An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century - California Ocean ...

Recommendation 17–7The United States should take a leading role in the global effort to control the spread ofaquatic invasive species by working internationally to develop treaties, agreements, andpolicies to minimize the introduction and establishment of such species.Research NeedsThe study of aquatic invasive species in marine environments is a relatively new researcharea. Although invasive species have dramatically changed ecosystem structures, threatenednative species, and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in economic damage, littleis understood about how or why certain species become invasive, what pathways of introductionare most important, and whether certain factors make an ecosystem more susceptibleto invasions. Currently, U.S. investment in research on invasive species, monitoringto detect invasions, and development of new techniques for identification and eradicationfalls far short of the economic cost to the nation caused by this problem. Enhanced monitoringto detect invasive species should be part of the national monitoring networkdescribed in Chapter 15.Recommendation 17–8The National Ocean Council should coordinate the development and implementation of aninteragency plan for research and monitoring to understand and prevent the spread ofaquatic invasive species. The results should be used to improve management decisions andavoid future economic losses.New research and monitoring efforts should focus on:• gathering baseline taxonomic information and strengthening taxonomic skills; performingquantitative assessments of ecosystems; identifying invasive pathogens and vectors ofintroduction; and determining how invasive species disrupt ecosystem functions.• understanding the human dimensions behind species introductions, including humanbehavior, decision making, and economics.• developing new options for minimizing invasions, including innovative technologies, andtranslating these findings into practical policy options for decision makers.References1 National Research Council. Understanding Marine Biodiversity: A Research Agenda for the Nation. Washington, DC:National Academy Press, 1995.2 Carlton, J.T. “Invasive Species and Biodiversity Management.” In The Scale and Ecological Consequences of BiologicalInvasions in the World’s Oceans. ed. O.T. Sandlund, P.J. Schei, and A. Viken. 195—212. Dordrecht, Netherlands: KluwerAcademic Publishers, 1999.3 Pimentel, D., et al. “Environmental and Economic Costs of Nonindigenous Species in the United States.” Bioscience 50,no. 1 (2000): 53–65.4 U.S. General Accounting Office. Invasive Species: Clearer Focus and Greater Commitment Needed to EffectivelyManage the Problem. Report GAO-03-1. Washington, DC, 2002.5 Naylor, R.L., S.L. Williams, and D.R. Strong. “Aquaculture: A Gateway for Exotic Species.” Science 269 (2001): 1655–56.6 Burreson, E.M., N.A. Stokes, and C.S. Friedman. “Increased Virulence in an Introduced Pathogen: Haplosporidiumnelsoni (MSX) in the Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica.” Journal of Aquatic Animal Health 12 (2000): 1–8.7 National Invasive Species Council. Meeting the Invasive Species Challenge. National Invasive Species CouncilManagement Plan. 2001.8 Lodge, D.M. “Biological Hazards Ahead.” New York Times, June 19, 2003.9 International Maritime Organization. “Global Ballast Water Management Programme—The Problem.” Accessed October 1, 2003.262 A N O CEAN B LUEPRINT FOR THE 21ST C ENTURY