A.5. SUMMARY OF AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT IN ARKANSAS 
A.5.1. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN 
Arkansas’s aquatic invasive species (AIS) management plan is under development. 
A.5.2. AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES 
• Noxious Weed Programs (Purple Loosestrife, Giant Salvinia, and Water Hyacinth), 
Arkansas State Plant Board. The board implements regulations pertaining to invasive 
species. 
• Hydrilla Control, State of Arkansas in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineers. At Lake Ouachita, officials are trying to reduce the infestation by providing 
grass carp as a biocontrol. 
• Arkansas River Study, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. This study involves 
ongoing large river sampling of many species, including Asian carp. 
A.5.3. CLIMATE CHANGE CONCERNS 
• Officials believe that new invasive species will survive the winter and persist in the state. 
Species already established may be allowed to spread into northern areas. 
• Invasive species may enter the state as a result of increased interstate commerce and 
boating. 
A.5.4. CLIMATE CHANGE ACTIONS 
• Arkansas recently enacted regulations targeting water hyacinth due to overwintering 
concerns. 
• Arkansas is formulating a state AIS management plan that will include measures that 
address warming air and water temperatures. 
• Regulate the aquaculture industry. 
A.5.5. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND INFORMATION USED 
• Purple loosestrife and giant salvinia surveys are needed. 
• Zebra mussels, hydrilla, and Asian carp need to be monitored and their occurrence and 
magnitude of infestation need to be documented. 
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