The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Canadian Food Inspection Service (CFIA) have issued a memorandum of understanding on actions taken for arriving vessels from Far East Russia, Japan, Korea and Northern China regarding the Asian Gypsy Moth (AGM). AGM is a serious pest that can be carried on ships and cargo and, if introduced to North America, AGM would have significant negative impacts on our forestry and agriculture, the natural environment, the commerce that relies on those plant resources, and market access. According to the MOU, Vessels must arrive in North American ports free of AGM and with required pre-departure certification. Additionally, vessels must provide two year port of call data, at least 96 hours prior to arrival in a North American port, to the Canadian or U.S. agent.

The full MOU can be read here.