Strategic Approach to Problem Identification and Monitoring of Aquatic Invasive Species Within the Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network Park Units
Quinlan, H, Dryer, M, Czypinski, G, Pyatskowit, J, Krajniak, J. 2007. Strategic Approach to Problem Identification and Monitoring of Aquatic Invasive Species Within the Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network Park Units. GLKN/2007/08. National Park Service Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network. Ashland, WI
Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network (hereafter referred to as GLKN) park units are situated in one of the most water-rich locations in the world, and aquatic habitats in the parks are substantial in area and diversity. The GLKN includes portions of three major watersheds (Great Lakes, Mississippi River, Hudson Bay), and comprises nine park units. Exotic plant and animal species ranked highest of all GLKN vital signs (Route 2004). Of the exotic plant and animal species known to occur within the GLKN project area, aquatic invasive species (AIS) represent perhaps the most significant and imminent biological threat to aquatic resources. Changes or shifts in animal and plant community composition brought about by the introduction of AIS could have significant implications for native species, most notably through competition for food and habitat, or direct predation. It is therefore vital to monitor water bodies for the presence of these species (Lafrancois and Glase 2005). The intent of vital signs monitoring is to obtain scientifically sound trend information that will have multiple applications for management decision-making, research, education, and promoting public understanding of park resources. We have chosen to focus attention on 12 target aquatic invasive animal and plant species. The objectives of this project are to: • Document current distribution and rate of range expansion for 12 target AIS. • Identify entities conducting monitoring activities capable of detecting presence of AIS. • Summarize life history information and impacts of invasion for target AIS. • Propose three to five AIS to monitor and recommend monitoring methods that: * provide early warning of AIS in GLKN park units, and * indicate status and trends of select AIS in GLKN park units. This information will assist the GLKN park units in prioritizing species for monitoring, determining feasibility of control efforts, and in educating park visitors on ways to avoid spreading AIS.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Quinlan,, Henry; Dryer,, Mark; Czypinski,, Gary; Pyatskowit,, Jonathan; Krajniak,, Jessica
- Date of Issue
- 2007-09-27
- Publisher
- National Park Service Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network
- Units
- GLKN , ISRO
- Keywords
- Aquatic Habitats, aquatic invasive species, exotic fish species, exotic invertebrates, exotic plant species, fish inventory, Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring, invertebrate inventory, Vegetation Inventory, Vital Signs