NCCOS Project Explorer (NPE)

Aquatic Invasive Species Risk Assessment and Ecological Modeling(2010)

Project Description:
The Biogeography Branch of NOAA's Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment has begun to conduct research on invasive species to provide resource managers the tools and data needed to make informed management decisions. Products will build on the Branch's expertise in spatial analyses and include deliverables such as: early warning detection and monitoring designs, risk assessments, and ecological models. Quantitative spatial analyses in the form of spatial characterizations and predictive models will form the core of deliverables. Early warning detection and monitoring systems, will draw upon conclusions generated from spatial analyses and threat assessments to offer the best potential of initially detecting high-priority threats and, if needed, monitoring invasive species and their impacts over time. Risk assessments will comprise methods to estimate the magnitude, probability, location (habitat), vector, immediacy, and irreversibility of threats. Ecological models, including forecasts, will assess and predict ecological consequences of marine invasive species establishment. Specific types of reserach is determined by funding sources. The Branch has identified extramural funding among NOS, other federal and state agencies (e.g., National Marine Fisheries Service, National Park Service, State of California), NGOs (National Fish and Wildlife Foundation) and private foundations (Joyce. Research is intended to take place in numerous coastal areas. Currently, work is being conducted in the Northwestern Hawaiian Island's Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, but the Biogeography Branch is actively seeking funding to complete work in the Great Lakes, along the East and West coasts, Caribbean, gulf of Mexico and Pacific Islands. A key to the success and long-term sustainanility of this project will be the development of partnerships. Partners have been identified to share resources and knowledge. The Biogeography Branch has partnered with the Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research for lionfish research in the Caribbean and the Coral Reef Ecosystem Division for deepwater invasive species research in the Pacific.

Expected Outcome:
This is a developing project with the objective of conducting ecological research on coastal and marine invasive species needed by resource managers to identify, prioritize, and implement management actions. Products will be depdendent on funding sources. This project is expected to foster new partnerships with federal, state and territoral agencies and identify funding sources for continued work with invasive species.