U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE)

See "Army Corps of Engineers."

U.S. Ballast Water Management Regulation

Mandatory regulations, enforced cooperatively by the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards, that prohibit a commercial trans-oceanic vessel from importing ballast water having salinity values less than 30 parts per thousand into the Great Lakes in an effort aimed at preventing further introductions of harmful exotic species.

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

As mandated by federal law, the Coast Guard promotes safe and efficient passage of marine and air traffic in coastal waters by providing:
(1) a continuous, accurate, all-weather radio navigation service;
(2) warnings of dangers and obstructions by providing visual or electronic signals, buoys, and lights; and
(3) search and rescue services for commerce and recreation. They also help prevent pollution by inspecting vessels and aiding in pollution clean-up efforts.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (CGAux)

A volunteer civilian organization established by Congress in 1939 to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in promoting safety in U.S. recreational boating.

United States Code (USC)

An abbreviation used to identify federal statutes. It is used when referring to a specific code section(s). For example, the Clean Water Act is 3 U.S.C. 1251-1387.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

A federal agency that administers the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Forest Service, among others.

U.S. Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

An agency that inspects incoming agriculture, livestock, and produce for disease and pest-related disease.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, U.S. EPA)

See "Environmental Protection Agency."

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

A federal agency whose mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance the Nation’s fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of people.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

A federal agency that performs surveys, investigations, and research covering topography, geology, and the mineral and water resources of the U.S.

U.S. Geological Survey - Biological Resources Division (USGS - BRD)

A federal division within the USGS. The mission of the BRD is to provide, with others, the scientific understanding and technologies needed to manage the nation’s biological resources.