Invaders are irreparably destroying the environment and our natural heritage, costing an estimated, conservative $138 billion dollars annually, and eroding the quality of life for citizens across the country. Preventing and controlling the spread of aquatic invasive species is not merely an environmental protection issue; aquatic invasive species must be treated as an immediate priority if the United States is to maintain the multitude of benefits its waters provide its citizens, including benefits that most individuals assume as rights, such as clean drinking water, fishing resources and recreational access.