2025 Senate Resolution 61

Whereas, Early summer marks the beginning of water-related recreational activities in Michigan; and

Whereas, Our state and economy are defined by the Great Lakes and depend on its great abundance of fresh water for public water supplies, manufacturing, tourism, fishing, agriculture, and numerous other uses; and

Whereas, Preventing the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species ultimately benefits Michigan; and

Whereas, Stopping the introduction and spread of these species would eliminate the need of our state, businesses, industry, and citizens from employing costly methods to control and manage them; and

Whereas, We are protecting the Great Lakes and our many inland lakes and rivers from aquatic invasive species from a number of pathways, including ballast water, canals and waterways, organisms in trade, and recreational activities such as boating and angling; and

Whereas, Over 180 nonindigenous aquatic species are already established in the Great Lakes basin, many of which are displacing native species, disrupting habitats, and degrading natural, managed, and agricultural landscapes, resulting in millions of dollars for control efforts each year; and

Whereas, Michigan has over 900,000 registered boaters and many other recreational, commercial, and industrial users of over 11,000 inland lakes and over 76,000 miles of rivers and streams in the state, many of which are impacted by aquatic invasive species; and

Whereas, Bringing awareness is an important step toward behavior change, which prevents the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; and

Whereas, Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week is an opportunity for our government to join forces with businesses, industry, environmental groups, community organizations, citizens, and other Great Lakes states and provinces to take action against the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize June 29-July 5, 2025, as Aquatic Invasive Species Awareness Week.