Resolution: Request to Study Alien Invasive Species
Adopted on June 17, 2003

Whereas, the ongoing work of Canadian and American researchers has identified 173 species of aquatic alien invasive species in the Great Lakes Basin ecosystem; and

Whereas, there is scientific consensus that aquatic alien invasive species are the number one threat to biodiversity in the Great Lakes; and

Whereas, governments and industry throughout the basin have spent billions of dollars and continue to spend millions in efforts to control zebra mussels and other alien invasive species; and

Whereas, binational, coordinated control efforts targeting the sea lamprey in the Great Lakes have been largely successful in reducing the number of sea lamprey and in restoring lake trout; and

Whereas, the mayors of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence have in previous years agreed that in order to maintain the viability and efficiency of the maritime industry on the lakes, the problem of aquatic alien invasive species must be addressed; and

Whereas, mayors have also agreed that regional and binational strategies, especially with regard to ballast water management, are important steps toward preventing invasions; and

Whereas, the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909 authorizes the International Joint Commission to investigate issues and make binational recommendations regarding questions referred to it by the governments of Canada and the United States when requested to do so by those governments;

Therefore, be it resolved, that the International Association of Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Mayors urges the governments of Canada and the United States to give the International Joint Commission a formal request (a reference) to study the growing crisis of aquatic alien invasive species and to coordinate and harmonize binational efforts for action to stop this ongoing threat to the economy and the ecology of the Great Lakes.