Environmental policy in California : setting the stage for marine invasive species management

The State of California is arguably the most forward looking state in regard to producing environmental policy. California often serves as a benchmark for other U.S. states and even other countries around the world. The state is looked at as a model for how policies regarding the environment are created, established, and implemented. Often times, California is the first to identify and regulate issues pertaining to problems that threaten the natural environment. One area where California has paved the way is with the threat posed by marine invasive species (MIS). The rise of globalization and international trade has been largely responsible for the increase in the frequency of MIS in the world's ocean. In California, this trend was identified and addressed by the establishment of groundbreaking policy. Since their establishment, the policies generated by the State of California now serve as a benchmark for the management of MIS. Part of being a leader, however, means that the state must deal with setbacks that come from developing new policy. Technological challenges, delayed implementation of policy, and federal regulation uncertainty have slowed progress. Despite challenges, California continues to press forward with its progressive policies. Tighter regulation in California, however, might be advantageous contrary to popular opinion against regulation. California aims to position itself as an early adopter of MIS regulation and be the change it wants to see in the world.