The journal Management of Biological Invasions is proud to announce the publication of a Special Issue dedicated to the late Professor Gordon H. Copp, a visionary in invasion biology and a recipient of the esteemed Doctor of Science title. This Special Issue celebrates Gordon's remarkable contributions to science, particularly in the ecology of freshwater fishes and in the development of tools and frameworks for assessing the risks associated with non-native species.
Professor Copp’s illustrious career spanned decades of groundbreaking research, beginning with fish conservation biology and later transitioning to the emerging field of invasion science in the early 2000s. His work, often in collaboration with Lorenzo Vilizzi, yielded significant advancements in non-native species risk analysis, including the widely used Freshwater Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK) and its successors, the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK). These tools have become instrumental in managing invasive species across the globe, influencing policies and practices in conservation biology and aquaculture.
This Special Issue assembles contributions from some of Gordon's closest collaborators and mentees, reflecting the depth and breadth of his influence. Highlights include:
The featured articles not only advance the scientific understanding of biological invasions but also serve as a testament to Gordon’s enduring impact on the field.
“Professor Copp’s pioneering contributions have laid the foundation for contemporary invasion biology, shaping both scientific inquiry and policy. This special issue honours his legacy and ensures that his work continues to inspire and guide future generations of researchers,” wrote Guest Editors Lorenzo Vilizzi and Calum MacNeil.
The Special Issue is now available online and aims to be a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working to address the challenges of biological invasions.
The publication of this special issue is supported by the International Association for Open Knowledge on Invasive Alien Species (INVASIVESNET) and the European Union’s Horizon Europe project GuardIAS.
For more information and to access the special issue, visit https://www.reabic.net/journals/mbi/2025/Issue1.aspx