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handle is hein.crs/govelmt0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Con gressional Research Servtc Informing the legislative debate since 1914 Updated May 3, 2023 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nuisance Species Efforts Introduction Nuisance species are species that cause, or are likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Nuisance species impact both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. As human societies have become more connected, opportunities for the spread of non-native nuisance species (i.e., invasive species) have increased (e.g., navigation activities can transport species and introduce them to multiple different watersheds and waterbodies). Many federal and nonfederal agencies managing land and water undertake efforts to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species. Upon detection of nuisance species, agencies may devote resources to control and/or eradication efforts. Congress has authorized various programs for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) nuisance species activities and has expanded the scope of the authorizations as well as the appropriations for these activities. This In Focus discusses USACE nuisance species control efforts, including selected authorities, programs, and funding. Effects of Nuisance Species After introduction, invasive species may become established and spread; once established, it can be costly and difficult (or impossible, in some cases) to control or eradicate them. For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11011, Invasive Species: A Brief Overview. Harmful algal blooms (HABs) also can affect aquatic systems and their uses. Algal communities are naturally occurring components of healthy aquatic ecosystems. However, under certain environmental conditions-such as increased temperatures and nutrient concentrations (e.g., nitrogen and phosphorus)-colonies of algae can grow excessively (or bloom) and produce toxins, becoming nuisance species. For more information, see CRS In Focus IF10690, Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms: An Overview. USACE, part of the Department of Defense, develops and maintains civil works projects in the United States, principally to improve navigation, reduce flood and storm damage, and restore aquatic ecosystems. USACE is the steward of approximately 12 million acres of public lands and waters associated with hundreds of water resources projects nationwide. Nuisance species can affect USACE projects by outcompeting beneficial species, clogging water pipes, and affecting water quality and recreation. Invasive species affecting USACE projects include Asian carp, zebra and quagga mussels, feral hogs, and hydrilla (an aquatic plant species), among others. In addition, HABs have affected the aquatic systems where USACE projects exist. USACE projects can also serve as a vector for transporting nuisance species that damage other water bodies. USACE Nuisance Species Activities USACE generally undertakes efforts to prevent or reduce the introduction and establishment of invasive species and the proliferation of HABs at its projects, pursuant to its project and programmatic authorizations (some of which authorize specific activities), nationwide Invasive Species Policy Guidance, and engineering regulations. USACE typically funds nuisance species work for individual projects through project funding lines in the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) account; project planning documents address the nature of work at the project level. USACE also pursues nuisance species research that may involve field studies at USACE projects. As part of its regulatory responsibilities, USACE also may require permit applicants to consider nuisance species control. In FY2022, USACE spent an estimated $237.1 million on nuisance species activities; Figure 1 specifies this funding by response type. Figure 1. USACE Estimated Spending on Nuisance Species Efforts by Response Activity, FY2022 Early Detection & Rapid Response, Leadersh & Coordinatior, 1% Edu .rimated) Retoration, 7% cation & Public rareness, 4% Source: CRS, using FY2022 National Invasive Species Council Crosscut Budget, at https://www.doi.gov/invasivespecies/crosscut-budget. Note: USACE estimates spending for fiscal years based on previous expenditures, projections of work, and known additions of funding. Updating USACE Nuisance Species Policies The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (P.L. 116-9) and America's Conservation Enhancement Act (P.L. 116-188) amended the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. §§661 et seq.) to direct the Secretary of the Army to develop and implement a strategic plan for an invasive species program to achieve an annual net reduction of invasive species populations on

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