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Using a Novel Spatial Tool to Inform Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response Efforts

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Abstract

Management of invasive species has increasingly emphasized the importance of early detection and rapid response (EDRR) programs in limiting introductions, establishment, and impacts. These programs require an understanding of vector and species spatial dynamics to prioritize monitoring sites and efficiently allocate resources. Yet managers often lack the empirical data necessary to make these decisions. We developed an empirical mapping tool that can facilitate development of EDRR programs through identifying high-risk locations, particularly within the recreational boating vector. We demonstrated the utility of this tool in the Great Lakes watershed. We surveyed boaters to identify trips among water bodies and to quantify behaviors associated with high likelihood of species transfer (e.g., not removing organic materials from boat trailers) during that trip. We mapped water bodies with high-risk inbound and outbound boater movements using ArcGIS. We also tested for differences in high-risk behaviors based on demographic variables to understand risk differences among boater groups. Incorporation of boater behavior led to identification of additional high-risk water bodies compared to using the number of trips alone. Therefore, the number of trips itself may not fully reflect the likelihood of invasion. This tool can be broadly applied in other geographic contexts and with different taxa, and can be adjusted according to varying levels of information concerning the vector or species of interest. The methodology is straightforward and can be followed after a basic introduction to ArcGIS software. The visual nature of the mapping tool will facilitate site prioritization by managers and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.

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Acknowledgments

This paper is a result of work sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Grant GLOOE01152-0. We thank Michigan Sea Grant and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Service and the boat show organizers for assistance at the boat shows. We thank the Michigan DNR and Department of Environmental Quality, the Secretary of State, Michigan and Ohio Sea Grant our advisory board, Heather Siersma and F. Gianluca Sperone, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, Jake Dombroski, and Cody Narlock. In addition, we thank our volunteers Carly Nowicki, Joseph Canaday, Jessica White, Erica Volansky, Sara Saymuah, Viviana Veber, Karima Alwakya, Ben Davidson, Karim Alame, George Fakhouri, Aimee Faloppa, Thomas Schumacker, Jenna Merlo, Amy Benchich, and Sarah Corral.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical Standards

All experiments comply with the current laws of the country in which they were performed.

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  1. Wayne State University, 5047 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA

    Alisha D. Davidson, Abigail J. Fusaro & Donna R. Kashian

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  1. Alisha D. Davidson
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  2. Abigail J. Fusaro
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  3. Donna R. Kashian
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Correspondence to Donna R. Kashian.

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Davidson, A.D., Fusaro, A.J. & Kashian, D.R. Using a Novel Spatial Tool to Inform Invasive Species Early Detection and Rapid Response Efforts. Environmental Management 56, 54–65 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-015-0484-2

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