In this issue: 

New knowledge to improve ballast water treatment: Rapid DNA proliferation methods can assist in measuring the effectiveness of UV ballast water treatment. A review on viruses in ballast water provides recommendations for quantifying viruses and developing new standards.

Examples of the potential of eDNA for early detection of aquatic species: an infestation of Didendum vexillum in an important protected site in Scotland and the detection of mussels at earlier life stages and in wider range of seasons. Moreover, homogenising samples before genetic analysis can improve the detection of invasive species in aquatic habitats.

What (does not) work in aquatic invasive species management? A review of biological control methods for common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) shows the importance of using multiple strategies in their management. Early detection and rapid response with the help of key stakeholders made it possible to eradicate an early-stage introduction of cichlid fishes in Florida. Also in the US, researchers developed a decision support system for identifying potentially invasive and injurious freshwater fishes.

Conversely, novel techniques for sterilisation of bighead and grass carp (to act as “Judas fish”) were not successful in reducing the risk of them reproducing in the wild. 

New insights for terrestrial invasive species management: A Czech study evaluated the performance of Ambrosia artemisifolia in an experimental temperature and salinity gradient and found that it was more tolerant than its native competitor species. In Chile, scientists found that manual removal of the invasive African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) is not an effective means of controlling populations, especially when the species is well established and abundant. Standardized physical habitat surveys in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest revealed that invasive wild boars (Sus scrofa) have a greater impact on river erosion and siltation than native peccaries (Tayassu pecari). 

Please visit our website and download Volume 10 Issue 2 of Management of Biological Invasions – it's Open Access!