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The Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species, (BAIS), part of the Service's Fisheries Program office in Washington D.C., leads the Service’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program. The AIS Program is currently authorized by the National Invasive Species Act (1996; formerly the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990).
The AIS Program provides funding for Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinators for each Region within the Service and their respective aquatic nuisance species activities. These coordinators work closely with the public and private sector to develop and implement invasive species projects. Many of the Service’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Offices also provide support for invasive species activities.
The AIS Program also funds staff for the ANS Task Force and numerous Task Force activities. The Task Force now has 13 Federal members and 13 Ex-Offico members, which is chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and co-chaired by the Service’s Assistant Director for Fisheries and Habitat Conservation and the Undersecretary of Commerce/NOAA.
The Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species also supports the Injurious Wildlife Provisions of the Lacey Act through an ongoing process of evaluating species and, where appropriate, listing them as injurious. More information can be found on our Injurious Wildlife site.
The Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species is also involved in the Sikes Act. The Sikes Act recognizes the importance and value of military lands to natural resources. It seeks to ensure that these ecosystems are protected and enhanced while allowing the military lands to continue to meet the needs of military operations. More information can be found on our Sikes Act page.
Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
5275 Leesburg Pike
Mailstop FAC 3C016A
Fairfax, VA 22041-3803
FAX: 703-358-2110
Branch of Aquatic Invasive Species Staff
