Managing Invasive Aquatic Plants in a Changing System: Strategic Consideration of Ecosystem Services

Abstract

Climate change is projected to increase stress for many coastal plant communities. Along large portions of the North American coast, habitat degradation from anthropogenic changes to the environment already threaten the community structure of tidal marshes and submerged aquatic grass beds. The potential loss of ecological services historically provided by these communities has been a long-standing rationale for aggressive control of invading plants such as Phragmites australis and Hydrilla verticillata. Increasing evidence of ecological services provided by invasive species such as P. australis and H. verticillata suggest that, in the face of increasing stress, it may be prudent to take a more pragmatic approach regarding the effect of these species on coastal ecosystems. The notable resilience of these species to control efforts and their competitive success and comparative vigor in stressed systems and capacity to provide at least some beneficial services combine to suggest some invasive species may have a useful role in managed coastal ecosystems.

Environmental predictors of the occurrence of exotic Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle and native Egeria najas Planch. in a sub-tropical river floodplain: the Upper River Paraná, Brazil

“…Hydrilla verticillata is regarded as one of the worst aquatic weeds in the world (Murphy, 1988;Mullin et al, 2000;Hershner & Havens, 2008). The weed shows a large ecological amplitude and thrives under environmental conditions with characteristics varying from lentic to lotic, from oligotrophic to eutrophic, from acid to alkaline, from low to high light availability and from tropical to temperate climate (Van et al, 1976;Barko & Smart, 1981;Cook & Lüönd, 1982;Spencer et al, 1994;White et al, 1996;Kahara & Vermaat, 2003).…”

Colonization, regeneration potential and growth rates of fragments of the exotic aquatic macrophyte Hydrilla verticillata

“…Accordingly, the management of this species has proven to be problematic (Hershner & Havens 2008). Stem fragments, which are mainly produced by the mechanical breakage of plants, float away from the original colonies and settle in the sediment (Madsen & Smith 1999).…”

“…Hydrilla verticillata (L.f.) Royle is a submerged aquatic macrophyte native to Asia and Australia (Cook & Lüönd 1982) that is highly invasive and rated as the worst submerged weed in the USA (Langeland 1996) and one of the most undesirable weeds on the planet (Alix et al 2009, Hofstra et al 2010. The dense stands of this species interfere with recreational and commercial boating and can affect numerous other aspects of aquatic ecosystems (Hershner & Havens 2008, Sousa 2011.…”

Biodiversity Status and Climate Change Scenario in Northeast India

“…The vulnerability is very high mainly for ecologically delicate species like lichens, orchids, and insectivorous plants which occupy highly specific and narrow niches. A number of adaptations for conservation of biodiversity have been proposed by several workers, which include assisted colonization (Hoegh-Guldberg et al 2008), use of invasive species to restore ecosystem services (Hershner and Havens 2008), creation and expansion of protected areas, corridors, and networks (Hannah et al 2007), and efficient use of resources. Provision of affordable energy; keeping air pollution and climate change under control; management of water systems in support of agriculture, industry, and human settlements; increasing agricultural production; protecting soil, groundwater, and surface water quality; and slowing down and eventually halting further loss of biodiversity are considered as the key elements of sustainable development (Kram and Stehfest 2011). 6 Future Research Prospect 1.…”