Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force

Research

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Research supports all facets of aquatic nuisance species management, including prevention, monitoring, control and restoration.  Information and research is needed to quantify and clarify the effects that aquatic nuisance species are having on native species and habitat as well as to socio-economics and human health. Although much research has been conducted for some aquatic nuisance species, there are many species for which little is known. Increased knowledge of the biology, potential impacts, associated control methods, and interaction with climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.

Learn more about climate change and other major drivers of change will allow for the most effective management of aquatic nuisance species.  Research is also needed to move invasion ecology from a reactive to a predictive discipline and develop technological innovations to reduce the impacts of aquatic nuisance species. Below are key resources developed by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, its members, regional panels, or subcommittees to further research needs of aquatic nuisance species:

Guidance Documents:

• National Priorities List for Research on Aquatic Invasive Species (ANS Task Force, Research Subcommittee, 2021)

• Federal Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Risk Analysis Protocol  (ANS Task Force, Risk Assessment & Management Committee, 2009) -  updates and replaces the previous document:  Protocol for Evaluating Research Proposals Concerning Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (ANS Task Force, Research Working Group, 1994)

• Reducing the Risk of Introducing or Spreading Nonindigenous plants, Animals, and Microorganisms through Science and Engineering Fair Projects  (Education and Outreach Working Group of the Gulf and South Atlantic Regional Panel to the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force

Regional Aquatic Nuisance Species Research Priorities

• Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species Funded Projects- supports research, outreach, education and management project that supports the panel’s mission.  Each year, the panel releases a call for a request for proposals for new projects.