WRP Executive Committee Meeting
Present
*Alternate represented at meeting.
ANSTF Update - Brief update on ANSTF meeting in April at the International Aquatic Nuisance Species Conference. WRP received an extension to comment on the Ballast Water Exchange Report. This letter of comment was sent to ANSTF Co-Chairs and Executive Secretary. Other topics of the meeting reported were Gary Edward=s retirement as co-chair. New Co-Chair replacing Gary will be Cathleen Short - USFWS. Additionally, A Gulf Coast Panel is forming. TX will be involved in that Panel as well. Action: Coordinator will draft a letter for Chairs signature, welcoming Cathleen Short and sending her and co-chair Sally Yozell an invitation to the WRP meeting in Austin in October. Coordinator will invite members of Gulf Panel to attend WRP meeting in fall(Done)
ANSTF NW Meeting in Olympia - August 17th and August 18th. The EXCOM made a number of suggestions for informational updates for agenda to ANSTF. The ANSTF will spend one afternoon focusing on western region issues and concerns. Suggested topics and speakers. Aquatic Weeds including Salvinia - Mark Sytsma, Mitten Crab Update - Kim Webb, CALFED invasive program - Kim Webb, Research Funding Needs - Andy Cohen and Bill Harvey will develop a brief whitepaper, WA legislative update - Scott Smith, OR legislative update - Mark Sytsma, CA legislative update - Linda Sheehan, WGA appointment, Lewis and Clark Expedition - Denny Lassuy, Tribal Treaty Issues, a Recap of the Puget Sound Expedition Findings - Andy Cohen. The EXCOM also suggested the WRP conduct a breakfast round table for members attending the ANSTF meeting in Olympia. Action: Coordinator will contact Kevin Aitkin regarding suggested topics. Coordinator will also request a time and place for a WRP breakfast roundtable.
WRP Fall Meeting - EXCOM discussed identifying several specific issues that the Panel could address at their full membership meeting in Austin, TX October 5-6. Topics include;
Panel member updates - Current legislative and management activities in each state.
l00th Meridian Initiative - Update and Revisions -
ANS Prevention Activities of the Lewis and Clark Commemoration.
Regulatory Enforcement Models - Clean Lists, Dirty Lists - What Works? Panel Session will result in development of a white paper on enforcement strategies and WRP review of these approaches. Development of the findings from Panel discussion in a white paper form could be included in WRP 2000 work plan.
Boise ANS Western Region Meeting Report - Mark Sytsma
Highlights of the the WRP Roundtable Meeting at ANSTF meeting in Olympia in August.
WRP Committee Meetings to Develop 200l Work Plans.
Action: Coordinator is to draft list(see above) for EXCOM review by June llth. Comments back from EXCOM by June 18th. Mail out to members with meeting annoucement by June 23rd.
Mitten Crab Fishery - The California Fish and Game Commission has been requested once again to open a experimental commercial mitten crab fishery. The WRP sent a letter this February requesting that the initial request for a commercial fishery be denied. The decision on the request was postponed. The EXCOM suggested that the Panel letter be resent with an update. Action: Linda Drees, Bill Harvey and Jodi Cassell will meet on Tues, June l3, l999 to discuss update of the letter and mailing to Commission.
WGA update - The Western Governor=s Association has hired Paul Gertler of the USFWS for the invasive species position. Action Linda Drees will contact Paul Gertler and request he contact Chair as well as attend a Breakfast Roundtable at the ANSTF Meeting in Olympia, August 17th and 18th.
Ballast Water Exchange Study and Voluntary Ballast Water Guidelines - Comment Period for each. The WRP has commented on Ballast Water Exchange Study but not Voluntary Ballast Water Management Guidelines. Action: Andy will draft basic comments on Final Guidelines and forward to Coordinator. Coordinator will send these through Coastal Chair and Chair and then to Coast Guard.
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission - Mark Sytsma will be giving a presentation on the WRP before the PSMFC. Kim Webb will focus on mitten crab management and Scott Smith will present an update on Washington State activities before the PSMFC. Action: Coordinator will send copies of the Annual Report to Mark for use at meeting.
Next EXCOM Conference July 13 ll:30 EDT
Federal Call - 700-991-2542
Non Federal - 800-545-4387
June 9th, l999
Andy Cohen At Large
X
Randy Brown
CA
X
Alternate: Nate Dechoretz
Bill Harvey
TX
X
Chairman EXCOMM & WRP
Edward Theriot
USCOE
X*
Alternate: *Jim Athern
Mark Sytsma At Large
X
Dwight Willimson
Alternate: *Wendy Raley
Derrik Toba
X
Linda Drees
FWS
X
Panel Coordinator
Western ANS Awareness Week - Promotion of ANS Awareness Week for the Western U.S.
Conferee Access: 15083
Conf ID - M24073