Effects of Climate Change on Aquatic Invasive Species and Implications For Management and Research (Final Report)
EPA announced the availability of the final report, Effects of Climate Change on Aquatic Invasive Species and Implications for Management and Research . This report reviews available literature on climate-change effects on aquatic invasive species (AIS) and examines state-level AIS management activities. Data on management activities came from publicly available information, was analyzed with respect to climate-change effects, and was reviewed by managers. This report also analyzes state and regional AIS management plans to determine their capacity to incorporate information on changing conditions generally, and climate change specifically.
Invasive species are one of the leading causes of degraded ecological condition and ecosystem services, and climate change has the potential to interact with this stressor through multiple mechanisms. EPA's Office of Water (OW) and the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) are concerned with aquatic invasive species (AIS) in multiple arenas, including ballast water and NPDES permits, TMDLs and impaired waters, economic consequences, and pesticide usage for control. AIS are also used as biological indicators to measure ecosystem condition.
This report assesses the state of the science of climate change effects on AIS and examines state level AIS management activities. Part of the assessment focuses on AIS management plans to determine their capacity to incorporate information on changing environmental conditions generally, and climate change specifically. The report concludes that further scientific research and data collection are needed in order to equip managers with the tools and information necessary to conduct effective AIS management in the context of climatic change.The report is intended for managers and scientists working with AIS to provide them with information on the potential effects of climate change on AIS, strategies for adapting their management to accomodate these environmental changes, and highlight further research needs and gaps.
Invasive species are one of the leading causes of degraded ecological condition and ecosystem services, and climate change has the potential to interact with this stressor through multiple mechanisms. EPA's Office of Water (OW) and the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP) are concerned with aquatic invasive species (AIS) in multiple arenas, including ballast water and NPDES permits, TMDLs and impaired waters, economic consequences, and pesticide usage for control. AIS are also used as biological indicators to measure ecosystem condition.
This report assesses the state of the science of climate change effects on AIS and examines state level AIS management activities. Part of the assessment focuses on AIS management plans to determine their capacity to incorporate information on changing environmental conditions generally, and climate change specifically. The report concludes that further scientific research and data collection are needed in order to equip managers with the tools and information necessary to conduct effective AIS management in the context of climatic change.The report is intended for managers and scientists working with AIS to provide them with information on the potential effects of climate change on AIS, strategies for adapting their management to accomodate these environmental changes, and highlight further research needs and gaps.
Impact/Purpose
The report is intended for managers and scientists working with AIS to provide them with information on the potential effects of climate change on AIS, strategies for adapting their management to accomodate these environmental changes, and highlight further research needs and gaps.
Citation
U.S. EPA. Effects of Climate Change on Aquatic Invasive Species and Implications For Management and Research (Final Report). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-08/014, 2008.
History/Chronology
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Jun 2006 | EPA hosted a workshop,Assessing Gaps and Needs for Invasive Species Management in a Changing Climate, on June 6, 2006 in Washington, DC. |
| Oct 2006 | EPA hosted a workshop, New Considerations for Aquatic Invasive Species in a Changing Climate: An Update on Papers for a Special Section in Conservation Biology, on October 2, 2006 in Washington, DC. |
| May 2007 | EPA conducted an internal review of the draft report for comments. |
| Aug 2007 | EPA released an External Review Draft of the report for review and comment. |
| Oct 2007 | EPA presented results of the draft report to the Invasive Species Advisory Council. |
| Nov 2007 | EPA presented results of the draft report to the Aquatic Nuisance Species(ANS) Task Force Fall Meeting. http://www.anstaskforce.gov/default.php |
| Mar 2008 | EPA released the final report. |
This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.