Planning for Managing Invasive Aquatic Species

Rapid Response Plan for Invasive Aquatic Plants, Fish, and Other Fauna. The Commissioners of the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (MDEP) and the Maine Department of Inland Fish and Wildlife (MDIF&W) have agreed to direct their respective agencies' response to new infestations of invasive aquatic species under the auspices of a single, coordinated rapid response plan. Species covered by the plan include invasive plants and fish already in some Maine waters and other exotic organisms not yet established in Maine such as Zebra mussels. Part 1, Plant Protocol and Part 2, Fish and Other Fauna Protocol. The Interagency Task Force on Invasive Aquatic Plants and Nuisance Species will be reviewing the Rapid Response Plan in 2024.

Action Plan for Managing Invasive Aquatic Species. Action Plan for Managing Invasive Aquatic Species. Mandated by the Maine Legislature, the Action Plan was developed by the Interagency Task Force on Invasive Aquatic Plants and Nuisance Species to guide the state in managing aquatic invasive species. The first Action Plan was approved by the Governor in October 2002 and by the Federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force in November 2002. The federal approval makes Maine eligible to apply for federal funds to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic species.

The Task Force periodically reviews the plan for revisions. A complete review of strategies and tasks were completed in 2020 and is summarized in the 2019 Review of the Invasive Aquatic Species Program.

The Task Force and agencies will review the 2020 DRAFT plan and target state and federal approval of the plan in 2025.