The insidious little creatures that stowaway aboard Salties ballast water and are drained into the Great Lakes fresh water are costing the US side a whopping $200 million annually (and that is a conservative estimate), according to the preliminary results of an economic impact report on the subject.

Since the St. Lawrence Seaway opened to ocean going vessels in the late 1950s it hasn’t only been the ecological landscape of the lakes that has suffered. Consumers have lost millions in economic benefits that would have been derived from sport and commercial fisheries, wildlife watching and raw water users, researchers find.

“The loss of economic benefits complete analysis is ongoing but $200 million will remain at the low end,” said David Lodge, Director of the Center for Aquatic Conservation at the Notre Dame. The study was undertaken with funding from NOAH and the EPA. And this cost will remain no matter what happens from this point forward because the creatures are already here sucking the life out of our Lakes. The only thing we can do now is manage the problem by stopping any future invaders from coming into the Lakes. The US House approved a stiff national ballast standard in the US Coast Guard Authorization Act but the Senate may adjourn this summer without moving the legislation through.

“Before Congress adjourns for the elections, the Senate must agree to legislation already passed by the House of Representatives that puts in place protections against invasive species in the Great Lakes and all U.S. ports,” said Jennifer Nalbone of Great Lakes United.

Related posts:

• Coalition Applauds U.S. House for Passing Strong Invasive Species Bill
• Prevention is the Name of the Invasive Species Game, According to Sen. Carl Levin
• Ohio Legislators Stepping Up to Confront Invasive Species
• Senator Feeling Heat for Inaction on Invasive Species
• House Invasive Species Legislation a Step in the Right Direction, But Could Do More