• Evaluate existing state EDRR capabilities (i.e., quarantine authority, emergency powers, 
and border control capacity) in order to determine effectiveness in addressing invasive 
threats resulting from changing conditions. 
• Develop an effective EDRR system (if existing system is insufficient) that anticipates 
barriers and deals with them before any new species arrives, so response can be swift and 
effective. The system will need to include successful mechanisms for inspections and 
response. An EDRR system designed in this way will allow state agencies to detect 
potential invaders that may be more prevalent as conditions change. 
• Collect information on altered species ranges and/or pathways under climate change to 
help identify where to target early detection monitoring efforts. 
• Ensure priority lists of AIS are updated regularly to reflect changes in species as 
conditions change. 
• Develop rapid response protocols for species that are predicted to become more invasive 
under a changing climate. 
3.1.4. Information Needs for Effective Control and Management in a Changing Climate 
Control and management practices also will need to account for climate change to ensure 
effective and successful control and eradication of AIS. There is already growing recognition by 
state managers of the need for more research on control methods and technologies for a wide 
range of species, such as zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil, Phragmites, apple snails, etc. 
Thus, as a part of the process to identify appropriate control techniques for specific species, 
scientists and managers also should study how climate change may impact these control 
methods. 
Information needs for control and management under a changing climate may include the 
following: 
• Research the performance of biological, chemical, and mechanical controls under various 
climatic conditions (e.g., increased temperatures, hydrology changes, and altered water 
chemistry). 
• Determine which biological or chemical control methods will be most adaptable, or will 
remain robust, under climatic variability and change. 
• Identify existing mechanical controls that adequately consider climate change. 
• Develop guidelines on how climate change may affect different biocontrol species. 
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