C.7.4. INCORPORATING CLIMATE CHANGE INFORMATION 
In light of the range of climate change effects expected in the Southeast region, especially 
the effects of rising sea levels on coastal marshes, the Action Plan should address climate change 
in its ANS management activities. Several actions in the Action Plan could incorporate climate 
change considerations to adapt management activities in the Southeast Region. 
C.7.4.1. Leadership and Coordination 
Issue 4 suggests regional ANS management coordination. This requires the identification 
and discussion of differences among the states about which species are of highest concern. Risks 
are to be ranked to determine regional and state management strategies. Risks assessments that 
consider the effects of changing conditions on ANS’ invasive potential may account for ANS 
threats more effectively. 
C.7.4.2. Prevention 
Although the Action Plan does not explicitly address prevention, Issue 2 in the Action 
Plan calls for the coordination of ANS lists. The development of these lists should consider 
climate change effects on species introductions and distributions, and coordination of lists will 
ensure that species that may easily become established under changing conditions can be 
addressed by neighboring states. 
C.7.4.3. Early Detection and Rapid Response, Control, and Management 
Issue 6 encourages the enhancement of detection and rapid response capabilities. Species 
detection systems should also consider the effects of climate change, in order to determine likely 
vectors and vulnerable ecosystems. 
C.7.4.4. Research 
The Action Plan suggests that member agencies increase consistency among states by 
developing screening and risk assessment tools. These efforts should be designed to account for 
projected effects of climate change. Changing conditions are likely to influence the ability of 
ANS to become established, as well as ecosystem vulnerability to invasions. 
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