Walberg, Elfreth Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Against Aquatic Invasive Species

Today, Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Sarah Elfreth (D-MD) introduced the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control and Prevention Act. The bipartisan legislation would modernize federal AIS authorities to better prevent, control, and eradicate aquatic invasive species.

Aquatic invasive species, including zebra mussels, invasive Asian carp, and sea lamprey, impose billions of dollars in costs annually, damaging fisheries, aquatic habitat, hydropower, irrigation, drinking water, and other water infrastructure nationwide. They also pose a significant threat to the ecological and economic health of the Great Lakes region by outcompeting native fish populations, degrading water quality, and endangering the economies and communities that depend on a healthy ecosystem.

"The strength of Michigan's economy is directly tied to the long-term health of the Great Lakes, and as stewards of the Great Lakes, we bear the responsibility of preserving their well-being for future generations," said Rep. Walberg. "This vital legislation will streamline coordination and prioritize prevention and rapid response, so we can better protect fisheries and outdoor recreation economies. We must ensure the Great Lakes and waterways across the country remain protected from the ecological and economic threats posed by aquatic invasive species."

"Whether it's invasive blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay, invasive carp in the Great Lakes, or snakehead in North Carolina, it's clear that no community or district - Democrat and Republican alike - is safe from the ecological and economic harms caused by invasive species," said Rep. Elfreth. "I'm proud to co-lead the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control and Prevention Act with Congressman Walberg to ensure we're working together to think bolder and faster about combating the threat of invasive species and protecting our waterways, our economy, and our keystone native species."

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control and Prevention Act would:

• Support state-led, coordinated invasive species management
• Protect fisheries, boating access, water infrastructure, and outdoor recreation economies
• Improve coordination across existing federal, state, and regional AIS programs
• Prioritize prevention and rapid response to reduce long-term, costly management

You can read the text of the bill here.

The Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Control and Prevention Act is supported by 18 organizations representing recreational anglers, boaters, and the industries they support.

"The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) thanks Representatives Walberg and Elfreth for their leadership in introducing the Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act," said Glenn Hughes, President of ASA. "From quagga mussels to blue catfish to invasive carp, AIS harm fisheries, limit access and diminish sportfishing opportunities across the country. This legislation represents the most comprehensive modernization of federal aquatic invasive species policy in decades, improving coordination across agencies and states, strengthening prevention and rapid response efforts, and providing long-overdue tools to support effective management. ASA strongly supports this bipartisan legislation and looks forward to working with Congress and our partners to advance these solutions and protect America's fisheries for the future."

"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," said Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). "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."

"The spread of aquatic invasive species is arguably the biggest threat facing native fish stocks in America and our ability to access the water to enjoy recreational fishing and boating," said Joel Webster, chief conservation officer with the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. "Controlling the spread of aquatic invasives and finding ways to limit populations through containment and harvest are top priorities for TRCP and a host of our fisheries, corporate and conservation partners. This legislation is an enormous step forward and is the result of years of work with fisheries managers, scientists, anglers, and conservation groups and we look forward to working with Congress to pass and implement this bill."

"Boaters experience the damage caused by aquatic invasive species firsthand-seeing clogged waterways, fouled boats, and threatened ecosystems on the waters they love," said David Kennedy, Government Affairs at BoatU.S. "That is why BoatU.S. has strongly supported the work of the Aquatic Invasive Species Commission and proudly applauds the introduction of the Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act of 2026. We commend Representatives Walberg and Elfreth for their leadership and their close partnership with the recreational boating and angling community to craft solutions that effectively stop the spread of AIS while preserving access to boating and fishing opportunities nationwide."

"Aquatic invasive species can devastate fisheries, wildlife habitat, and boating access if left unchecked," said Ryan Callaghan, President and CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. "Backcountry Hunters & Anglers applauds the leadership of Rep. Walberg and Rep. Elfreth in introducing the AIS Control & Prevention Act of 2026 because it strengthens prevention and rapid response efforts while giving states and local partners better tools to protect the waters hunters and anglers depend on."