More than 3.2 billion live animals were legally imported into the U.S. During 2000-2014, and untold numbers of live plants were also imported

Nonnative plants and animals are also domestically raised and sold live within the U.S. These organisms were sold for use in various trades including aquaria, water gardens, classroom and scientific supply, aquaculture, and live-food markets.many species in trade pose risks of impacts to the environment, recreation, infrastructure, economy, and social constructs and functions within the united states. However, no rating system has been previously available to advise buyers and sellers in U.S. Supply chains of the risks and most importantly, safe alternatives that pose low risk of damaging impacts to aquatic ecosystems.ecostartm is the first of its kind rating system to advise industry and public consumers about ecologically safe options to import, produce, sell, and buy. To date,18 labels for nonnative species have been developed and have been vetted by experts in organisms-in-trade OIT supply chains. Ecostartm labels are the only available rating system to guide supply chains about which species are sustainable i.e., low risk , and which are not i.e., high risk in the U.S.the goal of this project is to protect the environment from aquatic invasive species introductions, by making science-based, plain-language labeling ecostartm labels information available to OIT supply chains and public consumers. Informed decisions, within supply chains and by consumers, using these labels will support informed sustainable trade operations in nonnative species. Through further program development and implementation, wildlife forever will develop trade associations partnerships, conduct public outreach, and develop 50 new ecostartm labels. Following development, we will facilitate a strategic communication and public outreach program to educate OIT retailers and public consumers. Implementation of a national, landscape scale ecostartm program, will build on current activities in the GL basin being piloted in minnesota and wisconsin and build upon products, partnerships and resources dedicated to OIT.