DISCLAIMER 
This document has been reviewed in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency policy and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products 
does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. 
ABSTRACT 
Global change stressors, including climate change and variability and changes in land 
use, are major drivers of ecosystem alterations. Invasive species, which are non-native species 
that cause environmental or economic damages or human-health impacts, also contribute to 
ecosystem changes. The interactions between stressors and invasive species, although not well 
understood, may exacerbate the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, and likewise, climate 
change may enable further invasions. This report reviews available literature on climate-change 
effects on aquatic invasive species (AIS) and examines state-level AIS management activities. 
Data on management activities came from publicly available information, was analyzed with 
respect to climate-change effects, and was reviewed by managers. This report also analyzes state 
and regional AIS management plans to determine their capacity to incorporate information on 
changing conditions generally, and climate change specifically. Although there is no mandate 
that directs states to consider climate change in AIS management plans, state managers can 
consider predicted effects of climate change on prevention, control, and eradication in order to 
manage natural resources effectively under changing climatic conditions. Further scientific 
research and data collection are needed in order to equip managers with the tools and 
information necessary to conduct effective AIS management in the face of climate change. 
iv?3 I 
Library of Congress 
2009 416181 
Preferred citation: 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2008) Effects of climate change for aquatic invasive species and 
implications for management and research. National Center for Environmental Assessment, Washington, DC; 
EPA/600/R-08/014. Available from the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA, and online at 
http://www.epa.gov/ncea. 
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