Date: 6/29/11
Contact: Teresa Moiola
Phone: (775) 688-1555

GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL TO CONTROL AND PREVENT AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN NEVADA

With the passage of AB167, signed by Governor Brian Sandoval, the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) will develop a coordinated statewide aquatic invasive species (AIS) management plan to control and prevent species like quagga mussels, Didymo (rock snot), Asian clams, curly leaf pondweed, northern pike and many others. The bill's main sponsor was Assemblywoman Irene Bustamante Adams (D - Las Vegas).

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signs a bill to control and prevent aquatic invasive species in Nevada (AB167). Also in this photo (from left to right) are Ken Mayer (acting director for the Nevada Department of Wildlife), Rob Buonamici (Chief of the Law Enforcement Division), Kim Jolly (legislative liaison) and Rich Haskins (deputy director). - Photo by Julie Duewel

"The economic impacts of quagga mussels alone costs Nevada millions of dollars each year," said NDOW Acting Director Ken Mayer. "This bill aims to prevent the introduction of new aquatic invasive species and mitigate the effect of those already infesting Nevada's waters."

Effective July 1, the bill makes it illegal to deliberately introduce an invasive species into Nevada waters. Violators could face a potential fine of $25,000 to $250,000 of which the proceeds will be deposited in the Wildlife Account for education about and management of AIS. Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose a significant threat to aquatic wildlife, their habitats and water infrastructures within the state. Nevada is the last western state to adopt an AIS Program, and thanks to AB167, NDOW will have the tools they need to make it effective.

"Several important bodies of water in our state are already infested with harmful aquatic invasive species," said Bustamante Adams. "This bill responds to an issue that is becoming increasingly vital to Nevada."

NDOW will lead a collaborative effort to form an executive committee and advisory council with local, state, federal and tribal agencies in addition to private entities. By January 1, 2012 the bill requires the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners to have passed administrative regulations, and the Department to begin implementing those regulations identifying high risk and high priority aquatic invasive species and waterways, and decontamination procedures, among other things.

In addition, the Commission must pass regulations to establish an annual aquatic invasive species fee for watercraft. Resident and non-resident boaters paying the AIS fee will receive an AIS decal to adhere to their vessels, showing they have paid the fee which helps pay for the program. The fee for a motorboat operated by a resident may be up to $10, while the fee for any other vessel operated by a resident may be up to $5. Nonresident fees are $20 for a motorboat and $10 for any other vessel.

"Our goal is really to educate the boating public on how to minimize the spread of these harmful species since boats are the leading cause of new infestations," said Mayer. "This will include the creation of a program to inspect boats for aquatic invasive species at key locations during peak usage times."

NDOW will develop an inspection and decontamination plan for high risk waters, an early detection monitoring plan and a rapid response plan for new invasions. In addition, new long term control and restoration measures will be developed.

The Department will continue to enhance its aquatic invasive species public education efforts. The most important thing is that boaters and sportsmen should take basic steps to prevent the spread and introduction of infestations by cleaning, draining and drying all boats and equipment between uses on any waterway.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting and boating safety. NDOW's wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen's license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.