Protecting Southwestern Alaska From Invasive Species. A Guide in the English and Yup'ik Languages

摘要

Imagine an organism that can travel between the cracks in someones boots, as an uninvited hitchhiker inside packing material, or as an aquatic weed stuck to the floats of a plane. Imagine the same organism rapidly degrading salmon habitat in a local stream, or eliminating blueberries from a favorite berry patch. Invasive species have the potential to do these things and worse. They have permanently changed many ecosystems and the traditional ways of life for people living in affected areas. Although Alaska has not seen as many invasive species as many other parts of the world, numerous infestations are already established within our state. Throughout this document you will read stories of invasive species that are spreading in many parts of Alaska. Each year they are reaching more remote areas and moving beyond the urban areas of the state. In rural Alaska, it will be individuals with traditional knowledge of the local ecosystems, plant, and animals that will be the best defense against invaders. Residents of rural Alaska will be the first to notice changes in their environment, and will be able to take action long before many others become aware of an invasion. The information in this guide will provide a starting point for learning about invasive species, how to avoid unintentionally introducing them, and how to effectively react to an infestation once it has been discovered. In southwest Alaska, the impact of invasive species has so far been very small, and with your help it can remain so.