The occurrence of problematic pest organisms is an increasing global phenomenon, adversely affecting a range of environments and associated values. In marine systems, the efficacy of pest control has to date been constrained by a lack of tools that are not only highly effective, but also applicable across broad spatial scales. Here we consider the extent to which biological control (biocontrol) has the potential to fulfil these needs. We describe different biocontrol approaches and potential ecological mechanisms (e.g. consumption, space competition, habitat modification) through which problematic species could be supressed. We also discuss the ideal traits of marine control agents within the context of the selection criteria commonly applied in terrestrial systems. Classical biocontrol based on the deliberate introduction of non-indigenous agents has a high risk of leading to adverse non-target effects in marine environments, and cannot be justified. By contrast, approaches that use indigenous species have a low risk of unacceptable non-target effects, and could be used as part of pest eradication, as a means of containing spread, or for the control of established pest populations to mitigate adverse effects. While biocontrol based on indigenous species can be highly effective for such purposes, it is unlikely that it could be feasibly applied at broad spatial scales, except in specific circumstances (e.g. in some types of aquaculture). There is clearly a need to develop new approaches to manage marine pests. Biocontrol when used in conjunction with traditional approaches can provide a valuable tool for pest eradication, containment and mitigation of adverse effects.
Although Corbicula fluminea has been one of the more prolific freshwater invasive species in the world, previous studies have suggested a low probability for overwinter survival in northern latitudes without an artificially created thermal refuge. The discovery of live C. fluminea in a central Minnesota lake absent any known thermal refuge in 2020 presented an opportunity to further evaluate the overwinter survival and population structure of C. fluminea at the presumed edge of their potential range. The population was monitored from December 2020 through September 2021 alongside water temperature to better understand at which temperatures C. fluminea survived and if the population structure suggested reproduction occurring in the lake. We documented live C. fluminea in temperatures as low as 0.3°C. Shell size of recovered individuals suggested multiple cohorts, and the appearance of a new cohort at the end of the study, indicating active reproduction in the lake and suggesting the population had likely been present in the lake for at least two winters by the conclusion of the study period. Our findings provide evidence of the survival below historically documented lower lethal temperature limits and suggests adaptations to modeling predicting suitable habitat, both present and in a changing climate, are necessary to better assess risk of invasion by this species.
There are limited educational opportunities regarding aquatic invasive species (AIS) management that target laypersons. This is a significant gap, particularly as non-professionals are often tasked with making decisions about whether and how to pursue AIS control efforts, for example through their roles in community lake associations. Thus there is a need for educational programs to help consumers of AIS management services, “do-it-yourself” lakeshore homeowners, and other engaged non-professionals gain a stronger foundation in the science and practice of AIS management. We helped fill this unmet need through development of a new online course, AIS Management 101, that targets lakeshore property owners, lake association members, and other non-professionals engaged in AIS decision-making, seeking to make them better-informed consumers. The course covers concepts ranging from basic invasive species biology to pesticide science, treatment evaluation, regulations and permitting, and non-chemical management tools. Participants in the course demonstrated significant knowledge gains through check-in and check-out knowledge assessments. Course participants also reported greater understanding of key issues pertaining to AIS management and application of this improved knowledge to actual management decisions following completion of the course. While this program focuses on management of aquatic invasive species, similar approaches could be applied to lay audiences engaged in management of terrestrial invasive species or other natural resource issues.
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