incorporate climate change-related data, criteria, and models in implementing the existing tasks 
outlined in the Management Plan. 
B.25.4.1. Leadership and Coordination 
Objective 1 calls for coordination of invasive species activities. Climate change should 
be a consideration in communication on encroaching species and potential vectors and on 
adapting management practices to accommodate changing conditions. 
B.25.4.2. Prevention 
Strategic Action 2A3 calls for prohibiting, controlling, and permitting non-native aquatic 
species based on their invasive potential. Task 2A3a calls for the development of a screening 
process to determine invasive potential. This process should incorporate climate change 
considerations. For example, an ANS that cannot currently overwinter in the state may persist if 
its water temperature tolerance range overlaps with projected temperature increases. 
B.25.4.3. Early Detection/Rapid Response, Control, and Management 
Priorities for managing existing ANS (Strategic Action 3C2) should take climate change 
effects into consideration. Species currently in Washington may spread and become a greater 
problem with warmer water temperatures or salt water intrusion. 
B.25.4.4. Research 
Task 2A3d calls for the WDFW and the ANS Coordinating Committee to develop and 
implement a process to identify threats to state waters, including threats from the spread of 
existing ANS, and to assess the environmental risks associated with each threat. The model 
should incorporate how climate change impacts may exacerbate threats from ANS. For example, 
water hyacinth could be better suited to survive in Washington if water temperatures become 
warmer due to climate change. Impacts from water hyacinth could also compound impacts from 
climate change. If climate change results in warmer summer temperatures and droughts, then 
water availability could be reduced. Water hyacinth could further reduce water supply for both 
domestic and industry uses by blocking intake pipes. 
B-85 
