Attention to U.S. exotic species problems grows primarily in the Great Lakes region due to species impacts; spurs demand for ballast management requirements

Zebra mussel infestation creates political will in Great Lakes region to accept ballast management restrictions

Primarily at urging of Australia, Canada and the U.S. the International Maritime Organization Marine Environmental Protection Committee convenes a Ballast Working Group

Congress enacts the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act (NANPCA) creating a federal mandatory ballast management program for the Great Lakes and initiating studies to document the need for a national program

Great Lakes Ballast Management Program regulations take effect pursuant to NANPCA

Shellfish beds in Mobile Bay close temporarily due to contamination by Vibrio cholerae possibly transported in ships' ballast tanks. Ballast management recognized as public health issue

U.S. initiates National Research Council Study to explore ballast management alternatives

Shipping Study I: The Role of Shipping in the Introduction of Nonindigenous Aquatic Organisms to the Coast Waters of the United States (other than the Great Lakes) and an Analysis of Control Options (Carlton JT, Reid DM & van Leeuwen H, 1995) - carried out pursuant to NANPCA - is released detailing national need for ballast management

National Forum on Nonindigenous Species Invasions in U.S. and Marine Waters presents evidence of national scope of the problem to Congressional offices

Congress enacts the National Invasive Species Act creating a National Ballast Management Program

The National Research Council completes its review of possible ballast technologies

The IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee names ballast management a top priority and approves Assembly Resolution 868 requesting all member nations to implement ballast management guidelines.

Hundreds of scientists sign a letter to Vice President Al Gore requesting a national program to address exotic species of all kinds.

Coast Guard publishes draft national ballast management program pursuant to NISA.

IMO begins crafting treaty language for an international regulation

Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration award first ballast technology development grants

Environmental groups petition EPA to regulate ballast discharge under the Clean Water Act

Clinton Administration issues an Executive Order calling for more coordinated federal response to the exotic species problem

Coast Guard issues interim final rule for U.S. National Ballast Management Program (published May 17, 1999, effective July 1, 1999)

Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration award second round of ballast technology development grants

Michigan State Senator introduces ballast sterilization legislation

Efforts to reauthorize NISA begin

NISA reauthorization efforts continue