Using a Novel Spatial Tool to Inform Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response Efforts

Abstract

Management of invasive species has increasingly emphasized the importance of early detection and rapid response (EDRR) programs in limiting introductions, establishment, and impacts. These programs require an understanding of vector and species spatial dynamics to prioritize monitoring sites and efficiently allocate resources. Yet managers often lack the empirical data necessary to make these decisions. We developed an empirical mapping tool that can facilitate development of EDRR programs through identifying high-risk locations, particularly within the recreational boating vector. We demonstrated the utility of this tool in the Great Lakes watershed. We surveyed boaters to identify trips among water bodies and to quantify behaviors associated with high likelihood of species transfer (e.g., not removing organic materials from boat trailers) during that trip. We mapped water bodies with high-risk inbound and outbound boater movements using ArcGIS. We also tested for differences in high-risk behaviors based on demographic variables to understand risk differences among boater groups. Incorporation of boater behavior led to identification of additional high-risk water bodies compared to using the number of trips alone. Therefore, the number of trips itself may not fully reflect the likelihood of invasion. This tool can be broadly applied in other geographic contexts and with different taxa, and can be adjusted according to varying levels of information concerning the vector or species of interest. The methodology is straightforward and can be followed after a basic introduction to ArcGIS software. The visual nature of the mapping tool will facilitate site prioritization by managers and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

The Impact of Nautical Activities on the Environment—A Systematic Review of Research

“…From the analysis conducted in WoS, it is evident that the majority of research uses surveys/questionnaires to research boating routes, preferences, and behaviors {Formatting Citation} [32,33,41,45,49,50,54,56,62,63,64,74,75]. In addition to the literature search on the Web of Science, the authors examined relevant research articles, reports, and projects that also address this context across different countries.…”

Understanding Acceptable Level of Risk: Incorporating the Economic Cost of Under-Managing Invasive Species

“…Analyses of at-risk lakes were based on a dataset that gathered locations of boater trips and associated boater behaviours in Michigan [ 28 ]. This dataset was used to assign a categorical score to each water body receiving boaters.…”

“…For example, not removing visible mud, plants or animals from boats and trailers; not removing visible mud, plants or animals from personal equipment; not emptying all water; not allowing boats and equipment to dry at least five days before next use; not cleaning with either hot water, vinegar or salt solution, bleach solution or high pressure washing led to a higher score. For each water body, we summed all weighted trips across all boaters to determine an overall score [ 28 ]. Risk thresholds were assigned based on equal-interval categories from the maximum water body score ( Table 2 ).…”

“…The survey protocol includes a visual inspection around the lake perimeter, snorkel search and rake toss. We integrate the MI DEQ monitoring program with results from an assessment of Michigan water bodies at risk of introduction via the recreational boating vector to apply the decision-support framework for two scenarios [ 28 ]. Scenario 1 (“current budget scenario”) determines the ratio of acceptable Type I and II error rates achieved by a standard EDRR program, using the MI DEQ pilot program as a case study.…”

Evolution of traditional agroforestry landscapes and development of invasive species: lessons from the Pyrenees (France)

“…Various studies (Arim et al 2006;Davidson et al 2015;Akodéwou et al 2019) have been conducted with the aim of understanding the spatial dynamics of invasive species but recent decades have seen a marked shift in focus from topics addressing the mechanisms of invasions and the underlying process towards more a complex perception of invasions, where the socioeconomic and social perspective on invasive species is recognized as increasingly important (Pysek 2017;Shackleton et al 2019).…”