B.14.4. INCORPORATING CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION 
Climate change will affect aquatic ecosystems in Michigan and any ANS Plans should 
incorporate climate change into strategies and actions. Climate change-related data, criteria, and 
models could be incorporated into some aspects of the Michigan ANS Management Plan. 
B.l4.4.1. Leadership and Coordination 
Three of Michigan’s borders are on the upper Great Lakes, and the state historically has 
taken the lead on invasive species issues such as ballast water regulation. Coordination with 
other states in the region is a cornerstone of the Management Plan. Goal III on information and 
education calls on Great Lakes regional policymakers and user groups to promote ANS 
prevention and control programs. Associated Activity B calls for improving regional 
coordination efforts. Michigan could support information sharing among states, especially on 
observed effects of climate change on ANS to improve prevention and management efforts. 
B.14.4.2. Prevention 
Objective 3 under the Legislative and Policy Goal calls for the development of a risk 
assessment process for potential and existing ANS. Activity C under this objective recommends 
developing a list of waters where additional assistance and/or effort could help reduce the spread 
of ANS. Because climate change will affect flows, water levels, dissolved oxygen content, and 
nutrient cycling, it will be important to consider how these changes may impact the susceptibility 
of high risk waters to ANS. Taking this information into consideration will help state staff more 
effectively target prevention activities. 
B.14.4.3. Early Detection/Rapid Response, Control, and Management 
Objective 4 under the Legislative and Policy Goal recommends the development of a 
regional ANS Rapid Response Team for areas with newly established ANS or areas threatened 
by potential introductions. Climate change may affect the ability of certain ANS to spread or 
become established; thus, it will be important to consider these effects when designing a rapid 
response plan. 
B.14.4.4. Research 
Activity F under Research and Monitoring Goal I calls for the development of a hot list 
of potential ANS that includes their locations, characteristics, and invasion probability. Any list 
of potential ANS should include climate change effects on the invasion pathway. 
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