2. MANAGEMENT OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN A CHANGING CLIMATE 
2.1. STATE MANAGERS’ REPORTED CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERNS 
Each of the 50 states conducts management actions that address AIS problems. Programs 
and activities vary widely and may include research to assess current and future invasive threats 
or identify pathways; detection of newly established species (e.g., monitoring, surveys, 
inspection); import, introduction, or release requirements for species (e.g., permits and licenses); 
transport and shipping requirements; quarantine; education and public awareness efforts; control 
(e.g., biological, chemical, and manual); emergency response efforts; and restoration of degraded 
areas to increase resilience against re-invasion. 
Many states have formed councils and developed management plans to organize and 
guide priorities for action and/or have dedicated funding for formal programs to address AIS 
problems. Other states conduct AIS management on a more ad hoc basis, under the purview of 
broader agency authorities. For example, a state parks agency might work to eradicate invasive 
species as part of the maintenance of a state-owned recreational area; a state wildlife agency 
might seek to protect regulated fish and game species by preventing or controlling invasive 
threats. In any case, each of the 50 states, albeit to varying degrees, performs some form of AIS 
management. 
In order to determine the information needed to allow state AIS managers to consider and 
incorporate projected climate change effects into their programs, we inventoried AlS-related 
management actions in all 50 states (see Appendix A: Aquatic Invasive Species Programs and 
Activities). Research entailed the review of publicly available documents, publications, and 
online materials. For further clarification when appropriate, we discussed AIS programs, 
research needs, and management strategies with AIS managers, scientists, and decision-makers. 
Discussions during two workshops organized as a part of this effort also contributed to the 
information on climate-change concerns. 
Results suggest that many managers and decision-makers are cognizant of the potential 
impacts of climate change on invasive species and the effect this driver may have on the goals 
and objectives associated with existing activities and decisions. Reported concerns emphasize 
how climate change will exacerbate existing problems, and how it may enhance conditions 
suitable for invasive species not previously established. Following is a list of concerns reported 
by states: 
2-1 
