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 freshwater 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 of 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 33 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 or 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 United States.