The Development of an Integrated Monitoring and Information System for Invasive Species in the Columbia River Basin

The Columbia River Basin (CRB) includes portions of seven states and British Columbia; developing programs to prevent new introductions of aquatic invasive species (AIS), assess risk, quickly detect new arrivals, and control their spread is complicated by the sheer size of the basin.  Zebra and quagga mussels have recently invaded western waterbodies causing economic and environmental damage but to date, data suggests that these species have yet to invade the CRB.  Other species, such as bighead and silver carp, also pose a significant threat to the ecological status and economic welfare of the CRB. Because of the continued threat of new AIS and the unknown consequences of existing AIS, many entities are interested in the development of an early detection and status and trends monitoring program for invasive species in the mainstem Columbia and Snake Rivers.  During 2010, the United States Geological Survey and Washington State University received funding to initiate efforts to assist with research and monitoring efforts for quagga and zebra mussels and other nonnative species in the CRB.  While funding shortfalls during 2011 have inhibited this effort, we are working to further develop a nonnative species information system for the CRB with the intent of facilitating a coordinated and informed monitoring network.  In addition, we are working towards the development of a comprehensive monitoring strategy that will help to establish baseline conditions for AIS in the CRB, provide a framework to allow for the detection of trends in AIS through time, and that will contribute to early detection efforts for priority AIS (i.e. quagga mussels). To this end, we are working with others to formulate a probabilistic sampling design in the mainstem Columbia and Snake Rivers that will facilitate: 1) an up-to-date periodic list of AIS that inhabit the CRB, 2) spatially explicit models of predicted distributions of established AIS to aid control efforts and inform restoration programs, 3) an increased understanding of distribution vectors and pathways for AIS, 4) the development of an early detection program that emphasizes monitoring of known distribution vectors and pathways but allows for periodic sampling of other habitats, and 5) a regional assessment of risk posed by AIS species in the CRB.