Rev. March 15, 2004 Connecticut Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impacts
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- Aesthetic Impacts
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Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impacts
In addition to economic costs, invasions of nonnative species in general can also have ecological costs. “Ecosystems around the world are becoming increasingly similar as the rate and scope of invasions increase, and local unique diversity is lost” (Ruesink, 1998). Certain alien species are being introduced into many ecosystems worldwide where the environmental conditions suit their survival, and the result is global homogenization (Ruesink, 1998). “Invasions of marine systems are of such magnitude that marine invasions may be leading to profound ecological changes in the ocean” (Carlton and Geller, 1993). “Transports of entire coastal planktonic assemblages across oceanic barriers to similar habitats renders bays, estuaries, and inland waters among the most threatened ecosystems in the world” (Carlton and Geller, 1993). “Many introduced species may be cryptic, having invaded and gone unrecognized or been mistaken as native species”, and “the composition of aquatic communities may be influended by both recognized and cryptic invasions” (Carlton and Geller, 1993). “The structure and biodiversity of the ecosystem itself is also affected through the introduction of new predators, competitors, disturbers, parasites, and diseases” says Carlton (2001). “These introductions, playing a game of ecological roulette, lead to vast alterations in species interactions and changes in nutrient cycling and energy flow, which results in cascading and unpredictable effects throughout entire communities” (Carlton, 2001). The rate of known introductions in U.S. waters has increased exponentially since the 18th century and show no signs of leveling off (Carlton, 2001). In Connecticut, since 1990, the more prominent new aquatic invasions include: Asiatic Clam, 1990, lower Connecticut River Asian shore crab, 1993, Long Island Sound Hydrilla, 1996 southeastern CT Zebra mussels, 1998, northwest CT Water chestnut, 1998, Connecticut and Hockanum Rivers
Parrotfeather, 2003, Madison Etc.
Current and Potential Aquatic Nuisance SpeciesA list of current and potential aquatic nuisance species for the state of Connecticut was developed by the three working subcommittees and is provided in Appendix G. This list includes [[TODO: once list is finalized, briefly summarize the number and types of taxa.]]. Section #### below describes the selection of species for priority management activity.
[[ PAB NOTE: much of this section was lifted from MA Plan. TODO: Ask committees to please help modify the discussion to more accurately reflect the CT situation.]] A number of current and potential vectors were identified by the ANS Working group. A summary of these vectors is provided in the table below, followed by a comprehensive discussion. Section #### below describes the selection of vectors for priority management activity.
Might want to check with FW group as to whether stocking practices by clubs and state agencies could potentially have bearing, cleaning and sanitizing stocking equipment, dive equipment, nets, boat hulls, etc. Need to add in bait buckets and live wells, fouling of hulls, trailers, and equipment with weeds | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||