3.1.2.3. Information Needs Related to Monitoring 
Monitoring efforts will need to be adapted to ensure effective identification of potential 
new AIS, as well as existing AIS present at low levels. Collaborating with neighboring states to 
share monitoring data may facilitate the process of identifying potential new AIS. 
Information needs for monitoring under a changing climate may include the following: 
• Develop, establish, and fund strategically placed and comprehensive monitoring systems. 
o Integrate or coordinate monitoring systems among states. 
o Design monitoring systems to incorporate the potential effects of climate change, 
especially temperature and precipitation changes that influence climatic boundaries of 
AIS. 
o Establish monitoring baselines to detect changes in both climate and AIS. 
• Use research on encroaching species, climate-change effects on ecosystems, and new 
pathways that may emerge as a result of climate change to determine priority pathways, 
areas, and species to monitor. 
o For example, if pathway monitoring efforts in a state focus primarily on aquatic plant 
imports, but recreational boating and fishing are expected to increase as temperatures 
stay warmer for longer periods, then monitoring efforts and techniques may need to 
be developed that focus on boat inspections and bait usage. 
• Use information on how habitats and ecosystems will respond to climate change (i.e., 
become more vulnerable to invasion) to help identify priority areas for monitoring. 
• Use information on how species ranges and distributions will respond to climate change 
(i.e., expanding ranges) to help identify priority areas for monitoring. 
• Modify monitoring methods to identify effects from climate change (e.g., temperature, 
precipitation, and sea level changes) and possibly distinguish between climate variability 
(e.g., drought cycles) and long-term climate change. 
• Develop a core set of indicators for state managers to use when monitoring for AIS under 
changing conditions. 
3.1.3. Information Needs for Effective Early Detection and Rapid Response in a Changing 
Climate 
Research to inform coordination and prevention also will help improve EDRR efforts 
under climate change conditions. However, additional information needs specific to EDRR also 
exist: 
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