The ANS Task Force encourages state and interstate planning entities to develop management plans describing detection and monitoring efforts of aquatic nuisance species, prevention efforts to stop their introduction and spread, and control efforts to reduce their impacts. Management plan approval by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force is required to obtain funding under Section 1204 of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention and Control Act. Regardless of financial incentives, plans are a valuable and effective tool for identifying and addressing ANS problems and concerns in a climate of many jurisdictions and other interested entities.