Maine's waterways are under attack from invasive species that threaten drinking water systems, Maine's fisheries, recreation, wildlife habitat, and lakefront property. To combat this threat, I have introduced the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2002. Here in Maine we are faced with several invasive species that are having a detrimental effect on our environment and our economy. Variable leaf milfoil is crowding out our native species in many Maine lakes. Invasive Asian shore crabs have taken over Southern New England's tidal pools and just last year began their advance into Maine — to the potential detriment of Maine's lobster and clam industries. Invasive fish are competing with our native fish. Eurasian Milfoil has choked lakes throughout much of the country, but fortunately has not yet entered Maine. If it does, it can render our lakes nearly useless to swimmers and boaters. Nationwide, the impact of these attacks is estimated to run into the billions of dollars. Maine and many other states have attempted to fight back. Unfortunately, success has been limited. As with national security, protecting the integrity of our lakes, streams, and coastlines from invading species cannot be accomplished by individual states alone. We need a uniform, nationwide approach to deal effectively with invasive species. The bipartisan bill, which I introduced with Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), will create the most comprehensive nationwide approach to date for combating alien species that invade our shores. The National Aquatic Invasive Species Act takes special aim at stopping invasive species before they have a chance to take hold in American waters. One of the most significant provisions of the bill establishes mandatory requirements on ships entering the United States. Since ballast water is one of the easiest ways for invasive species to get a free ride here, all ships traveling outside the United States will be required either to eliminate potentially contaminated ballast water prior to entry into American waters, or employ approved technologies to purify the water. One example of what can happen, if we are not proactive, occurred in the 1950s. The European Green Crab swarmed the Maine coast and decimated the state's soft-shell clam industry. This crab currently costs an estimated $44 million a year in damage and control efforts in the United States. Despite best efforts, these crabs are here to stay. When invasive species do enter a body of water in the United States, the best chance to combat them is to act quickly. For the first time, this bill would establish a national monitoring network to detect newly introduced species, while creating a rapid response fund to deal with the species once it appears. It is my hope that this early alert, rapid response system will help prevent the next wave of invasive species from taking hold and decimating industries in Maine and throughout the country. Education and outreach are also important components of the bill. The bill will inform and promote voluntary cooperation by members of the maritime, horticultural, aquarium, aquaculture, and pet trade industries. It also provides for a $33.75 million grant program to assist state programs in providing information and outreach to the public. Maine's ecosystem is fragile. It is critical that we are proactive in its protection so that it will be enjoyed by our children and grandchildren. A state-federal partnership to combat invasive species will have a significant impact on preserving and protecting Maine's environment well into the future.