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The final report of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Regional Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Horizon Scan was completed and published this past November 2024. The direct link to the report is: https://iris.fws.gov/APPS/ServCat/DownloadFile/259873
Horizon scans allow us to look to the future and identify what species could be introduced based on species life history characteristics, human uses, transportation pathways, and climate. This project focused on the pathways of introduction through movement of recreational equipment, live bait release, and temporary or permanent hydrologic connections. Seven fish, five macroinvertebrate, and seven plant species were identified as high-risk for the Northeast in the future. This watch list may be used by managers in the region to help focus prevention and early detection efforts for invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species .
Prevention of species’ introductions and the early detection of a species before it becomes established is a crucial step in preventing a new invasive species from causing harm in the environment. Prevention is far less costly than the economic losses to society once a species has invaded and altered the landscape. Invasive carp, snakehead fish, hydrilla, and zebra mussels are cases in point.
“Indeed, it’s very difficult to eradicate a species once it’s established”, says Sandra Keppner, Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, “These watch lists and accompanying Ecological Risk Screening Summaries will help us be at least one step, maybe even two steps, ahead of the next invasion.”
