B.2. ALASKA AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN 
B.2.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF ALASKA’S PLAN 
Alaska’s Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan was written by the Alaska 
Department of Fish and Game and released in October 2002 (available at 
http://www.adfg.state.ak.us/special/invasive/ak ansmp.pdf) . The Management Plan focuses on 
prevention of new introductions and identification of and response to the highest invasive species 
threats. The Plan describes six goals to (1) coordinate ANS management within Alaska and 
collaborate with other programs; (2) prevent new ANS introductions; (3) detect, monitor, 
contain, reduce or eradicate ANS; (4) educate the public about ANS prevention and impact 
reduction; (5) identify, develop, conduct, and disseminate research on Alaskan ANS concerns; 
and (6) ensure that federal and state regulations promote ANS prevention and control. There are 
Strategic Actions for each goal and a timetable to complete these actions. 
B.2.2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN ALASKA 
Climate models project temperature increases in the Arctic of 1.5 to 5°F (1 to 3°C) by 
2030, and 5 to 18°F (3 to 10°C) by 2100, with higher magnitudes of warming in the north and in 
the winter. Precipitation is projected to increase in most of Alaska, up to 20 to 25% in the north 
and northwest; however, a 10% decrease in precipitation is projected along the south coast 
(Parson, 2001a). Permafrost thawing is projected to accelerate. Continued loss of sea ice, with 
year-round ice disappearing completely in one model by 2100, is also projected. Loss of sea ice 
allows larger storm surges to develop, increasing erosion and coastal inundation (Parson, 2001a). 
These climate-change effects may allow species once limited by Alaska’s cold climate to 
establish. Alaska’s Management Plan identifies the green crab (Carcinus maenas ) as one of the 
state’s highest potential invasive threats. Currently, though, the species is thought to be limited 
from establishment in part due to cold water temperatures. Warming may allow this species’ 
range to expand to Alaska. The melting permafrost may increase nutrient supply into aquatic 
systems, increasing susceptibility to invasion by species previously limited by lack of nutrient 
availability, such as the fish pathogen Whirling disease (Myxobolus cerebralis), whose vectors 
require a more nutrient-rich environment than the state’s freshwater streams currently provide. 
B.2.3. THE ALASKA PLAN’S CURRENT INTEGRATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE 
Table B-l summarizes how the Alaska ANS Management Plan addresses and 
incorporates the projected effects of climate change. Although Alaska’s Management Plan does 
not specifically address climate change, the Plan includes descriptions of climate zones and 
changing conditions that can affect ANS ranges. 
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