Numerous federal agencies and state, local, and non-governmental entities are working on various aspects of aquatic nuisance species (ANS) management, including information and education, research and monitoring, and prevention and control, among others. The need for multijurisdictional coordination and collaboration is essential to effectively implement ANS prevention and control strategies across jurisdictional boundaries. The Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species was first convened in late 1991 by the Great Lakes Commission in response to section 1203 of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, referred to as “NANPCA.” In establishing the Great Lakes Panel, Congress recognized that providing sound advice to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force from experts in a highly-impacted region could make a substantial contribution to the collective management effort at both a regional and national level. Effective prevention and control efforts in the Great Lakes continue to be the first line of defense in slowing or preventing the spread of ANS to other regions of the country.

The Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species is legislatively mandated to: identify ANS priorities for the Great Lakes region; assist and make recommendations to the federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force; coordinate ANS program activities in the region; and advise public and private interests on prevention and control efforts. The Great Lakes Commission in Ann Arbor, Michigan, serves as coordinator for the Great Lakes Panel.

For more information on the history of the Great Lakes Panel and its operations, please download the Great Lakes Panel Guidance for Operations (PDF). Current objectives of the Great Lakes Panel are described in its 2021-2024 Work Plan.