Freshwater Invasive Mollusk Prevention at Roadway Border Crossings into Alaska

摘要

Freshwater aquatic invasive species have spread to suitable habitats around the world as a result of developing global transportation and trade. Successful invaders often have life history strategies that enable them to disperse using multiple vectors to establish populations in new areas. Once established, these invaders can degrade habitats and populations in local ecosystems. To date, the State of Alaska has no confirmed reports of freshwater invasive mollusks. However, non-native freshwater mollusks such as the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha, quagga mussel Dreissena bugensis, and New Zealand mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum are potential invaders to Alaska waters in the near future. This report reviews current distribution, life history, ecology, dispersal vectors, and other qualities of these species to provide a background of biological information pertinent to a potential Alaskan mollusk invasion. Management plans developed for areas closer to established invasive mollusk populations are evaluated to assess approaches for developing an Alaskan specific plan. Existing research suggests a high risk of non-native mollusks being introduced into Alaska waters by recreational watercraft. Local management plans for monitoring border points of entry are evaluated and recommendations provided for establishing an effective monitoring, prevention, and decontamination program for freshwater invasive mollusks at Alaska roadway points of entry.