[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 14 (Tuesday, January 24, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E168]]
     INTRODUCTION OF THE TRIPLOID GRASS CARP CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

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                        HON. BLANCHE L. LINCOLN

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 24, 1995
  Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that 
epitomizes the partnership between the Federal Government and private 
industry that we all strive so hard to achieve.
  For the past several years the Fish and Wildlife Service has 
conducted a certification program for the triploid grass carp. This 
beneficial fish is utilized by 29 States to help control aquatic 
vegetation in lakes, ponds, and streams. The triploid grass carp 
provides an effective, economical method of caring for these 
environments without the use of chemical agents.
  As the use of the fish has increased over the years, a number of 
States have adopted regulations which require the grass carp to be 
certified as sterile. If a reproducing carp were introduced into these 
environments it could cause serious damage to the existing fish 
species. The certification process assured States that the fish were 
sterile, thereby allowing their shipment by private aquaculturists.
  In the past year the Fish and Wildlife Service conducted 550 triploid 
grass carp inspections at no charge to the producer. The cost of the 
program was $70,000. However, this year because of the dire fiscal 
situation that faces many agencies, the Fish and Wildlife Service has 
indicated that it will suspend the program within the next 60 days 
unless a solution is reached. The producers who have utilized this 
program have agreed to pay a fee that would cover the entire cost of 
the program with the understanding that the funds would be utilized for 
this purpose only. The Fish and Wildlife supports this arrangement but 
lacks the authority to implement it without congressional 
authorization.
  This bill will accomplish that goal and provide for the continuation 
of a valuable program. I urge my colleagues to support this 
legislation.


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