Meeting the Challenge of Exotics in the Great Lakes: the Role of an International Commission

Abstract

The Great Lakes Fishery Commission has traditionally supported the conservation of genetic diversity native to the Great Lakes, and counseled caution in adding new species to the Great Lakes aquatic community. Since extinction of sub-specific taxa and establishment of new species in the Great Lakes have proven irreversible, caution and conservatism are warranted. The Commission's mandate has served the Great Lakes well in preventing, controlling, and managing exotics. For example, the Commission (1) provides a forum for interjurisdictional consultation prior to planned introduction of new fish species; (2) represents fishery agency concerns for inadvertent introductions to outside interests, as in the case of ship ballast introductions; (3) champions the conservation of genetic diversity native to the Lakes; and (4) controls the exotic sea lamprey at levels which permit fishery agencies to attain their fish community objectives.