change-related data, criteria, and models could be incorporated into some aspects of the Action 
Plan for Managing Invasive Aquatic Species in Maine. 
B.12.4.1. Leadership and Coordination 
The Management Plan emphasizes prevention and priority species and identifies 
leadership, coordination, and program monitoring as Objective 1. Climate change should be a 
consideration in communication on encroaching species and potential vectors and on adapting 
management practices to accommodate changing conditions. Strategy 2C recommends 
informing key groups on how to prevent AIS introductions and spread. The Management Plan 
specifically notes that people associated with water craft transport or releasing species should be 
targeted. Species transported by recreational or commercial boats or released through other 
vectors may become increasingly able to survive in Maine as conditions change. Thus, it is 
important to include this information in education and outreach materials and coordinate with 
these groups. 
B.l2.4.2. Prevention 
The foundation of the Management Plan’s AIS prevention strategy is to determine which 
species and pathways present the largest threat to Maine’s aquatic resources. Although the 
Management Plan recognized that climate change may impact pathways, the Plan does not 
incorporate specific climate change considerations into its monitoring and prevention strategies. 
Incorporating these considerations into AIS and pathway assessments may improve efficacy. 
B.12.4.3. Early Detection/Rapid Response, Control, and Management 
Strategy 4B1 calls for a more comprehensive and detailed approach to rapid response. 
Considering how climate change may influence early detection and rapid response efforts could 
influence the development of this approach. For example, a lake in Maine’s northern forests that 
was previously too cold for water chestnut to overwinter may warm enough to allow this AIS to 
establish. Considering climate change effects could improve survey methods for early detection. 
B.12.4.4. Research 
Strategy 5B1 calls for anticipating AIS impacts and researching and developing tools to 
address them. Research on how climate change will affect established and potential AIS is 
critical to successful prevention, control, and eradication efforts. 
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