Rapid response to non-indigenous species. 1. Goals and history of rapid response in the marine environment

Abstract

This paper is the first in a three-part series that addresses rapid response as a management approach to the recurrent problem of colonization by non-indigenous species, invasive tunicates in particular. “Rapid response” refers to the steps taken, starting before detection of the invasion of a non-indigenous species, through a decision process that may culminate in an attempt to eradicate the species before it becomes established in the new habitat. Rapid response is the second line of defense against nonindigenous species, when prevention measures have failed. We review the goals of rapid response, and its history in the marine environment, to place rapid response into context for the subsequent papers which will review the history of non-indigenous tunicate management in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and propose a framework for rapid response.