August 29, 2007

Statement regarding the recent Federal Court Ruling August 15, 2007 by the Honorable Judge John Feikins.

Upon careful review of the recent Federal Court ruling by Judge John Fiekins, the Seaway Great Lakes Trade Association along with their co-plaintiffs have decided to file for appeal. While we respect the courts decision, we maintain that the only way to effectively deal with the Aquatic Nuisance Species problem is on a national basis through international convention and federal law that recognize consistent treatment standards.

It is important to understand that with our nations transportation system, we need to have a credible treatment standard and workable timeline that is uniform throughout the country in order to credibly
achieve our goals. Our statements have remained consistent in that the US Coast Guard should be the agency that helps determine the standard, regulation and enforcement mechanisms for this issue.