3. INFORMATION AND RESEARCH NEEDS AND GAPS 
A comparison of information available in the scientific literature with the needs of 
decision-makers and state invasive-species managers reveals that there is a significant need for 
scientific, multi-factor, long-term studies to more fully understand the interactions between 
climate change and invasive species. Also, some specific data needs could be addressed quickly 
to enable managers to adapt AIS management practices for particular species and ecosystems in 
a changing climate. Section 3.1 outlines the immediate information needs of invasive-species 
managers to begin addressing the effects of climate change. Section 3.2 discusses scientific 
research needed to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between 
climate and invasive species under changing conditions. 
Information needs for managers were determined based on three sources: (1) a synthesis 
of comments from an U.S. EPA-sponsored meeting attended by researchers and state invasive- 
species managers in June 2006, entitled “Assessing Gaps and Needs for Invasive Species 
Management in a Changing Climate,” (2) our 50-state inventory of AIS management programs 
(see Appendix A: Aquatic Invasive Species Programs and Activities) and activities, and (3) a 
review of state and regional AIS management plans (see Appendix B, State Aquatic Invasive 
Species Management Plan Summaries and Appendix C, Regional Aquatic Invasive Species 
Management Plan Summaries). Research needs on invasive species and climate change 
interactions also are drawn from the workshop and the 50-state inventory as well as from a 
review of scientific literature on the effects of climate change on invasive species. 
3.1. INFORMATION NEEDS FOR STATE MANAGERS 
This section summarizes the information needed by state AIS managers to adapt 
management practices under changing conditions. Information needs are discussed according to 
several corresponding chapters in the National Invasive Species Management Plan: Leadership 
and Coordination, Prevention, EDRR, Control and Management, Restoration, and Information 
Management. 
3.1.1. Information Needs for Effective Leadership and Coordination in a Changing 
Climate 
Leadership and coordination within and among states and regions on invasive-species 
and climate-change issues are essential both for improving effectiveness of management efforts 
and for increasing awareness and understanding of these issues more generally. The need for 
better communication among states is a common concern among managers. For example, 
managers in Georgia have identified a need for interstate communication to prevent people from 
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