B.ll. STATE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN 
LOUISIANA 
B.ll.l. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF LOUISIANA’S PLAN 
The State Management Plan for aquatic invasive species (AIS) in Louisiana was 
developed by the Louisiana AIS Task Force, which is led by the Louisiana Department of 
Wildlife and Fisheries (available at http://isxbr.tulane.edu/docs IS/Louisiana-AIS-Mgt- 
Plan.p df). The Plan describes the nature and extent of the AIS problem in Louisiana and 
proposes actions to minimize the negative impacts of AIS. The Management Plan’s goal is to 
prevent and control the introduction of new non-native species into Louisiana, to control the 
spread and impact of existing AIS, and to eradicate established AIS wherever possible. The 
Management Plan outlines objectives to meet these goals and describes species of concern, 
pathways of introduction, and existing authorities related to AIS. The Management Plan outlines 
Strategic Actions and a monitoring and evaluation Plan. 
B.l 1.2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN LOUISIANA 
Climate model projections for the Southeastern region of the United States project a 
5.5°F (3°C) increase in annual summer air temperatures and a 6.5°F (3.5°C) increase in winter 
air temperatures. Mississippi River discharge is projected to increase with climate change, 
which would most likely increase nutrient loads and water column stratification in the northern 
Gulf of Mexico, exacerbating the problems of eutrophication and hypoxia (Mulholland et al., 
1997). Projections of precipitation changes are conflicting, with one major model predicting a 
20% decrease in rainfall versus a 20% increase (LaCoast, 2003). Though sea levels are expected 
to rise, the precise rate of increase is uncertain. Sea level rise could result in significant coastal 
wetland loss, increasing open water areas and estuarine depths (Mulholland et al., 1997). 
Wetland loss will reduce habitat for migratory birds, crayfish, sport fish, and other species. 
With rising temperatures and a potential decrease in precipitation, evaporation may also 
increase, which could result in decreased stream and lake water levels. For example, Louisiana’s 
Management Plan notes that the zebra mussel is not as widespread in the lower Mississippi as it 
is elsewhere in the country, in part due to the increased stream velocity in the spring that 
prevents many zebra mussel veligers from attaching to hard substrates. Lower stream flows may 
allow zebra mussels to become attached in the river and to establish larger communities. 
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