Introduction
The 2000 Washington State Legislature created the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Committee (RCW 77.60.130) to coordinate the implementation of programs that minimize the impact of invasive aquatic species. (See attached list of committee members.) The Committee organizes the management efforts of many state and federal agencies through the Washington State ANS Management Plan. More than 200 representatives from various agencies, local governments, tribes, and industries are invited to participate in the semi-annual meetings. Seven working subcommittees have been created to address various topical issues including: Imports and Transfers; ANS and Salmon; Education, Research and Risk Assessment; Monitoring and Response Plans; Commercial Shipping; Recreational Boating; and Regulatory Review. The full Committee meets twice per year, and the executive committee conducts monthly conference calls to address issues that require immediate attention and to prepare items for review by the full Committee.
The legislation that established the Committee requires a biennial report to the Legislature with the second report due by December 1, 2003. The purpose of this report is to fulfill this requirement by reporting to the Legislature the Committee's accomplishments and making recommendations for better accomplishing the Committee's purpose.