threats to the pacific northwest introduction and overview of aquatic invasive species issues robyn...
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Threats to the Pacific Northwest
Introduction and Overview of Aquatic Invasive Species Issues
Robyn Draheim – Interim AIS Coordinator US Fish and Wildlife Service – Pacific Region
Overview
• Introduction to aquatic invaders• Threats to the PNW• Species of concern• Pathways of introduction
• Regulatory Framework• Local and Regional AIS Coordinating Groups
BOR
What are Invasive Species?
Those plants, animals, insects, etc. that are not native to a given region and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental damage or harm to human health AKA exotic, nuisance, alien, introduced, foreign, immigrant, imported, weedy, feral, naturalized…
Examples of well known, nonnative, terrestrial invaders: english ivy, starlings, gypsy moth, fire ants, cheat grass and kudzu
What are Aquatic Invasive Species?
Small Large
Impacts
• Environmental Harm– Decrease in native populations– Physical alteration of communities– Alteration of ecological processes
• Economic Costs– Loss of recreation/tourism opportunities – Reduced harvest/value– Increased maintenance costs
• Human Health Hazards– Drowning
Threats to PNW Waters
• Aquatic Weeds • Snails • Bivalves• Crayfish• Fish• Pathogens, parasites
and more
PNW’s Least Wanted:
• Zebra/quagga mussels• Hydrilla• Asian Carp
Zebra Mussel / Quagga Mussel
Hydrilla verticillata
Hydrilla, Florida elodea, water thyme
Asian Carp
Kentucky Media
Pathways
• Recreational boating• Movement of in-water
equipment• Shipping (ballast water
and hull fouling)• Aquarium and
pet trade releases• Bucket biologists…Pre
vention
Regulatory Framework• Federal
– Executive Order 13112– Lacey Act, NISA
• Regional* QZAP, CRBRRP • States
– AIS Management Plans– Prohibited Species Lists– FERC
• 401 Water Quality Standards• Other State Agency Input
– HACCP Plans
Local and Regional Coordination
• Western Regional Panel on ANS• Pacific Northwest Economic Region
(PNWER)• Columbia River Basin 100th Meridian Team• State Invasive Species Councils
Robyn Draheim
503-736-4722
Interim AIS Coordinator US Fish and Wildlife Service – Pacific Region
1-877-STOP-ANS 24 hr nationwide invasive species reporting hotline