Background: In the last few years, numerous regional panels under the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) received funding from the National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) to develop rapid response plans. The Western Regional Panel published a model rapid response plan for aquatic nuisance species in 2002 and then developed a response plan for zebra mussels in the Columbia River basin in 2006. The Great Lakes Panel also developed a model rapid response plan for aquatic nuisance species. The Northeast Regional Panel conducted a series of workshops to determine critical elements needed in a rapid response plan.