C.7. SOUTHEAST REGION AQUATIC NUISANCE SPECIES ACTION PLAN 
C.7.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE SOUTHEAST REGION’S PLAN 
The Southeast Region Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Action Plan is a product of the 
ANS Regulations and Enforcement Workshop, held in Hilton Head, South Carolina in 2004 
(available at http://www.protectyourwaters.net/ansreport/SEActionPlan.pdf ). The resulting 
Action Plan was coordinated by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. 
The Action Plan identifies six issues for immediate action: (1) locate funding for ANS 
management; (2) coordinate ANS lists among states; (3) describe regulatory authorities; (4) 
coordinate regional ANS management; (5) generate support from external organizations by 
developing economic impact information; and (6) enhance ANS detection and rapid response 
capabilities. The issues are accompanied by priority actions and a step-by-step process for 
implementation. 
C.7.2. CLIMATE CHANGE AND INVASIVE SPECIES IN THE SOUTHEAST 
REGION 
Most climate change models project warmer temperatures in the Southeast and some 
models project a 20% increase in precipitation (Burkett et al., 2001; Mulholland et al., 1997). 
Pollution is already prevalent in waterbodies in the Southeast, and increased precipitation and 
more frequent extreme precipitation events may flush more contaminated run-off into 
waterbodies. Higher temperatures will also reduce dissolved oxygen levels (Mulholland et al., 
1997). Sea level rise is also projected for the region, leading to flooding and erosion, increasing 
storm surges, coastal wetland loss that reduces habitat for cool water fisheries, and the 
conversion of freshwater inflows into estuaries (Burkett et al., 2001; Mulholland et al., 1997). 
These ecosystem changes may benefit ANS that are more tolerant of poor water quality 
than native species. In coastal regions, ANS may become established as freshwater areas 
become increasingly saline. New conditions may also make native species more susceptible to 
viral ANS. Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV) has been found in fish in Southeastern states. The 
virus has a higher mortality rate in bass that are living in stressful conditions, including warm- 
water temperatures and poor water quality (Inendino et al., 2005; Grant et al., 2003). As climate 
change increases these two conditions, the region may experience LMBV-related fish kills. 
C.7.3. THE SOUTHEAST REGION PLAN’S CURRENT INTEGRATION OF 
CLIMATE CHANGE 
Table C-6 summarizes how the Southeast Region ANS Action Plan addresses and 
incorporates the projected effects of climate change. While the Southeast Region’s Action Plan 
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