PNAMP Aquatic/Riparian Invasive Species Work Session

At this Aquatic Invasive Species work session, two recent pilot efforts were presented to elucidate the issue of incorporating existing aquatic/riparian invasive species surveys into a comprehensive monitoring and information management program and to jump start our conversations by sharing their 'lessons learned'.

As issues regarding aquatic invasive species (AIS) become more prevalent, PNAMP has recognized a need to help coordinate the integration of aquatic invasive species detection and monitoring programs. PNAMP strives to bring experts together from these two groups to identify actions we can take to advance the early detection network for AIS in the Pacific Northwest. There is also a need for improved coordination among AIS data and information management systems. In addition, PNAMP tries to get experts to get beyond identification of general coordination, communication, and data management needs to identify specific near-term actions to improve early detection capabilities.
Goals and Objectives

• Improve Communication
  • Increase awareness about AIS to field crews and agencies
• Improve Prevention Practices
  • All field work should be following an Aquatic Invasive Species Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (AIS HACCP)
  • Analog for terrestrial invasive prevention
• Improve Coordination
  • Find potential partners in order to use existing monitoring programs to improve early detection capabilities
• Resource Development
  • Find AIS experts to provide help to willing monitoring programs by providing tools (informational resources, training, help to modify protocols, etc.)
  • Assist interested programs to go beyond "opportunistic" information gathering by amending current protocols to allow rigorous assessment of presence/absence of AIS
  • Develop a coordinated approach for information sharing so results can be communicated effectively
• Alter Funding Paradigm
  • Identify funding opportunities to support addition of monitoring elements to existing programs