C.6. NORTHEAST REGION AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES ACTION PLAN 
C.6.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE NORTHEAST REGION PLAN 
The Northeast Region Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Action Plan is based on the 
results of the ANS Regulations and Enforcement Workshops held in Ocean City, Maryland and 
Atlantic City, New Jersey in 2004 (available at 
http://www.protectyourwaters.net/ansreport/NEActionPlan.pdf ). The Enforcement Workshops 
were coordinated by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The Action Plan, which 
focuses on regional cooperation and coordination, identifies the following high priority issues: 
funding for state and regional ANS management actions, coordination and communication of 
ANS lists, development of mechanisms for tracking and controlling Internet sales and other 
shipments, and development of ANS screening and risk assessment tools. Each priority issue is 
accompanied by corresponding priority issues at the regional level and a process for 
implementation. 
C.6.2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE NORTHEAST 
REGION 
Climate models project that minimum winter temperatures in the Northeast will increase 
from 5 to 9.5°F (2.9 to 5.3°C) by 2099 depending on the model (Hayhoe et al., 2007). 
Precipitation projections vary, ranging from increases of up to 30% in winter months by 2099 to 
decreases or small changes in summer months (Hayhoe et al., 2007). Temperature and 
precipitation changes are likely to increase water temperature in the region’s waterbodies, which 
will affect species survival, dissolved oxygen levels, and nutrient content (Hayhoe et al., 2007). 
Increased water temperatures may increase the region’s susceptibility to invasion by 
ANS. In Massachusetts, for example, water hyacinth may be limited in its establishment by its 
inability to overwinter in the New England climate. However, as water temperatures increase, 
water hyacinth communities that become established during the summer may be able to survive 
the winter (Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources, 2003). 
C.6.3. THE NORTHEAST REGION PLAN’S CURRENT INTEGRATION OF 
CLIMATE CHANGE 
Table C-5 summarizes how the Northeast Region ANS Action Plan addresses and 
incorporates the projected effects of climate change. The Northeast Region’s Action Plan does 
not address climate change effects or changing environmental conditions in general. 
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