To List or De-List: Stakeholders Debate
AIS Criteria

Asian carp, snakehead, and the aquatic plant hydrilla are among more than 20 animals and plants currently prohibited or restricted in the State of Michigan. Laws passed in 2005 established lists of restricted and prohibited species, rules of possession, penalties for intentional introduction and releases, and a permit program.

The new laws also established an Invasive Species Advisory Council. The Council is responsible for reviewing and recommending updates to the lists. To assist in this process, Michigan Sea Grant will host a public meeting about the draft listing and de-listing process on Monday, April 23, 1:30-4:30 p.m. in Parlor C of the MSU Union on Michigan State University’s campus.

The meeting is intended for those who are or would be affected by the possession, use, sale or distribution of prohibited and restricted species, and anyone else interested in proposing that a species be listed or de-listed.

The meeting is based on feedback gathered during a September 2006 stakeholder workshop sponsored by Michigan Sea Grant. Representatives of 50 governmental agencies, business/industry associations, conservation organizations and universities discussed and recommended elements that would ensure the listing and delisting process is scientifically sound, risk-based (not arbitrary), consistent, fair and protects Michigan’s environment and economy.

Members of the Invasive Species Advisory Council used recommendations from the September stakeholder workshop to develop a draft process and information requirements for nominating a species.

> Next Article