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Aquatic Alien Species: Detection, Risk Assessment, Response

Objectives

The primary goals of this developing project are two-fold: (1) to provide coastal managers with tools that will help them detect aquatic alien species before populations become too large and/or widespread to manage; and (2) to provide additional information and contacts to help coastal managers determine the risk of invasion and the appropriate management response. The objectives of the project are as follows:

  1. Provide technical information and services to coastal managers within NOAA's purview to:
    1. help them use their baseline inventory data and monitoring activities to detect alien species; and
    2. help them communicate that information to their peers and the public in order to prevent or mitigate damage from invasive species;
  2. Develop an immediately accessible network of taxonomic resources for NOAA invasive species and other programs that require identification and basic information concerning species;
  3. Develop online resources and a two-way communications network for coastal managers to receive early warnings and share information related to the management of invasive species problems; and
  4. Build public awareness and facilitate a volunteer citizen's observation program for early detection and monitoring of invasive species.

Project Summary

Aquatic invasive species cost our nation millions of dollars annually, as well as profoundly changing ecosystems and their services in ways that we cannot fully quantify. Congress recognized the problem by passing the Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990, which mandates that NOAA take action to prevent, detect, and control or manage economically harmful invasive aquatic species. We are developing a strategic plan for NCCOS to aid NOAA in meeting its obligations under the Act, as well as other mandates.

NOAA, other federal agencies, and several interagency committees and task forces are all working on invasive species problems. NCCOS has focused on early detection and warning, and development of aids for the control and management of invasive aquatic species such as risk assessments and management options. This project is based upon a re-evaluation of the NCCOS early detection and warning system, originally proposed in FY02. This project strives to support areas where current programs are weak or undeveloped, while avoiding duplication of services within NOAA or across other agencies. This project will strengthen the entire national invasive species network of programs. Key areas proposed for development are: (1) Alien species taxonomic expertise and services, without which invasive species cannot be recognized and understood biologically; (2) Standardized core monitoring strategies, data fields, and management tools for coastal managers; (3) Active outreach to both managers and citizen volunteer monitors; and (4) A framework for a new community-based communications network for early detection. We will distribute information proactively, as well as providing a means for sharing information. Early detection and warning are all about reliable, rapid communications. NCCOS will continue to consult with partners in implementing the NCCOS strategic plan on invasive species. Plans are to assist coastal managers in monitoring for invasive species and tracking invasions using online species databases to support management tools (e.g. GIS maps). The project will also help expedite access to worldwide taxonomic expertise to identify and assess risk from invasive species.

References

Non-indigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990

Products

Future - (contingent on funding)

  • Online resources related to the professional management of invasive species problems.
  • A cadre of taxonomic experts with established procedures for timely use of their services.
  • A model template for baseline species inventories and ongoing monitoring of marine and Great Lakes Biota.
  • Information alerts on invasive species.
  • Public outreach in print, broadcast, and electronic media.

Partners

Relevant Links

Timeframe

July 2005 - July 2008

For More Information

Project Managers:
Karen Eason
1305 East-West Hwy.,
SSMC-IV, N/SCI-1
Silver Spring , MD 20910
301-713-3028 x159

Elaine Hoagland
1305 East-West Hwy.,
SSMC-IV, N/SCI-1
Silver Spring , MD 20910
301-713-3028