C.3.4. INCORPORATING CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION 
In light of the considerable impacts of climate change expected in the Gulf of Mexico 
region, especially the effects of rising sea levels on coastal marshes, the GMRP should address 
climate change in its future efforts to coordinate state management activities. Several GMRP 
actions listed in the Guide could incorporate climate change considerations to adapt management 
activities in the Gulf of Mexico Region. 
C.3.4.1. Leadership and Coordination 
The Guide recommends that the GMRP issue policy statements to identify regional goals 
and priorities, focus and direct state goals, and urge states to direct resources toward certain 
activities in order to facilitate regional coordination. These regional goals and priorities should 
address climate change. Sharing effective management strategies may be very helpful for other 
states experiencing similar impacts of changing conditions, such as sea level rise and effects on 
regionally spread ANS such as salvinia and nutria. The Guide also encourages states to develop 
comprehensive ANS management plans. The development of new plans offers the opportunity 
incorporate the effects of climate change. Risk assessments of ANS threats based on the effects 
of climate change and habitat restoration in climate change-impacted salt marshes, for example, 
could be incorporated into these plans. 
C.3.4.2. Prevention 
The Guide also addresses states’ assessments of ANS risks. The Guide recommends that 
Florida establish a program for risk assessment, and that Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and 
Texas establish “clean lists” of species allowed into the state. Assessment of the invasion risk 
posed by a non-native species should take into account changing conditions that may. 
C.3.4.3. Early Detection and Rapid Response, Control, and Management 
The Guide suggests that the GMRP should develop model plans for early detection and 
rapid response for states to incorporate into their individual plans. These model plans provide an 
opportunity to incorporate climate change considerations that can inform states on detecting new 
ANS that might invade as environmental conditions change. 
C.3.4.4. Research 
The Guide describes on-going activities of the GMRP, including working group tasks. 
These tasks include identifying research needs. Working groups should address climate change 
effects as research needs that state ANS management plans should incorporate. 
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