Abstract
The round goby, Neogobius melanostomus (Pallas, 1814), is one of the most invasive non-indigenous species in the Baltic Sea. It dominates coastal fisheries in some localities and is frequently found in offshore pelagic catches. This paper identifies management issues and suggests actions to be considered for post-invasion management. Priority should be given to the establishment of a coordinated pan-Baltic monitoring programme and associated data storage and exchange, as well as the compilation of landing statistics of the round goby in commercial and recreational fisheries. While eradication is unrealistic, population control that leads to minimising the risk of transfer to yet uncolonised areas in the Baltic Sea and adjacent waterbodies is feasible. This should comprise the requirement that the species be landed in commercial fishery bycatch, the management of ships’ ballast water and sediments, and hull fouling of inland and sea-going vessels, including recreational boats. Extensive involvement of stakeholders is crucial at all phases of the management process.
Highlights
Biological invasions are increasing in frequency and continue to cause unwanted effects to ecological and economic systems (Simberloff et al 2013)
We suggest that regional control of biological invasions can be successful, and requires collective effort by all affected resource managers and stakeholders
We present the history of AIS management and policy development and describe the use of an “implementation plan” as a sciencebased, decision-support tool for on-the-ground aquatic invasive species control actions
Summary
Biological invasions are increasing in frequency and continue to cause unwanted effects to ecological and economic systems (Simberloff et al 2013). Despite the utility this regional AIS management plan provided, Tahoe Basin managers tasked with control or removal of AIS remained burdened with uncertainty about which taxa and locations to prioritize their control efforts. Through the recent development of a comprehensive AIS control strategy in Tahoe, including regional level programming and localized implementation plan, we provide the following recommendations for natural resource managers and invasion scientists who are faced with the creation of a sustainable AIS control program. We believe these recommendations are applicable to multiple aquatic ecosystem types with various management and stakeholder infrastructures. These recommendations should be relevant to those systems in which the lake, reservoir, or other waterbody is multi-use (e.g., drinking water supply, recreational, commercial), and where there are a diverse group of stakeholders ranging from water purveyors, local users, visitors, conservationists, and those with commercial or residential interests
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