[§187A-32]  Alien aquatic organisms; leadagency; rules.  (a)  The department is designated as the lead state agencyfor preventing the introduction and carrying out the destruction of alienaquatic organisms through the regulation of ballast water discharges and hullfouling organisms.  The department may establish an interagency team to addressthe concerns relating to alien aquatic organisms.

(b)  The department may adopt rules inaccordance with chapter 91, including penalties, to carry out the purposes ofthis part.  The rules may include standards for the department and the UnitedStates Coast Guard to use as part of their respective inspection protocols. The rules may also include implementation of a course of action in relation tothe arrival or pending arrival of a high risk vessel.

(c)  The governor may enter into an agreementwith the United States Secretary of Transportation to carry out the purposes ofthis part, including but not limited to the enforcement of state law. [L 2000,c 134, pt of §2]