[Muleteam1]

As a former biologist (retired) for the USFWS, I have to honestly say I cannot answer your question. You may be very correct that NMFS may have lead jurisdiction over this issue. I've never worked with brackish water aquatics, but the ecological effects of introducing an exotic aquatic organism could eventually affect terrestrial lifeforms. This fact could bring the USFWS to the ESA, section 7 consultation table. I'm just glad I'm not the biologist who has to face this one although it is an interesting proposal.

Muleteam1

[Carry_Okie]

I figured that NMFS might have the lead agency status. So many ocean species spawn in estuaries that one would think it likely. Of course, that doesn't portend well either for a decent technical solution or the people of Maryland. NMFS' handling of the issues surrounding anadromous salmonids here on the West Coast has been nothing short of fraudulent and destructive.