The Mid-Atlantic Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species (MARP) will provide a collaborative approach to prevention and control of nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species as authorized under the Non-Indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA) of 1990 (as amended by National Invasive Species Act of 1996). The MARP will: 1) identify regional priorities with respect to aquatic nuisance species; 2) make recommendations to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force regarding programs to carry out Section 1202 of NANPCA; 3) assist the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force in coordinating Federal programs; 4) coordinate, where possible, ANS program activities that are not conducted pursuant to NANPCA; 5) advise public and private individuals and entities concerning methods of preventing and controlling ANS infestations; and 6) submit an annual report to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force describing the various activities underway.
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species is a panel of individuals representing Federal and state agencies, regional and academic entities, and private environmental groups from Delaware, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Panel is hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Program. The Chesapeake Bay Program is a regional partnership that includes the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia; the District of Columbia; the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a tri-state legislative body; the Environmental Protection Agency, representing the Federal government; and participating citizen advisory groups.