National Invasive Species Act of 1996
PL 104-332 (H.R.4283), enacted 10/26/1996

PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
110 STAT. 4073 
Public Law 104-332 
104th Congress 
An Act 
To provide for ballast water management to prevent the introduction and spread 
of nonindigenous species into the waters of the United States, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—^This Act may be cited as the "National 
Invasive Species Act of 1996". 
(b) REFERENCES.—^Whenever in this Act an amendment or 
repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to or repeal of 
a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to 
be made to a section or other provision of the Nonindigenous Aquatic 
Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (16 U.S.C. 4701 
et seq.). 
SEC. 2. AMENDMENTS TO THE NONINDIGENOUS AQUATIC NUISANCE 
PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACT OF 1990. 
(a) FINDINGS; DEFINITIONS.— 
(1) FINDINGS.—Section 1002(a) (16 U.S.C. 4701(a)) is 
amended— 
(A) by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting 
the following new paragraphs: 
"(2) when environmental conditions are favorable, non-
indigenous species become established, may compete with or 
prey upon native species of plants, fish, and wildlife, may 
carry diseases or parasites that affect native species, and may 
disrupt the aquatic environment and economy of affected near-
shore areas; 
"(3) the zebra mussel was unintentionally introduced into 
the Great Lakes and has infested— 
"(A) waters south of the Great Lakes, into a good 
portion of the Mississippi River drainage; 
"(B) waters west of the Great Lakes, into the Arkansas 
River in Oklahoma; £ind 
"(C) waters east of the Great Lakes, into the Hudson 
River and Lake Champlain;"; 
(B) in paragraph (4)— 
(i) by inserting "by the zebra mussel and ruffe, 
round goby, and other nonindigenous species" after 
"other species"; and 
(ii) by striking "and" at the end; 
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking the period and 
inserting a semicolon; and 
(D) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: 
Oct. 26,1996 
[H.R. 4283] 
National 
Invasive Species 
Act of 1996. 
Environmental 
protection. 
Maritime affairs. 
16 use 4701 
note. 
110 STAT. 4074 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
"(6) in 1992, the zebra mussel was discovered at the 
northernmost reaches of the Chesapeake Bay watershed; 
"(7) the zebra mussel poses an imminent risk of invasion 
in the main waters of the Chesapeake Bay; 
"(8) since the Chesapeake Bay is the largest recipient of 
. foreign ballast water on the East Coast, there is a risk of 
further invasions of other nonindigenous species; 
"(9) the zebra mussel is only one example of thousands 
of nonindigenous species that have become established in 
waters of the United States and may be causing economic 
and ecological degradation with respect to the natural resources 
of waters of the United States; 
"(10) since their introduction in the early 1980's in ballast 
water discharges, ruffe— 
"(A) have caused severe declines in populations of other 
species of fish in Duluth Harbor (in Minnesota and 
Wisconsin); 
"(B) have spread to Lake Huron; and 
"(C) are likely to spread quickly to most other waters 
in North America if action is not taken promptly to control 
their spread; 
"(11) examples of nonindigenous species that, as of the 
date of enactment of the National Invasive Species Act of 
1996, infest coastal waters of the United States and that have 
the potential for causing adverse economic and ecological effects 
include— 
"(A) the mitten crab (Eriocher sinensis) that has 
become established on the Pacific Coast; 
"(B) the green crab (Carcinus maenas) that has become 
established in the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean; 
"(C) the brown mussel (Pema pema) that has become 
established along the Gulf of Mexico; and 
"(D) certain shellfish pathogens; 
"(12) many aquatic nuisance vegetation species, such as 
Eurasian watermilfoil, hydrilla, water hyacinth, and water 
chestnut, have been introduced to waters of the United States 
from other parts of the world causing or having a potential 
to cause adverse environmental, ecological, and economic 
effects; 
"(13) if preventive management measures are not taken 
nationwide to prevent and control unintentionally introduced 
nonindigenous aquatic species in a timely manner, further 
introductions and infestations of species that are as destructive 
as, or more destructive than, the zebra mussel or the ruffe 
infestations may occur; 
"(14) once introduced into waters of the United States, 
aquatic nuisance species are unintentionally transported and 
introduced into inland lakes and rivers by recreational boaters, 
commercial barge traffic, and a variety of other pathways; 
and 
"(15) resolving the problems associated with 
aquatic 
nuisance species will require the participation and cooperation 
of the Federal Government and State governments, and invest-
ment in the development of prevention technologies.". 
(2) 
DEFINITIONS.—Section 
1003 (16 U.S.C. 4702) is 
amended— 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
110 STAT. 4075 
(A) by striking paragraph (1) and 
redesignating 
paragraphs (2) through (8) as paragraphs (1) through (7), 
respectively; 
(B) in paragraph (2), as redesignated by subparagraph 
(A) of this paragraph, by striking "assistant Secretary" 
and inserting "Assistant Secretary"; 
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (9) through (15) as 
paragraphs (11) tm"ough (17), respectively; and 
(D) by inserting after paragraph (7), as redesignated 
by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the following: 
"(8) 'Great Lakes region' means the 8 States that border 
on the Great Lakes; 
"(9) 'Indian tribe' means any Indian tribe, band, nation, 
or other organized group or community, including any Alaska 
Native village or regional corporation (as defined in or estab-
lished pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 
(43 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)) that is recognized as eligible for 
the special programs and services provided by the United States 
to Indians because of their status as Indians; 
"(10) 'interstate organization' means an entity— 
"(A) established by— 
"(i) an interstate compact that is approved by 
Congress; 
(ii) a Federal statute; or 
"(iii) a treaty or other international agreement 
with respect to which the United States is a party; 
and 
"(B)(i) that represents 2 or more— 
"(I) States or political subdivisions thereof; or 
"(II) Indian tribes; or 
-^i 
"(ii) that represents— 
"(I) 1 or more States or political subdivisions 
thereof; and 
i, 
"(II) 1 or more Indian tribes; or 
"(iii) that represents the Federal Government and 1 
or more foreign governments; and 
"(C) has jurisdiction over, serves as forum for coordinat-
ing, or otherwise has a role or responsibility for the 
management of, any land or other natural resource;", 
(b) AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES CONTROL PROGRAM.— 
(1) AMENDMENT TO HEADING.—The heading to subtitle B 
(16 U.S.C. 4711 et seq.) is amended to read as follows: 
"Subtitle B—Prevention of Unintentional 
Introductions of Nonindigenous Aquatic 
S p e c i e s " . 
. o . 
,r: -:,:....._ 
i j . ; • ; . 
(2) AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES.—Section 1101 (16 U.S.C. 
4711) is amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 1101. AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES IN WATERS OF THE UNITED 
STATES. 
"(a) GREAT LAKES GUIDELINES.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 6 months after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue voluntary 
guidelines to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic 
110 STAT. 4076 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
nuisance species into the Great Lakes through the exchange 
of ballast water of vessels prior to entering those waters. 
"(2) CONTENT OF GUIDELINES.—The guidelines issued under 
this subsection shall— 
"(A) ensure to the maximum extent practicable that 
ballast water containing aquatic nuisance species is not 
discharged into the Great Lakes; 
"(B) protect the s£ifety of— 
"(i) each vessel; and 
"(ii) the crew £ind passengers of each vessel; 
"(C) take into consideration different vessel operating 
conditions; and 
"(D) be based on the best scientific 
information 
available. 
"(b) REGULATIONS.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the date 
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with 
the Task Force, shall issue regulations to prevent the introduc-
tion and spread of aquatic nuisance species into the Great 
Lakes through the ballast water of vessels. 
"(2) CONTENT OF REGULATIONS.—The regulations issued 
under this subsection shall— 
"(A) apply to all vessels equipped with ballast water 
tanks that enter a United States port on the Great Lakes 
after operating on the waters beyond the exclusive economic 
zone; 
"(B) require a vessel to— 
"(i) carry out exchange of ballast water on the 
waters beyond the exclusive economic zone prior to 
entry into any port within the Great Lakes; 
"(ii) carry out an exchange of ballast water in 
other waters where the exchange does not pose a threat 
of infestation or spread of aquatic nuisance species 
in the Great Lakes and other waters of the United 
States, as recommended by the Task Force imder 
section 1102(a)(1); or 
"(iii) use environmentally sound alternative ballast 
water management methods if the Secretary deter-
mines that such alternative methods are as effective 
as ballast water exchange in preventing £ind controlling 
infestations of aquatic nuisance species; 
"(C) not affect or supersede any requirements or 
prohibitions pertaining to the discharge of ballast water 
into waters of the United States under the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.); 
"(D) provide for sampling procedures to monitor compli-
ance with the requirements of the regulations; 
"(E) prohibit the operation of a vessel in the Great 
Lakes if the master of the vessel has not certified to the 
Secretary or the Secretar^s designee by not later than 
the departure of that vessel from the first lock in the 
St. Lawrence Seaway that the vessel has complied with 
the requirements of the regulations; 
"(F) protect the safety of— 
"(i) each vessel; and 
"(ii) the crew and passengers of each vessel; 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
110 STAT. 4077 
"(G) take 
into 
consideration 
different 
operating 
conditions; and 
"(H) be based on the best scientific 
information 
available. 
"(3) 
ADDITIONAL 
REGULATIONS.—In 
addition 
to 
promulgating regulations under paragraph (1), the Secretary, 
in consultation with the Task Force, shall, not later than 
November 4, 1994, issue regulations to prevent the introduction 
and spread of aquatic nuisance species into the Great Lakes 
through ballast water carried on vessels that 
enter 
a 
United States port on the Hudson River north of the George 
Washington Bridge. 
"(4) EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.— 
The Secretary may carry out education and technical assistance 
programs and other measures to promote compliance with the 
regulations issued under this subsection. 
"(c) VOLUNTARY NATIONAL GUIDELINES.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of the Nationcd Invasive Species Act of 1996, 
and after providing notice and an opportunity for public com-
ment, the Secretary shall issue volimtary guidelines to prevent 
the introduction and spread of nonindigenous species in waters 
of the United States by ballast water operations and other 
operations of vessels equipped with ballast water tanks. 
"(2) CONTENT OF GUIDELINES.—The voluntary guidelines 
issued under this subsection shall— 
"(A) ensure to the maximum extent practicable that 
aquatic nuisance species are not discharged into waters 
of the United States from vessels; 
"(B) apply to all vessels equipped with ballast water 
tanks that operate in waters of the United States; 
"(C) protect the safety of— 
"(i) each vessel; and 
"(ii) the crew and passengers of each vessel; 
"(D) direct a vessel that is carrying ballast water into 
waters of the United States after operating beyond the 
exclusive economic zone to— 
"(i) carry out the exchange of ballast water of 
the vessel in waters beyond the exclusive economic 
zone; 
"(ii) exchange the ballast water of the vessel in 
other waters where the exchange does not pose a threat 
of infestation or spread of nonindigenous species in 
waters of the United States, as recommended by the 
Task Force under section 1102(a)(1); or 
"(iii) use environmentally sound alternative ballast 
water management methods, including modification of 
the vessel ballast water tanks and intake systems, 
if the Secretary determines that such alternative 
methods are at least as effective as ballast water 
exchange in preventing and controlling infestations of 
aquatic nuisance species; 
"(E) direct vessels to carry out management practices 
that the Secretary determines to be necessary to reduce 
the probability of unintentional nonindigenous species 
transfer resulting from— 
110 STAT. 4078 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
"(i) ship operations other than ballast water 
discharge; and 
"(ii) ballasting practices of vessels that enter 
waters of the United States with no ballast water 
on board; 
Records. 
"(F) provide for the keeping of records that shall be 
submitted to the Secretary, as prescribed by the guidelines, 
and that shall be maintained on board each vessel and 
made available for inspection, upon request of the Secretary 
and in a manner consistent with subsection (i), in order 
to enable the Secretary to determine compliance with the 
guidelines, including— 
"(i) with respect to each ballast water exchange 
referred to in clause (ii), reporting on the precise loca-
tion and thoroughness of the exchange; and 
"(ii) any other information that the Secretary 
considers necessary to assess the rate of effective 
compliance with the guidelines; 
"(G) provide for sampling procedures to monitor 
compliance with the guidelines; 
"(H) take into consideration— 
"(i) vessel types; 
"(ii) variations in the characteristics of point of 
origin and receiving water bodies; 
"(iii) variations in the ecological conditions of 
waters and coastal areas of the United States; and 
"(iv) different operating conditions; 
"(I) be based on the best scientific 
information 
available; 
"(J) not affect or supersede any requirements or 
prohibitions pertaining to the discharge of ballast water 
into waters of the United States under the Federal Water 
Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.); and 
"(K) provide an exemption from ballast water exchange 
requirements to passenger vessels with operating ballast 
water systems that are equipped with treatment systems 
designed to kill aquatic organisms in ballast water, unless 
the Secretary determines that such treatment systems are 
less effective than ballast water exchange at reducing the 
risk of transfers of invasive species in the ballast water 
of passenger vessels; and 
"(L) not apply to crude oil tankers engaged in the 
coastwise trade. 
"(3) EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.— 
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the 
National Invasive Species Act of 1996, the Secretary shall carry 
out education and technical assistance programs and other 
measures to encourage compliance with the guidelines issued 
under this subsection. 
"(d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not sooner than 24 months after 
the date of issuance of guidelines pursuant to subsection (c) and 
not later than 30 months after such date, and after consultation 
with interested and affected persons, the Secretary shall prepare 
and submit to Congress a report containing the information required 
pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (e). 
"(e) PERIODIC REVIEW AND REVISION.— 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
110 STAT. 4079 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 3 years after the date 
of issuance of guideHnes pursuant to subsection (c), and not 
less frequently than every 3 years thereafter, the Secretary 
shall, in accordance with criteria developed by the Task Force 
under paragraph (3)— 
"(A) assess the compliance by vessels with 
the 
voluntary guidelines issued under subsection (c) and the 
regulations promulgated under this Act; 
"(B) establish the rate of compliance that is based 
on the assessment under subparagraph (A); 
"(C) assess the effectiveness of the voliuitary guidelines 
and regulations referred to in subparagraph (A) in reducing 
the introduction and spread of aquatic nuisance species 
by vessels; and 
"(D) as necessary, on the basis of the best scientific 
information available— 
"(i) revise the guidelines and regulations referred 
to in subparagraph (A); 
"(ii) promulgate additional regulations pursuant 
to subsection (f)(1); or 
"(iii) carry out each of clauses (i) and (ii). 
"(2) SPECIAL REVIEW AND REVISION.—Not later than 90 
days after the Task Force makes a request to the Secretary 
for a special review and revision for coastal and inland water-
ways designated by the Task Force, the Secretary shall— 
"(A) conduct a special review of guidelines and regula-
tions applicable to those waterways in accordance with 
the review procedures imder paragraph (1); and 
"(B) as necessary, in the same manner as provided 
under paragraph (1)(D)— 
"4i) revise those guidelines; 
"(ii) promulgate additional regulations pursuant 
to subsection (f)(1); or 
"(iii) carry out each of clauses (i) and (ii). 
"(3) CRITERIA FOR EFFECTIVENESS.—Not later than 18 
months after the date of enactment of the National Invasive 
Species Act of 1996, the Task Force shall submit to the 
Secretary criteria for determining the adequacy and effective-
ness of the volimtary guidelines issued under subsection (c). 
"(f) AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY.— 
"(1) GENERAL REGULATIONS.—If, on the basis of a periodic 
review conducted under subsection (e)(1) or a special review 
conducted under subsection (e)(2), the Secretary determines 
that— 
"(A) the rate of effective compliance (as determined 
by the Secretary) with the guidelines issued pursuant to 
subsection (c) is inadequate; or 
"(B) the reporting by vessels pursuant to those 
guidelines is not adequate for the Secretary to assess the 
compliance with those guidelines and provide a rate of 
compHance of vessels, including the assessment of the rate 
of compliance of vessels under subsection (e)(2), 
the Secretary shall promptly promulgate regulations that meet 
the requirements of paragraph (2). 
"(2) REQUIREMENTS FOR REGULATIONS.—The regulations 
promulgated by the Secretary under paragraph (1)— 
"(A) shall— 
2&-194 O - 96 - 9 : QL 3 Part 6 
110 STAT. 4080 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
"(i) not be promulgated sooner than 180 days 
following the issuance of the report to Congress 
submitted pursuant to subsection (d); 
"(ii) make mandatory the requirements included 
in the voluntary guidelines issued under subsection 
(c); and 
"(iii) provide for the enforcement of the regula-
tions; £ind 
"(B) may be regional in scope. 
"(3) INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS.—The Secretary shall 
revise regulations promulgated under this subsection to the 
extent required to make such regulations consistent with the 
treatment of a particular matter in any international agree-
ment, agreed to by the United States, governing msuiagement 
of the transfer of nonindigenous aquatic species by vessel. 
"(g) SANCTIONS.— 
"(1) CIVIL PENALTIES.—Any person who violates a regula-
tion promulgated under subsection (b) or (f) shall be liable 
for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed $25,000. Each 
day of a continuing violation constitutes a separate violation. 
A vessel operated in violation of the regulations is liable in 
rem for any civil penalty assessed under this subsection for 
that violation. 
"(2) CRIMINAL PENALTIES.—Any person who knowingly 
violates the regulations promulgated under subsection (b) or 
(f) is guilty of a class C felony. 
"(3) REVOCATION OF CLEARANCE.—Upon request of the 
Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury shedl withhold or 
revoke the clearance of a vessel required by section 4197 of 
the Revised Statutes (46 U.S.C. App. 91), if the owner or 
operator of that vessel is in violation of the regulations issued 
under subsection (b) or (f). 
"(4) EXCEPTION TO SANCTIONS.—^This subsection does not 
apply to a failure to exchcuige ballast water if— 
"(A) the master of a vessel, acting in good faith, decides 
/ 
that the exchange of ballast water will threaten the safety 
or stability of the vessel, its crew, or its passengers; and 
"(B) the recordkeeping and reporting requirements of 
the Act are complied with. 
"(h) COORDINATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES.—In carrying out 
the programs under this section, the Secretary is encouraged to 
use, to the maximum extent practicable, the expertise, facilities, 
members, or personnel of established agencies and organizations 
that have routine contact with vessels, including the Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service of the Department of Agriculture, 
the National Cargo Bureau, port administrations, and ship pilots' 
associations. 
"(i) CONSULTATION WITH CANADA, MEXICO, AND OTHER FOREIGN 
GOVERNMENTS.—In developing the guidelines issued and regula-
tions promulgated under this section, the Secretary is encouraged 
to consult with the Government of Canada, the Government of 
Mexico, and any other government of a foreign country that the 
Secretary, in consultation with the Task Force, determines to be 
necessary to develop and implement an effective international pro-
gram for preventing the unintentional introduction and spread of 
nonindigenous species. 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
110 STAT. 4081 
"(j) INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION.—The Secretary, in coopera-
tion with the International Maritime Organization of the United 
Nations and the Commission on Environmental Cooperation estab-
lished pursuant to the North American Free Trade Agreement, 
is encouraged to enter into negotiations with the governments of 
foreign countries to develop and implement an effective inter-
national program for preventing the unintentional introduction and 
spread of nonindigenous species. 
"(k) SAFETY EXEMPTION.— 
"(1) MASTER DISCRETION.—The master of a vessel is not 
required to conduct a ballast water exchange if the master 
decides that the exchange would threaten the safety or stability 
of the vessel, its crew, or its passengers because of adverse 
weather, vessel architectural design, equipment failure, or any 
other extraordinary conditions. 
"(2) OTHER REQUIREMENTS.—(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as 
E
rovided in subparagraph (B), a vessel that does not exchange 
allast water on the high seas under paragraph (1) shall not 
be restricted from discharging ballast water in any harbor. 
"(B) GREAT LAKES.—Subparagraph (A) shall not apply in 
a case in which a vessel is subject to the regulations issued 
by the Secretary under subsection (b). 
"(3) 
CRUDE OIL TANTCER BALLAST FACILITY STUDY.—(A) 
Within 60 days of the date of enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operat-
ing, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Commerce 
for Oceans £uid Atmosphere, affected shoreside ballast water 
facility operators, affected crude oil tanker operators, and 
interested parties, shall initiate a study of the effectiveness 
of existing shoreside ballast water facilities used by crude oil 
tankers in the coastwise trade off Alaska in preventing the 
introduction of nonindigenous aquatic species into the waters 
off Alaska, as well as the cost and feasibility of modifying 
such facilities to improve such effectiveness. 
"(B) The study required under subparagraph (A) shall be 
submitted to the Congress by no later than October 1, 1997. 
"(1) NON-DISCRIMINATION.—The Secretary shall ensure that 
vessels registered outside of the United States do not receive more 
favorable treatment than vessels registered in the United States 
when the Secret£iry performs studies, reviews compliance, deter-
mines effectiveness, establishes requirements, or performs any other 
responsibilities under this Act.". 
(c) NATIONAL BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT INFORMATION.— 
Section 1102 (16 U.S.C. 4712) is amended— 
(1) by striking the section heading and inserting the 
following: 
"SEC. 1102. NATIONAL BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT INFORMATION."; 
(2) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in paragraphs (1) and (2), by inserting ", in coopera-
tion with the Secretary," before "shall conduct" each place 
it appears; 
(B) in paragraph (2), by inserting "Lake Champlain 
and other" after "economic uses of; 
(3) by striking subsection (b) and inserting the following: 
"(b) ECOLOGICAL AND BALLAST WATER DISCHARGE SURVEYS.— 
"(1) ECOLOGICAL SURVEYS.— 
110 STAT. 4082 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
"(A) IN GENERAL.—The Task Force, in cooperation with 
the Secretary, shall conduct ecological surveys of the 
Chesapeake Bay, San Francisco Bay, and Honolulu Harbor 
and, as necessary, of other estuaries of national significance 
and other waters that the Task Force determines— 
"(i) to be highly susceptible to invasion by aquatic 
nuisEince species resulting from ballast water oper-
ations and other operations of vessels; and 
"(ii) to require further study. 
"(B) REQUIREMENTS FOR SURVEYS.—In conducting the 
surveys under this paragraph, the Task Force shall, with 
respect to each such survey— 
"(i) examine the attributes and patterns of inva-
sions of aquatic nuisance species; and 
"(ii) provide an estimate of the effectiveness of 
ballast water management and other vessel manage-
ment guidelines issued and regulations promulgated 
under this subtitle in abating invasions of aquatic 
nuisance species in the waters that are the subject 
of the survey. 
"(2) BALLAST WATER DISCHARGE SURVEYS.— 
"(A) IN GENERAL.—^The Secretary, in cooperation with 
the Task Force, shall conduct surveys of ballast water 
discharge rates and practices in the waters referred to 
in paragraph (1)(A) on the basis of the criteria under 
clauses (i) and (ii) of such paragraph. 
"(B) REQUIREMENTS FOR SURVEYS.—In conducting the 
surveys under this paragraph, the Secretary shall— 
"(i) examine the rate of, and trends in, ballast 
water discharge in the waters that are the subject 
of the survey; and 
"(ii) assess the effectiveness of voluntary guidelines 
issued, and regulations promulgated, under this sub-
title in altering ballast water discharge practices to 
reduce the probability of accidental introductions of 
aquatic nuisance species. 
"(3) COLUMBIA RIVER.—^The Secretary, in cooperation with 
the Task Force and academic institutions in each of the States 
affected, shall conduct an ecological and ballast water discharge 
survey of the Columbia River system consistent with the 
requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2)."; and 
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsections: 
"(e) REGIONAL RESEARCH GRANTS.—Out of amounts appro-
priated to carry out this subsection for a fiscal year, the Under 
Secretary may— 
"(1) make available not to exceed $750,000 to fiind research 
on aquatic nuisance species prevention and control in the 
Chesapeake Bay through greuits, to be competitively awarded 
and subject to peer review, to universities and research institu-
tions; 
"(2) make available not to exceed $500,000 to fund research 
on aquatic nuisance species prevention and control in the Gulf 
of Mexico through grants, to be competitively awarded and 
subject to peer review, to universities and research institutions; 
"(3) make available not to exceed $500,000 to fiind research 
on aquatic nuisance species prevention and control for the 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
110 STAT. 4083 
Pacific Coast through grants, to be competitively awarded and 
subject to peer review, to universities and research institutions; 
"(4) make available not to exceed $500,000 to fund research 
on aquatic nuisance species prevention and control for the 
Atlantic Coast through grants, to be competitively awarded 
and subject to peer review, to universities and research institu-
tions; and 
"(5) make available not to exceed $750,000 to fund research 
on aquatic nuisance species prevention and control in the San 
Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary through grants, to be competi-
tively awarded and subject to peer review, to universities and 
research institutions. 
"(f) NATIONAL BALLAST INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—^The Secretary shall develop and main-
tain, in consultation and cooperation with the Task Force and 
the Smithsonian Institution (acting through the Smithsonian 
Environmental Research Center), a clearinghouse of national 
data concerning— 
"(A) ballasting practices; 
"(B) compliance with the guidelines issued pursuant 
to section 1101(c); and 
"(C) any other information obtained by the Task Force 
under subsection (b). 
"(2) REPORT.—In consultation and cooperation with the 
Task Force and the Smithsonian Institution (acting through 
the 
Smithsonian 
Environmental 
Research 
Center), the 
Secretary shall prepare and submit to the Task Force and 
the Congress, on a biannual basis, a report that synthesizes 
£ind analyzes the data referred to in paragraph (1) relating 
to— 
"(A) ballast water delivery and management; and 
"(B) invasions of aquatic nuissmce species resulting 
fi"om ballast water.", 
(d) ARMED 
SERVICES 
BALLAST WATER 
PROGRAM; 
BALLAST 
WATER MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.—Subtitle B (16 
U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following 
new sections: 
"SEC. 1103. ARMED SERVICES BALLAST WATER PROGRAMS. 
16 USC 4713. 
"(a) DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE VESSELS.—Subject to operational 
conditions, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the 
Secretary, the Task Force, and the International 
Maritime 
Organization, shall implement a ballast water management pro-
gram for seagoing vessels of the Department of Defense to minimize 
the risk of introduction of nonindigenous species from releases 
of ballast water. 
"(b) COAST GUARD VESSELS.—Subject to operational conditions, 
the Secretary, in consultation with the Task Force and the Inter-
national Maritime Organization, shall implement a ballast water 
management program for seagoing vessels of the Coast Guard to 
minimize the risk of introduction of nonindigenous species from 
releases of ballast water. 
"SEC. 
1104. BALLAST 
WATER 
MANAGEMENT 
DEMONSTRATION 
16 USC 4714. 
PROGRAM. 
"(a) TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES DEFINED.—For purposes of 
this section, the term 'technologies and practices' means those tech-
nologies and practices that— 
110 STAT. 4084 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
"(1) may be retrofitted— 
"(A) on existing vessels or incorporated in new vessel 
designs; and 
"(B) on existing land-based ballast water treatment 
facilities; 
"(2) may be designed into new water treatment facilities; 
"(3) are operationally practical; 
"(4) are safe for a vessel and crew; 
"(5) are environmentally sound; 
"(6) are cost-effective; 
"(7) a vessel operator is capable of monitoring; and 
"(8) are effective against a broad range of aquatic nuisance 
species. 
"(b) DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—During the 18-month period beginning 
on the date that funds are made available by appropriations 
pursuant to section 1301(e), the Secretary of the Interior and 
the Secretary of Commerce, with the concurrence of and in 
cooperation with the Secretary, shall conduct a ballast water 
management demonstration program to demonstrate tech-
nologies and practices to prevent aquatic nonindigenous species 
from being introduced into and spread through ballast water 
in the Great Lakes and other waters of the United States. 
"(2) LOCATION.—^The installation and construction of the 
technologies and practices used in the demonstration program 
conducted under this subsection shall be performed in the 
United States. 
"(3) VESSEL SELECTION.—In demonstrating technologies 
and practices on vessels imder this subsection, the Secretary 
of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce, shall— 
"(A) use only vessels that— 
"(i) are approved by the Secretary; 
"(ii) have ballast water systems conducive to test-
ing aboard-vessel or land-based technologies 
and 
practices applicable to a significant number of mer-
chant vessels; and 
"(iii) are— 
"(I) publicly or privately owned; and 
"(II) in active use for trade or other cargo 
shipment purposes during the demonstration; 
"(B) select vessels for participation in the program 
by giving priority consideration— 
"(i) first, to vessels documented under chapter 121 
of title 46, United States Code; 
"(ii) second, to vessels that are a majority owned 
by citizens of the United States, as determined by 
the Secretary; and 
"(iii) third, to £iny other vessels that regularly call 
on ports in the United States; and 
"(C) seek to use a variety of vessel types, including 
vessels that— 
"(i) call on ports in the United States and on 
the Great Lakes; and 
"(ii) are operated along major coasts of the United 
States and inland waterways, including the San 
Francisco Bay and Chesapeake Bay. 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
110 STAT. 4085 
"(4) 
SELECTION OF TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES.—In 
selecting technologies and practices for demonstration under 
this subsection, the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary 
of Commerce shedl give priority consideration to technologies 
and practices identified as promising by the National Research 
Coiuicil Marine Board of the National Academy of Sciences 
in its report on ships' ballast water operations issued in July 
1996. 
"(5) REPORT.—Not later than 3 yesirs after the date of 
enactment of the National Invasive Species Act of 1996, the 
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce shall 
prepare and submit a report to the Congress on the demonstra-
tion program conducted pursuant to this section. The report 
shall include findings and recommendations of the Secretary 
of the Interior and the Secretary of Commerce concerning tech-
nologies and practices. 
"(c) AUTHORITIES; CONSULTATION AND COOPERATION WITH 
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION AND TASK FORCE.— 
"(1) 
AUTHORITIES.—In 
conducting the demonstration 
program under subsection (b), the Secretary of the Interior 
may— 
"(A) enter into cooperative agreements with appro-
priate ofificieils of other agencies of the Federal Government, 
agencies of States and political subdivisions thereof, and 
private entities; 
"(B) accept funds, facilities, equipment, or personnel 
from other Federal agencies; and 
"(C) accept donations of property and services. 
"(2) CONSULTATION AND COOPERATION.—The Secretary of 
the Interior shall consult and cooperate with the International 
Maritime Organization and the Task Force in carrying out 
this section.", 
(e) AMENDMENTS TO SUBTITLE C — 
(1) SUBTITLE HEADING.—The heading to subtitle C (16 
U.S.C. 4721 et seq.) is amended to read as follows: 
"Subtitle C—^Prevention and Control of 
Aquatic Nuisance Species DispersaF'. 
(2) 
TASK 
FORCE.—Section 
1201 (16 U.S.C. 
4721) 
is 
amended— 
(A) in subsection (b)— 
(i) by striking "and" at the end of paragraph (5); 
(ii) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph 
(7); and 
(iii) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following 
new paragraph: 
"(6) the Secretary of Agriculture; and"; £ind 
(B) in subsection (c), by inserting "the Chesapeake 
Bay Progrsun, the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary Pro-
gram," before "and State agencies". 
(3) RESEARCH PROGRAM.—Section 1202 (16 U.S.C. 4722) 
is amended— 
(A) in subsection (f)(1)(A), by inserting "and impacts" 
after "economic risks"; and 
(B) in subsection (i)— 
110 STAT. 4086 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
(i) in paragraph (1)— 
(I) by striking "(1) IN GENERAL.—The Task 
Force" and inserting the following: 
"(1) ZEBRA MUSSEL.— 
"(A) IN GENERAL.—The Task Force"; 
(II) by striking "(A) research" and inserting 
the following: 
"(i) research"; 
(III) by striking "(B) tracking" and inserting 
the following: 
"(ii) tracking"; 
(IV) by 
striking 
"(C) 
development" 
and 
inserting the following: 
"(iii) development"; and 
(V) by striking "(D) provision" and inserting 
the following: 
"(iv) provision"; 
(ii) in paragraph (2), by striking "(2) PUBLIC 
FACILITY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.—" and insert-
ing the following: 
"(B) 
PUBLIC 
FACILITY 
RESEARCH 
AND 
DEVELOP-
MENT.—"; 
(iii) in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), as so 
redesignated, by striking the first sentence and insert-
ing the following: "The Assistant Secretary, in consulta-
tion with the Task Force, shall develop a program 
of research, technology development, and demonstra-
tion for the environmentally sound control of zebra 
mussels in and around public facilities."; 
(iv) in paragraph (1), by adding after subparagraph 
(B), as so redesignated, the following new subpara-
graph: 
"(C) VOLUNTARY GUIDELINES.—Not later than 1 year 
after the date of enactment of this subparagraph, the Task 
Force shall develop and submit to the Secretary voluntary 
guidelines for controlling the spread of the zebra mussel 
and, if appropriate, other aquatic nuisance species through 
recreational activities, including boating and fishing. Not 
later than 4 months after the date of such submission, 
and after providing notice and an opportunity for public 
comment, the Secretary shall issue voluntary guidelines 
that are based on the guidelines developed by the Task 
Force under this subparagraph."; and 
(v) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraphs: 
"(2) DISPERSAL CONTAINMENT ANALYSIS.— 
"(A) RESEARCH.—The Administrator of the Environ-
mental Protection Agency, in cooperation with the National 
Science Foundation and the Task Force, shall provide 
research grants on a competitive basis for projects that— 
"(i) identify environmentally sound methods for 
controlling the dispersal of aquatic nuisance species, 
such as the zebra mussel; and 
"(ii) 
adhere 
to 
research 
protocols 
developed 
pursuant to subsection (f)(2). 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
110 STAT. 4087 
"(B) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Environmental Protec-
tion Agency to carry out this paragraph, $500,000. 
"(3) DISPERSAL BARRIER DEMONSTRATION.— 
"(A) IN GENERAL.—The 
Assistant 
Secretary, 
in 
consultation with the Task Force, shall investigate and 
identify environmentally sound methods for preventing and 
reducing the dispersal of aquatic nuisance species between 
the 
Great 
Lakes-Saint 
Lawrence 
drainage 
and the 
Mississippi River drainage through the Chicago River Ship 
and Sanitary Canal, including any of those methods that 
could be incorporated into the operation or construction 
of the lock system of the Chicago River Ship and Sanitary 
Canal. 
"(B) REPORT.—Not later than 18 months after the date 
of enactment of this paragraph, the Assistant Secretary 
shall issue a report to the Congress that 
includes 
recommendations concerning— 
"(i) which of the methods that are identified under 
the study conducted under this paragraph are most 
promising with respect to preventing and reducing the 
dispersal of aquatic nuisance species; and 
"(ii) ways to incorporate those methods into 
ongoing operations of the United States Army Corps 
of Engineers that are conducted at the Chicago River 
Ship and Sanitary Canal. 
"(C) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are 
authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the 
Army, to carry out this paragraph, $750,000. 
"(4) CONTRIBUTIONS.—To the extent allowable by law, in 
carrying out the studies under paragraphs (2) and (3), the 
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the 
Secretary of the Army may enter into an agreement with an 
interested party under wluch that party provides in kind or 
monetary contributions for the study. 
"(5) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE.—The Great Lakes Environ-
mental Research Laboratory of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration shall provide technical assistance 
to appropriate entities to assist in the research conducted 
pursuant to this subsection.". 
(4) 
IMPLEMENTATION.—Section 
1202(j)(l) 
(16 
U.S.C. 
4722(j)(l)) is amended by striking "Not later than 18 months 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director" and 
inserting "The Director, the Secretary,". 
(5) REGIONAL COORDINATION.—Section 1203 (16 U.S.C. 
4723) is amended— 
(A) by striking the section heading and inserting the 
following: 
•^EC. 1203. REGIONAL COORDINATION.''; 
(B) in subsection (a)— 
(i) 
by 
striking 
"(a) 
IN GENERAL.—Not" 
and 
inserting the following: 
"(a) GREAT LAKES PANEL.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—Not"; 
(ii) by striking "(1) identify" and inserting the 
following: 
110 STAT. 4088 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
"(A) identify"; 
(iii) by striking "(2) make" and inserting the 
following: 
"(B) make"; 
(iv) by striking "(3) assist" and inserting the 
following: 
"(C) assist"; 
(v) by striking "(4) coordinate" and inserting the 
following: 
"(D) coordinate"; 
(vi) by striking "(5) provide" and inserting the 
following: 
"(E) provide"; 
(vii) by striking "(6) submit" and inserting the 
following: 
"(F) submit"; 
(viii) in paragraph (1), as so redesignated— 
(I) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), 
by inserting "region" before "representatives"; and 
(II) in subparagraphs (A) through (F), by 
striking "Great Lakes" each place it appears and 
inserting "Great Lakes region"; 
(C) by striking "(b) CONSULTATION.—The Task Force" 
and inserting the following: 
"(2) CONSULTATION.—The Task Force"; 
(D) 
by striking "(c) 
CANADIAN PARTICIPATION.—The 
panel" and inserting the following: 
"(3) CANADIAN PARTICIPATION.—The panel"; 
(E) in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a), as 
so redesignated, by striking "this section" and inserting 
"this subsection"; and 
(F) by adding at the end the following new subsections: 
"(b) WESTERN REGIONAL PANEL.—Not later than 30 days after 
the date of enactment of the National Invasive Species Act of 
1996, the Task Force shall request a Western regional panel, com-
prised of Western region representatives from Federal, State, and 
local agencies and from private environmental and commercieil 
interests, to— 
"(1) identify priorities for the Western region with respect 
to aquatic nuisance species; 
"(2) make recommendations to the Task Force regarding 
an education, monitoring (including inspection), prevention, and 
control program to prevent the spread of the zebra mussel 
west of the 100th Meridian pursuant to section 1202(i) of this 
Act; 
"(3) coordinate, where possible, other aquatic nuisance 
species program activities in the Western region that are not 
conducted pursuant to this Act; 
"(4) develop an emergency response strategy for Federal, 
State, and local entities for stemming new invasions of aquatic 
nuisance species in the region; 
"(5) provide advice to public and private individuals and 
entities concerning methods of preventing and controlling 
aquatic nuisance species infestations; and 
Reports. 
"(6) submit annually a report to the Task Force describing 
activities within the Western region related to aquatic nuisance 
species prevention, research, and control. 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
110 STAT. 4089 
"(c) ADDITIONAL REGIONAL PANELS.—The Task Force shall— 
"(1) encourage the development and use of regional panels 
and other similar entities in regions in addition to the Great 
Lakes and Western regions (including providing 
financial 
assistance for the development and use of such entities) to 
carry out, with respect to those regions, activities that are 
similar to the activities described in subsections (a) and (b); 
and 
"(2) cooperate with regional panels and similar entities 
that carry out the activities described in paragraph (1).". 
(6) STATE OR INTERSTATE WATERSHED AQUATIC NUISANCE 
SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN.—Section 1204 (16 U.S.C. 4724) 
is amended— 
(A) in subsection (a)— 
(i) by striking the subsection designation and head-
ing and inserting the following: 
"(a) 
STATE OR INTERSTATE INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT 
PLANS.—"; 
(ii) in paragraph (1)— 
(I) by striking the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A) and inserting the following: 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—After providing notice and opportunity 
for public comment, the Governor of each State may prepare 
and submit, or the Governors of the States and the governments 
of the Indian tribes involved in an interstate organization, 
may jointly prepare and submit—"; 
(II) in subparagraph (A), by striking "technical 
and financial assistance" and inserting "technical, 
enforcement, or financial assistance (or any com-
bination thereof)"; and 
(III) in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by inserting 
"or within the interstate region involved" sifter 
"within the State" each place it appears; 
(iii) in paragraph (2)— 
(I) in subparagraph (B), by striking "and" at 
the end of the subparagraph; 
(II) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as 
subpeiragraph (D); 
(III) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the 
following: 
"(C) identify any authority that the State (or any State 
or Indian tribe involved in the interstate organization) 
does not have at the time of the development of the plan 
that may be necessary for the State (or any State or Indian 
tribe involved in the interstate organization) to protect 
public health, property, eind the environment from harm 
by aquatic nuisance species; and"; and 
(IV) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, 
by inserting ", and enabling legislation" before the 
period; 
(iv) in paragraph (3)— 
(I) in subparagraph (A)— 
(aa) by inserting "or interstate organiza-
tion" after "the State"; and 
(bb) by inserting "Indian tribes," after 
'local governments and regional entities,"; and 
110 STAT. 4090 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
(II) in subparagraph (B), by inserting "or the 
appropriate official of an interstate organization" 
after "a State"; and 
(v) in paragraph (4), by inserting "or the interstate 
organization" after "the Governor"; 
(B) in subsection (b)(1)— 
(i) by striking "or the Assistant Secretary, as 
appropriate under subsection (a),"; and 
(ii) by striking "approved management plans" and 
inserting "management plans approved under sub-
section (a)"; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
"(c) ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE.—Upon request of a State or 
Indian tribe, the Director or the Under Secretary, to the extent 
allowable by law and in a manner consistent with section 141 
of title 14, United States Code, may provide assistance to a State 
or Indian tribe in enforcing an approved State or interstate invasive 
species management plan.". 
(f) 
AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 
1301 
(16 
U.S.C. 4741) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by striking "and" at the end of pgiragraph (2); 
(B) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the 
following: 
"(3) to the Secret£iry to carry out section 1101— 
"(A) $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1997 and 
1998; and 
"(B) $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999 through 
2002;"; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: 
"(4) for each of fiscal years 1997 through 2002, to carry 
out paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 1102(b)— 
"(A) $1,000,000 to the Department of the Interior, to 
be used by the Director; and 
"(B) $1,000,000 to the Secretary; and 
"(5) for each of fiscal years 1997 through 2002— 
"(A) $3,000,000, which shall be made available fi-om 
funds otherwise authorized to be appropriated if such funds 
are so authorized, to the Under Secretary to carry out 
section 1102(e); and 
"(B) $500,000 to the Secretfuy to carry out section 
1102(f)."; 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
"1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995" and inserting "1997 
through 2002"; and 
(B) by striking paragraphs (1) through (7) and inserting 
the following: 
"(1) $6,000,000 to the Department of the Interior, to be 
used by the Director to carry out sections 1202 and 1209; 
"(2) $1,000,000 to the Department of Commerce, to be 
used by the Under Secretary to carry out section 1202; 
"(3) $1,625,000, which shall be made available fi-om fimds 
otherwise authorized to be appropriated if such funds are so 
authorized, to fund aquatic nuisance species prevention and 
control research under section 1202(i) at the Great Lakes 
Environmental Research Laboratory of the National Oceanic 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
110 STAT. 4091 
and Atmospheric Administration, of which $500,000 shall be 
made available for grants, to be competitively awarded and 
subject to peer review, for research relating to Lake Champlain; 
"(4) $5,000,000 for competitive grants for university 
research on aquatic nuisance species under section 1202(f)(3) 
as follows: 
"(A) $2,800,000, which shall be made available from 
funds otherwise authorized to be appropriated if such funds 
are so authorized, to fund grants under section 205 of 
the National Sea Grant College Program Act (33 U.S.C. 
1124); 
"(B) $1,200,000 to fund grants to colleges for the benefit 
of agriculture and the mechanic arts referred to in the 
first section of the Act of August 30, 1890 (26 Stat. 417, 
chapter 841; 7 U.S.C. 322); and 
"(C) $1,000,000 to fund grants through the Cooperative 
Fisheries and Wildlife Research Unit Program of the United 
States Fish and Wildlife Service; 
"(5) $3,000,000 to the Department of the Army, to be used 
by the Assistant Secretary to carry out section 1202(i)(l)(B); 
and 
"(6) $300,000 to the Department of the Interior, to be 
used by the Director to fund regional panels and similar entities 
under section 1203, of which $100,000 shall be used to fund 
activities of the Great Lakes Commission."; 
(3) by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: 
"(c) GRANTS FOR STATE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS.—There are 
authorized to be appropriated for each of fiscal years 1997 through 
2002 $4,000,000 to the Department of the Interior, to be used 
by the Director for making grants under section 1204, of which 
$1,500,000 shall be used by the Director, in consultation with 
the Assistant Secretary, for management of aquatic nuisance vege-
tation species."; £ind 
(4) by adding at the end the following new subsections: 
"(e) 
BALLAST 
WATER 
MANAGEMENT 
DEMONSTRATION 
PROGRAM.—There are authorized to be appropriated $2,500,000 to 
carry out section 1104. 
"(f) RESEARCH.—There are authorized to be appropriated to 
the Director $1,000,000 to carry out research on the prevention, 
monitoring, and control of aquatic nuisance species in Narragansett 
Bay, Rhode Island. The funds shall be made available for use 
by the Department of Environmental Management of the State 
of Rhode Island.". 
(g) REFERENCES TO APPROPRIATE COMMITTEES.—The Act (16 
U.S.C. 4701 et seq.) is amended by striking "appropriate Commit-
tees" each place it appears and inserting "Congress". 
(h) TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.—Public Law 101-646 (16 U.S.C. 
4701 et seq.) is amended— 
(1) in titles I, II, and IV, by striking the quotation marks 
16 USC 4701, 
at the beginning of any title, subtitle, section, subsection, 
941; 33 USC 
paragraph, subparagraph, clause, subclause, or undesignated ^'^^^• 
provision; 
(2) at the end of titles II and IV, by striking the closing 
quotation marks and the final period; and 
(3) in section 1003— 
16 USC 4702. 
(A) by striking each single opening quotation mark 
and inserting double opening quotation marks; and 
110 STAT. 4092 
PUBLIC LAW 104-332—OCT. 26, 1996 
(B) by striking each single closing quotation mark and 
inserting double closing quotations marks. 
16 use 4701 
SEC. 3. STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION. 
Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act 
is intended to affect the authorities and responsibilities of the 
Great Lsikes Fishery Commission established under article II of 
the Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries between the United States 
of America and Canada, signed at Washington on September 10, 
1954 (hereafter in this section referred to as the "Convention"), 
including the authorities £ind responsibilities of the Great Lakes 
Fishery Commission— 
(1) for developing and implementing a comprehensive 
program for eradicating or minimizing populations of sea 
lamprey in the Great Lakes watershed; and 
(2) carrying out the duties of the Commission specified 
in the Convention (including any amendment thereto) and the 
Great Lakes Fishery Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 931 et seq.). 
Approved October 26, 1996. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 4283: 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 142 (1996): 
Sept. 28, considered and passed House. 
Oct. 3, considered and passed Senate. 
WEEKLY COMPILATION OF PRESIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS, Vol. 32 (1996): 
Oct. 26, Presidential statement.