Pressé, M. (2019). Student maps Niagara’s invasive species. Retrieved 13 March 2020, from https://phys.org/news/2019-10-student-niagara-invasive-species.html

As a part of a senior thesis at Brock University, Lyn Brown created the Niagara Region Aquatic and Riparian Invasive Species Control Database. The map collects and lists all activities managing invasive species in Niagara. The thesis includes an interactive map (found at https://brocku.ca/unesco-chair/research/invasive-species/#1564802523841-c76d0b74-ba8f ) that displays all of the locations of control efforts and program information. Brown writes that, “The overarching goal of this database was to make a resource that could be an information and networking tool for organizations in the Niagara region”. The majority of entries in the database are foreign plants, with the most common being phragmites transported from Eurasia. Another significant menace to the Niagara region is the Zebra mussel. The native Russian is almost globally invasive since the 1980’s. The Zebra mussel can clog pipes, power plants, and other infrastructure. Brown’s database highlights the Ontario Power Generation’s Dreissena Mussel Program, which details treatment designs and infrastructure maintenance. 

Brown’s control database is a great platform to help organizations and agencies manage invasive species. As the Brock University site points out, “the database permits organizations to contact one another to collaborate in terms of sharing resources; prioritizing sites/invasives to manage; and finding and addressing gaps in where invasives are not being managed”. By creating such a big picture map of invasive species management, Brown allows for a more comprehensive approach to biosecurity in the Niagara area.

A million people’s help urged on invasive species. (2019). Retrieved 13 March 2020, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-50173577

The UK’s Environmental Audit Committee reports that 36 to 48 invasive species will become established in the next two decades. These populations are threatening the future of the natural landscape throughout the UK. The EAC’s report emphasizes a need to slow the rate of arrival at the border. The New Zealand branch states that it will train 1.3 million people in biosecurity by 2025, while the central UK is planning on establishing a dedicated border force by 2020. These plans will help prevent invasive species from even entering the UK and establishing populations. Ms Creagh, a Labour MP, made the statement that, “Inns [invasive non-native species] is one of the UK’s top five threats to the natural environment. If we’re to beat this, we need people power, with an army of volunteers trained to spot and stop an invasive species before it becomes established”. The EAC and Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs both focus on the additional economic impact of non-native species, with invasive damage costing around £15bn each year. 

I appreciate the amount of funding the UK has funneled towards biosecurity and invasive species prevention. I think that its focus on public awareness and volunteer training makes the biosecurity programs easier to implement than comparable programs in the US and California in particular. Rather than having to inspect each imported good, NNS border forces can partially rely on accounts from the public. However, I think the EAC has overestimated its abilities to train and prepare a sufficient biosecurity system within six years.

Gerea, A. (2020). Tourism needs to start considering invasive plants. Retrieved 12 March 2020, from https://www.zmescience.com/science/tourism-invasive-plants-095232/

Although trading and agricultural techniques introduce the bulk of invasive species, tourism also plays a large role in the international spread of exotic species. Invasive species are notorious for their ability to “hitchhike” into ecosystems. With tourism often involving large flocks of people in vehicles traveling throughout the world, it is perfect for hitchhiking species to spread into vulnerable ecosystems. Areas popular for tourists are often the most vulnerable to introduced species. For instance, tourism brought the non native bluegrass weed to Antarctica and marine pests to New Zealand. As Bournemouth University discovered, “that the abundance and richness of non-native species are significantly higher in sites where recreational activities took place”. However, the tourist economy funds and encourages the conservation and preservation of protected areas. 

I believe the majority of tourists, myself included, are entirely unaware of the harmful species they are unwittingly carrying into environmentally vulnerable locations. Protected land, like national parks and rainforests, should be more stringent on vehicle access. If less vehicles entered the park or land, the possibility of introducing harmful species would decline. Lessened traffic would also benefit native species living within the protected area. If park agencies developed dependable transit systems to and around the park, there may be less vehicles entering and exiting each day. I do not believe tourism should be limited because it financially supports and encourages conservation efforts in the local communities.

Bloomfield, N. (2020). The wicked risks of biosecurity: Invasive species in Australia. Retrieved 12 March 2020, from https://phys.org/news/2020-02-wicked-biosecurity-invasive-species-australia.html

The Australian continent has been the host for countless invasive species, including the infamous cane toad and tramp ant. These non native species have the potential to harm both the Australian environment and economy. Biosecurity is a developing system in Australia and New Zealand that addresses the risk of pests entering the borders. Biosecurity risks are often complex and changing. As a result, so does the management of these risks. In Australia, biosecurity precautions range from fumigating imports to post border surveillance. The article emphasizes the importance of a well informed public to properly protect Australia from biosecurity threats, like the Asian black spined toad. Early reports of the invasive toad allowed agricultural agencies to eradicate the species before it became established.

I believe Australia’s vulnerability to invasive species is comparable to California. Like California, Australia’s large borders and niche ecosystems increase the frequency and severity of invasive species. Using Australia’s biosecurity system as a model, I think California should also focus on informing the public and agricultural sector about invasive species and encourage the public to report sightings of introduced species. However, Australia’s use of fumigation would be less applicable as many invasive species enter California through produce rather than goods. 

Helmer, J. (2019). How to Turn Cities Into Pollinator Sanctuaries. Retrieved 12 November 2019, from https:/nextcity.org/features/view/how-to-turn-cities-into-pollinator-sanctuaries

The honey bee was once an invasive, or exotic species from Europe introduced during the colonization of the New World. Now, the honey bee provides an essential ecosystem service through its pollination. In order to protect this immigrant species from a dwindling population, Battery Park has started an urban hive project. The park and its hives provide a biodiverse environment that attracts bees to the urban landscape. As the urban population and land expands, honey bees are increasingly pushed out of their natural habitats. By providing hives, the Battery allows a honey bee community to continue within the city.

With the increasing human population, I do not think it’s viable and reasonable to limit or avoid urban expansion. Instead, I believe initiatives to incorporate the natural wildlife into urban life should expand. On another note, the honey bees are a perfect example of how invasive species are not an absolutely negative phenomenon. Rather than push a native species out, the European honey bee filled an environmental niche and helped native plants grow and spread.

Hladky, G. (2019). The Hartford Courant – Invasive, destructive spotted lanternfly pest identified in Connecticut. Retrieved 12 November 2019, from https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-news-spotted-lanternfly-in-connecticut-20191015-x3kxs5rssbbirnajctivmmerui-story.html

Researchers from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station identified the invasive spotted lanternfly in September, 2019. Found in Southbury, CT, the invasive pest severely impacts trees and crops, leading to crop rot and death. The pest native to Asia was introduced to Pennsylvania in 2014 by ‘hitchhiking’ on surfaces. Experts say that 47% of Connecticut forests are susceptible to harm by the spotted lanternfly. The infestation would also affect agricultural crop, like fruit trees. 

The early discovery of the spotted lanternfly in Connecticut is essential to mitigating its potential environmental and economic impacts. This is evidence of how damaging introduced species to both the environment and society. Since United States capitalism is dependent on ecosystem services, a single invasive species can destroy the local economy. I think Connecticut’s wildlife department is taking the right steps by urging the public to report sightings of the invasive pest.

Perati, S. (2019). Invasive Plants out, Native Plants in: City of Ithaca Implements Biodiversity Revival Program. Retrieved 10 November 2019, from https://cornellsun.com/2019/11/04/invasive-plants-out-native-plants-in-city-of-ithaca-implements-biodiversity-revival-program/

The New York town of Ithaca has announced a $51,000 plan to promote the growth of native plant species and removed invasive vegetation. This project would supply the native wildlife with proper habitats, food, and biodiversity, needs that are not currently being met by exotic plant species. Invasive species in Ithaca currently include Honeysuckle, Common Buckthorn, and Japanese Barberry, which outcompete native vegetation like Sugar Maple, American Sycamore, and White/Red Oaks. Although this project will only directly affect public land, Michael Smith, a senior town planner, hopes it will inspire private landowners to take action on their property as well.

I think this is fantastic to see: local government taking ownership and responsibility for the land and environment around it. By providing this town with significant funding, the state of New York is demonstrating how important environmental change and improvement is. I believe more small towns should be taking care of its native wildlife to the same extent that Ithaca is doing so. 

Malmquist, D. (2019). Study shows invasive blue catfish can tolerate high salinities. Retrieved 10 November 2019, from https://phys.org/news/2019-11-invasive-blue-catfish-tolerate-high.html 

The blue catfish, a species invasive to Chesapeake Bay tributaries, have been found to tolerate high salinities than most native freshwater fish. As a result, the invasive species has expanded to the Delaware Bay.  The blue catfish feeds on the native vegetation and mollusks in the region. The density of the blue catfish, with up to 220 fish per acre, allows the species to outcompete the native white catfish. In an experiment, blue catfish were found to be able to survive in water of around 17 psu (practical salinity units) for up to 3 days. This demonstrates that blue catfish could expand and survive in the downstream regions of the Virginia Bay. Researchers highlighted that the larger the catfish, the more likely it is to survive brackish or salty water. 

If the blue catfish population continues to grow, the native vegetation and aquatic wildlife communities will become depleted. Since the blue catfish was introduced during the 1970s to bolster fisheries and replenish recreational fishing spots, we should be more cautious about the species humans intentionally introduce or interfere with. In order to mitigate the spread of the blue catfish, local government should encourage recreational fishers to target large catfish. Since the largest catfish are the most likely to survive in brackish water, this policy would prevent more blue catfish from expanding towards the coast.

Wu, K. (2019). Invasive, flammable grasses now blanket much of the United States. Retrieved 10 November 2019, from https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/invasive-grasses-wildfire/?linkId=76460439

Both the impacts of climate change as well as human disturbances has increased the presence of wildfires across the United States. However, Bethany Bradley, an Amherst biogeographer and spatial ecologist, highlights that the severity of wildfires has also increased. Invasive grasses that carpet North America provide endless kindling for stray sparks and cigarette buds. These quick growing grasses reproduce, covering hillsides and leaving seasonal biomass to fuel the fires. In dry, drought prone regions, exotic grasses easily outcompete native plants with quick reproductive cycles and drought resistance. The presence of invasive grass species makes a region three times more susceptible to destructive wildfires. 

In order to lessen the impact of wildfires, it’s necessary for the United States to address this invasive grass issue. With the more extensive data and mapping of 8 grass species published by PNAS, it is more feasible to combat the spread of grasses than in decades earlier. Most introduction occurs as humans push further into the wilderness, unknowingly carrying seeds in on soles, supplies, and clothing. I believe that anyone or anything traveling into and through highly sensitive land, like national parks, should be checked and regulated to avoid the spread of more invasive grasses.