National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2005

The National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2005 (S. 770) aims to protect U.S. waterways from non-native plants and animals that can disrupt local ecosystems and damage infrastructure. The bill would require vessels to follow strict ballast water management rules to prevent the accidental transport of invasive species and would mandate federal screening for any new live aquatic organisms imported into the country.

For citizens, these measures are designed to protect the health of local fisheries, maintain water quality, and prevent the economic costs associated with invasive species, such as the clogging of industrial water intake pipes or the decline of native sport fish. Additionally, the bill provides funding for rapid response teams to quickly contain new outbreaks and authorizes permanent barriers in key locations, like the Chicago sanitary and ship canal, to block the movement of harmful species between major water systems.