NMMA Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Strengthen Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention and Response

On May 19, Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) introduced the Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act of 2026, bipartisan legislation aimed at modernizing the federal response to aquatic invasive species and improving coordination across agencies, states and regional partners.

As Frank Hugelmeyer said in the Representatives' joint release, "Recreational boating and fishing depend on healthy, accessible waterways, and aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to both. The Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act takes an important step toward modernizing our federal response, strengthening state-led management, and helping prevent costly infestations before they damage fisheries, boating access, and the outdoor recreation economy. NMMA appreciates Representatives Walberg and Elfreth's bipartisan leadership on this issue and looks forward to working with Congress to advance practical solutions that protect our waterways and the businesses and communities that rely on them."

NMMA is supportive of the legislation because aquatic invasive species damage fisheries, aquatic habitat, water infrastructure and recreation access. The bill would strengthen prevention, improve rapid response and bolster research and state-led management efforts to help protect waterways, fisheries, boating access and the outdoor recreation economies that depend on them.

The bill would also update the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 to strengthen control and eradication efforts. Key provisions include improved coordination among federal agencies and regional panels, rapid response grants and demonstration funding for new control technologies, updates to national and regional management plans and a new interbasin and intrabasin monitoring program.

The legislation also includes provisions related to watercraft inspection and decontamination planning, including developing reciprocal recognition of watercraft inspections, so boaters who have already been cleared are not unnecessarily delayed when accessing the water. It would also encourage manufacturers to develop innovative designs that reduce the unwanted transfer of aquatic nuisance species and standing water.

NMMA will continue working with lawmakers, states and partners to advance practical, science-based solutions that protect waterways, strengthen prevention and support responsible boating access.

NMMA members can learn more about the legislation and its impact on the recreational boating industry by contacting Clay Crabtree, Interim Vice President, Public Policy and Government Relations, at [email protected].