Conclusions

The successful evaluation of the introduction of exotic insects as biological control agents for aquatic nuisance plants by the Health Inspection Service of the U. S. Department of Agriculture is evidence that with adequate facilities, staffing, and funding, pre-introduction studies can be accomplished and can permit the beneficial use of exotics without harm to other species or to the environment. The success rate of U. S. Department of Agriculture to prevent or reduce the rate of introduction of harmful exotic species also demonstrated that methods are available to control and prevent the introduction of harmful species. The National Fishery Research Center of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Gainesville, Florida, was carefully designed to conduct research on nonindigenous aquatic species to avoid premature release of test organisms (McCann 1984, Peoples et al. 1992). However, the center failed to receive adequate staffing and funding to conduct such research. With appropriate support, the center may have been able to prevent the introductions of the rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus), the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha), the spiny water flea (Bythotrephes cederstroemi), and other aquatic pest species, and the enormous environmental and economic costs to the Nation's ecosystems that now require a major commitment of resources could have been avoided.