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WORK GROUPS |
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WORK GROUPS |
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About the Non-Native Species of the Gulf of Mexico |
One of the first
actions of the Gulf and South Atlantic Regional Panel on Aquatic Invasive
Species was to establish work groups, which were established
largely consistent with the format of the national invasive
species plan entitled "Meeting the Invasive Species
Challenge (2001)." It is through these work groups
that the majority of the regional panel work will be
accomplished.
Preventing the unintentional introduction of a non-native species is most often directly related to the potential to interrupt the pathway by which it is transported into the region. In addition, knowing something about pathways can help individuals adjust their activities to prevent non-native organisms from entering or using those pathways. This work group will address vessel-mediated transport, including ballast water, along with other pathways. Eradication is the most effective response to a newly detected non-native organisms. This is likely only possible in the very early stages of invasion before the new population has a chance to increase. Because eradication is often not possible, management and control actions are often required to stop or minimize the growth and spread of most developing populations of non-native species. Restoration actions are taken to try to return the habitat and native organisms to their pre-invasion status. When eradication is successful, restoration actions are taken to return the habitat and native organisms to their pre-invasion status. When management and control successfully limit the impact of the invading species, restoration actions are taken to encourage a new, strong, balanced habitat. Research and development needs range from basic biological/life history research to data collection to technology development to address the various aspects of non-native species. For many species and many pathways, the lack of basic research and applicable technology limits effective response to non-native species invasions. The introduction of many non-native organisms is unwittingly caused by business and industry and the general public. Even following introduction, non-native organisms can be spread by otherwise innocent activities. For example, aquatic weeds, zebra mussels, and other organisms can be transported on recreational boats. Education and outreach to the public, businesses, and industry can provide vital information that will allow those groups to minimize their role in the unwitting distribution of non-native organisms. If eradication is to be possible, strategies for detecting non-native species invasions in their earliest stages are critical. Once detection of an invasion has been confirmed, a mechanism to bring assets and resources to bear to rapidly respond to the invasion is vital to achieving eradication or, if eradication is not possible, effective control. Data and information must be collected and made available to agencies and organizations to develop effective prevention and control strategies and to support other activities in a comprehensive program to address non-native invasive species. |
A cooperative program of
state, federal agencies and the private sector administered by
the * Current site content modified from original content developed by the University of Southern Mississippi/College of Marine Sciences/Gulf Coast Research Laboratory through a grant administered by the Gulf of Mexico Program. |
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