This report was prepared for the California Legislature pursuant to the Marine Invasive Species Act of 2003 (Act). The Act reauthorized and enhanced the original law, The Ballast Water Management and Control for Nonindigenous Species Act of 1999. In accordance with the Act, the Commission was charged with several expanded responsibilities. Key among them and specific to this report is to recommend performance standards for the discharge of ballast water into the waters of the state (Section 71204.9 of the Public Resources Code (PRC)). The performance standards will be based on best available technology economically achievable and be designed to protect the beneficial uses of state waters. This report discusses the status and future plans of the Commission’s Marine Invasive Species Program, as required by the Act.
