Strategy 1: Where feasible, support and implement active control and eradication for
established AIS.
It is obviously best to prevent the introduction of AIS into the Flathead Basin. However,
thought should be given upfront to the containment of AIS if they are introduced or
already established. To ensure that we are equipped with the tools and methods to
abate ecologic, socioeconomic, and public health and safety impacts from AIS
introductions, we need to identify research and technology needs within the Flathead
Basin and to encourage additional research. In addition, we need to identify and
publicize potential threats and communicate this information to potentially impacted
industries.
Abating the impacts of AIS is time consuming, costly, and often ineffective. However,
not attempting any control of AIS is inviting further spread within the Flathead Basin and
contamination to other outside areas. Removing or even lessening a well established AIS
problem within a waterway is at times unrealistic. However, in many such situations
much can be done to contain the problem and prevent further spread to unaffected
waters. Such measures may involve mandatory inspections and cleaning, or even local
seasonal closures or quarantines.
Containment of established populations is the next step after early detection and rapid
response. Containment plans may be unique for a given area within Flathead Basin.
Control strategies include physical, chemical and biological mechanisms to eradicate or
reduce AIS populations. Selection of a control strategy can be influenced by agency
policies and mandates, so that different controls may be employed for the same AIS
depending on what jurisdiction it may fall in. If each state and federal land management
agency in the Flathead Basin had an AIS containment program in place, they should
coordinate their efforts with the other affected agencies during implementation.
Containment methods and protocols vary depending on the AIS to be contained. For
that reason, guidelines for containment are general. Some considerations while
developing containment plans within the Flathead Basin include:
- A control strategy should not create problems greater than those of the
aquatic nuisance species itself. - A control strategy should not cause significant impacts to the environment or
non‐target organisms; nor have any negative consequence to human health
or safety. - There should be a need to control the aquatic invasive species due to it
causing, or the potential for it causing, a significant adverse impact. - A control strategy should seek to not reduce the human utilization of the
water body, unless it is determined that a reduction in certain utilizations
would be an effective/appropriate method of control. - A control strategy should be specific to the Flathead Basin and adaptable
locally. - A control strategy should have a reasonable likelihood of succeeding and be
cost effective.
Timing for the containment of AIS should coincide with the rapid response system and a
smooth transition from an immediate response to a long‐term containment effort is
essential.
In order to minimize AIS problems, it is important to first fully assess the extent of the
contamination. Is this a long‐standing AIS issue or is it newly introduced? If it is a known
AIS, has it spread appreciably? Are there new factors (i.e. increased recreational activity) that may currently increase the risk of spread? If new AIS are found, can actions be
taken now to contain or even eradicate the problem?
In attempting control of AIS, assessment should lead to a prioritization of where to
invest time and effort. Since multiple variables can determine priorities in controlling
AIS, using a matrix approach can help describe the problem through relative
comparison. The following table is an example matrix that can be used in determining
which AIS areas should have priority:
Monitoring is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of abatement efforts. Monitoring
should be done as soon as possible so that adjustments to control work can be timely.
Strategy 1A: Monitor effectiveness of abatement techniques.
Tasks
- Ensure States, Tribes, Provinces, state and federal agencies, and counties have
general containment plans that are applicable to typical AIS scenarios throughout the
Flathead Basin. - Facilitate or assist in the development of containment plans in high priority areas
where they do not exist.
