Threats to
the Pacific Northwest
Introduction and Overview of
Aquatic Invasive Species Issues
Robyn Draheim – Interim AIS Coordinator
US Fish and Wildlife Service – Pacific Region
Overview
• Introduction to aquatic
invaders
• Threats to the PNW
• Species of concern
• Pathways of introduction
• Regulatory Framework
• Local and Regional AIS
Coordinating Groups
BOR
What are Invasive Species?
Those plants, animals, insects, etc. that are
not native to a given region and whose
introduction causes or is likely to cause
economic or environmental damage or
harm to human health AKA exotic, nuisance, alien,
introduced, foreign, immigrant, imported, weedy, feral, naturalized…
Examples of well known, nonnative, terrestrial invaders: english ivy, starlings, gypsy moth, fire
ants, cheat grass and kudzu
What are Aquatic Invasive
Species?
Small
Large
Impacts
• Environmental Harm
– Decrease in native populations
– Physical alteration of communities
– Alteration of ecological processes
• Economic Costs
– Loss of recreation/tourism opportunities
– Reduced harvest/value
– Increased maintenance costs
• Human Health Hazards
– Drowning
Threats to PNW Waters
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•
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•
•
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Aquatic Weeds
Snails
Bivalves
Crayfish
Fish
Pathogens, parasites
and more
PNW’s Least Wanted:
• Zebra/quagga mussels
• Hydrilla
• Asian Carp
Zebra Mussel /
Quagga Mussel
Hydrilla verticillata
Hydrilla, Florida elodea,
water thyme
Asian Carp
Kentucky Media
Pathways
• Recreational boating
• Movement of in-water
equipment
• Shipping (ballast water
and hull fouling)
• Aquarium and
pet trade releases
• Bucket biologists…
Regulatory Framework
• Federal
– Executive Order 13112
– Lacey Act, NISA
• Regional* QZAP, CRBRRP
• States
– AIS Management Plans
– Prohibited Species Lists
– FERC
• 401 Water Quality Standards
• Other State Agency Input
– HACCP Plans
Local and Regional
Coordination
• Western Regional Panel on ANS
• Pacific Northwest Economic Region
(PNWER)
• Columbia River Basin 100th Meridian
Team
• State Invasive Species Councils
Robyn Draheim
robyn_draheim@fws.gov
503-736-4722
Interim AIS Coordinator
US Fish and Wildlife Service – Pacific Region
1-877-STOP-ANS
24 hr nationwide invasive species reporting hotline