Surveillance and Control of Aquatic Invasive Species in the Great Lakes

SUMMARY Preventing the introduction of new invasive species should be the cornerstone of efforts to minimize their adverse ecological and economic impacts. Yet recent ballast water regulations have not slowed the rate of new invasions into the Great Lakes. This paper describes the features of a surveillance and eradication program for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in the Great Lakes. The proposed surveillance program has two purposes: assessing the effectiveness of ballast water regulations, and maximizing the likelihood of early detection, which is essential for eradication. When a new AIS is discovered, an eradication assessment (EA) is conducted and used to guide the management response. In light of high uncertainty, management decisions must be robust to a range of impact and control scenarios. This paper highlights the importance of a well-defined strategic vision for AIS management, stakeholder participation, institutional barriers, and recognition of non-target impacts as fundamental considerations in Great Lakes AIS management. Given adequate resources and a favorable institutional setting, a targeted surveillance and eradication program could be a valuable component of a broader invasive species management strategy for the Great Lakes.