenous aquatic
invasive species have become a nationwide problem which
threatens many marine ecosystems along the U.S. coast including
the Great Lakes. Many nonindigenous species that are already
present in U.S. waters, or that have the potential to invade,
may cause significant damage to coastal resources and the
economies that depend upon them. One of the most significant
recognized pathways through which aquatic species invade
is ships' ballast water.
