TO SUPPORT research and development that provides strategies and techniques for the environmentally sound management, conservation, and restoration of aquatic ecosystems.  To accomplish this mission, the AERF supports research on the biology and ecology of nuisance aquatic and wetland plants, particularly exotic species.

In addition the AERF:

PROVIDES public Information concerning the benefits and value of conserving aquatic ecosystems.

PROMOTES cooperation among federal, state, and local natural resource and regulatory agencies, as well as between the public and private sectors.

FUNDS Graduate stipends in applied aquatic plant management research at major universities.