Sec. 41323.

(1) The department of natural resources shall do all of the following:

(a) By March 1 of each year, submit to the governor and the legislature a report that makes recommendations on all of the following:

(i) Additions to or deletions from the classes of genetically engineered or nonnative organisms covered by this part.

(ii) The status of various prohibited species and other problematic invasive species in this state, including, but not limited to, a list of infested waterbodies by species.

(iii) Preventing the introduction of and controlling or eradicating invasive species or genetically engineered aquatic plants, birds, crustaceans, fish, insects, mammals, or mollusks.

(iv) Restoration or remediation of habitats or species damaged by invasive species or genetically engineered organisms.

(v) Prioritizing efforts to prevent violations of and otherwise further the purposes of this part.

(vi) The specific areas of responsibility for various state departments under this part and the sharing of information on permits under this part among responsible state departments.

(vii) Educating citizens about their responsibilities under this part and their role in preventing the introduction of and controlling or eradicating prohibited species, restricted species, invasive species, and genetically engineered aquatic plants, birds, crustaceans, fish, insects, mammals, or mollusks.

(viii) Simplifying citizen access to state government for compliance with this part.

(ix) Legislation and funding to carry out the recommendations of the department of natural resources and otherwise further the purposes of this part.

(x) Other matters that the department of natural resources considers pertinent to the purposes of this part.

(b) Establish criteria for identifying waterbodies infested by prohibited species.

(c) Monitor and promote efforts to rescind the exemption under 40 CFR 122.3(a) for ballast water discharges.

(2) The department of natural resources shall carry out its reporting and other duties under this section in cooperation with the aquatic nuisance species council created under Executive Order No. 2002-21 and the department of agriculture.

History: Add. 2005, Act 75, Imd. Eff. July 19, 2005 ;-- Am. 2009, Act 52, Eff. Sept. 21, 2009 Popular Name: Act 451Popular Name: NREPA