Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan

 

What are Aquatic Invasive Species?

Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), also referred to as Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) are non-native, introduced organisms that produce harmful impacts on aquatic, estuarine, and marine ecosystems. The impacts also extend to activities that depend on these ecosystems. These can include agricultural, commercial fishing, or recreation. Aquatic IS can be plants, animals, algae, fungi, and bacteria or pathogens that are dependent on water for at least one stage in their life cycle.

How do Aquatic Invasive Species Spread?

Aquatic Invasive Species can be introduced and spread to new areas in several ways. One important vector of introduction is recreational boating. Aquatic IS can hitch a ride to new waterbodies when attached to boat hulls and trailers that are not properly cleaned and decontaminated. Other ways AIS spread to new places include shipping, aquarium release, wildlife, human gear (e.g., boots, nets, etc.), aquaculture, habitat modification, and storm activity.

For more information on equipment decontamination following recreational use and other activities in New Jersey waters, please visit the New Jersey Water Monitoring Council’s website (NJWMC Recommended Decontamination Protocols).

What is an Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan (AISMP)?

An Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan (AISMP) is a plan designed to identify technical, enforcement, or financial assistance for activities needed to identify, prevent, eliminate, or reduce the environmental, public health, and safety risks associated with AIS. The goal of the AISMP is to identify feasible, cost-effective management practices and measures. These can be implemented by State agencies and land managers to prevent new introductions and control established AIS populations.

Addressing AIS follows an integrated management approach, utilizing a variety of methods. These methods include mapping and reporting, education and outreach, collaboration with partners and stakeholders, and on-the-ground early detection and rapid response (ED/RR) activities. Providing education to anglers and boaters on proper decontamination protocols is one example. Simple preventative measures can have significant results.

Our Goals:

A comprehensive AIS plan enables New Jersey to shift to a more proactive approach on managing the complex issues surrounding AIS. Our goal is to prevent new AIS introductions and spread in our waterbodies, eradicate established AIS where possible, and mitigate negative impacts to the best extent practicable. The successful result will be an increased capability to track, detect, and minimize the harmful impacts of AIS on our natural resources, economy, and public health.

Our Objectives:

Our plan identifies six management objectives to achieve our goals:

  1. Prevention
  2. Establishing oversight and coordination
  3. Surveillance and detection
  4. Response and restoration
  5. Long-term control and evaluation

The management and control of AIS to presents a unique set of challenges. However, a combination of adaptive management, control efforts, and other strategies will improve our success.

The Plan (NJ AISMP):

The final AIS plan was approved on May 9, 2024 by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF). It can be found here: NJAISMP – FINAL_(April 2024)

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