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RESEARCH: Considerable additional research is needed to assess the risks of nonindigenous species intro- ductions and to help prioritize actions intended to minimize such risks. Research should include baseline information on indigenous organisms and analyses of pathogenic, genetic, ecological and other risks associated with different path- ways of intentional introduction (e.g., rearing and release of hatchery products, aquarium and aquacultural trade shipments and holding facili- ties, movement of species for research purposes) Research that promotes and enables the use of indigenous species also needs to be sharply increased. An excellent (though not aquatic) example of this approach is provided by the Illinois Department of Conservation's internal look at its own nursery practices. This review prompted a 5-year, phased-in shift to the use of indigenous species for landscaping and habitat needs. Recommendation 2 Federal agencies should support research that enables: 1) better understanding of the risks associated with introductions and how to mini- mize them, 2) identification of specific pathogens and parasites and methods of deter- mining if proposed introductions are specific pathogen-free 3) the use of indigenous species, and 4) more effective education and extension (i.e., evaluating the efforts made under recom- mendation lA). Researchers are reminded that federally funded research carried out under Subtitle C of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act must follow the ANS Task Force's "Protocol for evaluating research proposals con- cerning nonindigenous aquatic organisms" (see ANS Program Appendix G). Individuals, States, corporations, and institutions not otherwise cov- ered by this research protocol are also encour- aged to follow the protocol to prevent introductions of nonindigenous species as a con- sequence of research activities. Several commenters said that insufficient atten- tion was given to pathogens and parasites in the Proposed Report. The Task Force believes that identification of pathogens and parasites is an important activity that will have the effect of reducing the risks associated with introductions as well as providing economic benefits to indus- tries such as aquaculture. Such research pro- grams should be maintained and enhanced when feasible. To reflect this view, subitem 2) has been added to the final recommendation. EXISTING AUTHORITY: A variety of State and Federal authorities exist that address the use of nonindigenous species. A discussion of existing State authorities and poli- cies was presented in the Findings section above and will not be repeated here. The Task Force recognizes existing State authorities and encour- ages those States that have not initiated a thor- ough review of their own authorities related to nonindigenous species to do so (see Model State Code section below). Many aspects of the above- cited State authorities have been incorporated into the Task Force's specific recommendations or are reflected in the Model State Code (see below). As noted above, the Task Force has also concluded that the following recommendations should for the most part be limited to "new" introductions. However, the Task Force feels that State and Federal agencies should review existing uses. Policy review discussions of Federal authority concentrated on several existing laws that should provide considerable guidance in the use of non- indigenous species. For various reasons, these laws have either not been effectively used with regard to nonindigenous species or have not been implemented. Federal authorities discussed in this section include the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Executive Order 11987, Federal funding authorities (e.g., Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, Sea Grant, Corps of Engineers grants), the Federal Noxious Weed Act, and the Lacey Act. In review- ing Federal authorities, the Task Force again emphasized opportunities to improve Federal leadership, cooperation, and accountability. Descriptions of Federal authorities presented in this section have been drawn in large part from the Department of Interior's Digest of Federal Resource Laws (USDI 1992). Recommendation 3A Ongoing uses of nonindigenous species should be evaluated by their respective Funding or per- mitting agencies (State or Federal) to deter- mine their potential effects on indigenous 15