The 100th Meridian Initiative's goal is to prevent the westward spread of zebra mussels and other ANS by boats and personal watercraft.

Preventing introductions of potentially harmful species is the most efficient way to reduce the threat of ANS, and is a primary focus of the AIS Program. Identifying high risk pathways of introduction and actions to interdict those pathways is integral to prevention.  Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) planning is a management tool that provides a structured method to identify risks and focus procedures in natural resource pathway activities.

Early Detection and Rapid Response plans also play an important role in prevention. There are several model early detection and rapid response plans available for states or other groups to modify for their specific needs. Many states already have generic and species-specific rapid response plans in place or under development.

The 100th Meridian

The 100th Meridian Initiative is a cooperative effort between State, Federal, Tribal and Provincial agencies to prevent the westward spread of eastern aquatic invasive species and vice versa in North America through recreational or commercial boats and other watercraft. The goals of this Initiative are to 1) prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species across 100th meridian jurisdictions and the west and 2) monitor and control zebra mussels and other aquatic nuisance species if detected in these areas.  For more information or to find out how you can get involved, please visit The 100th Meridian Initiative web site.