MBI summary – Volume 14 Issue 3 (September 2023)

The September 2023 issue of Management of Biological Invasions is now online! This issue includes 12 articles and encompasses all phases of biological invasion management: prevention, eradication, and damage control.

To prevent new invasive species from establishing, Clarke et al. identified and assessed priority biosecurity risks for the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) in East Antarctica, using expert elicitation process and decision-by consensus approaches, and present a framework for applying environmental DNA (eDNA) based analyses to improve biosecurity. Based on a workshop with experts, Counihan et al. provide research priorities that support the implementation of action items listed in a management plan targeting Quagga mussels (Dreissena rostriformis) and Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) in the western United States. Hutchins et al. applied the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) of persuasion to reveal the type of messaging can most effectively persuade wading anglers to implement preventive actions to halt the unintended spread of aquatic invasive species.

Upon establishment, eradication efforts should be made. Budiša et al. assessed the technical applicability of an onboard thermal treatment of ship ballast water to eradicate the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi and thereby halt its spread. Mizrahi et al. conducted laboratory experiments to determine the effects of exposure to air in sun coral (Tubastraea spp.) colonies during different time intervals, and recorded its healing regeneration process. Saari examined the sensitivity of fish and aquatic invertebrates to the management chemical Antimycin-A and summarized factors that influence toxicity for future use in fisheries management Kemble et al. examined the oral toxicity of the dimethyl-dithiocarbamate fungicide, Ziram, to grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella), testing different concentrations and carriers. Davidson conducted a field experiment to test the efficacy of the recently approved herbicide florpyrauxifen-benzyl to treat a strain of hybrid European watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) in an inland lake in the Laurentian Great Lakes region. Godfrey et al. evaluated the efficacy of Spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus) removal from comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan projects in South Florida, and provided data-driven prescriptions for removal efforts. Hoffmann et al. assessed the efficacy and non-target impacts of multiple unregistered forms of hydrogel ant baits, as well as some co-use with the granular bait Antoff, targeting Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) and yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepis gracilipes) in Australia. In a second article, Hoffmann et al. provide a clear warning for those dealing with invasive species that management decisions based on assumptions rather than local empirical data can be flawed, and advocate for rapid, small-scale and strategic research conducted on-site.

In cases were complete eradication is unlikely, damage control might be the only management options. Rivera et al. examined the effectiveness of a dual-deterrent fish herding technique using electricity and acoustic stimuli to reduce the abundance of fish within a navigation lock to facilitate lock maintenance.

Check out the September 2023 issue of Management of Biological Invasions here!