The NEANS Panel's mission is to protect the marine and freshwater resources of the Northeast from invasive aquatic nuisance species through commitment and cohesive coordinated action.

The Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species (NEANS) Panel was established in 2001, the fourth regional panel to be established under the auspices of the federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF), following the Great Lakes, Western Regional, and Gulf of Mexico Panels.

The NEANS Panel addresses issues and concerns relative to the freshwater and marine resources of its member states. The Panel's members represent state, provincial, and federal governments; academia; commercial and recreational fishing interests; recreational boaters; commercial shipping; power and water utilities; environmental organizations; aquaculture; nursery and aquarium trades; tribal concerns; lake associations; and the bait industry.. The Panel has four working committees: Communications, Education, and Outreach; Policy and Legislation; Shipping; and Science and Technology.