Great Lakes Shipping, Trade, and Aquatic Invasive Species

The Great Lakes are one of the most invaded aquatic ecosystems in the world, and the spread of fish pathogens and aquatic invasive species (AIS) has become a serious issue for fishery management in the Great Lakes. Our study applies the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impacts-Responses model (DPSIR) to identify social-ecological linkages in the spread of pathogens and AIS by anglers, boaters, and bait dealers in the Great Lakes. We developed a conceptual DPSIR model based on input by staff members in governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations that have been involved in the management of pathogens and AIS. The integration of managers' input to develop the model is a novel approach for understanding fisheries. Most previous studies using the DPSIR framework did not account for natural resource managers' input even though the DPSIR framework is frequently applied to provide information to these groups. The identified relationships in our model provide multiple entry points for empirical, interdisciplinary research. These studies would help understand the effectiveness of management responses to change human behaviors, and to understand and predict changes in the Great Lakes ecosystem and fishery. The model could also be used to promote understanding of the impacts of pathogens and AIS on the fishery, and to increase awareness of human behaviors that contribute to the continued spread. Future studies could further expand or replicate the model with input by other stakeholder groups such as bait dealers and/or anglers and boaters to identify if these groups share an understanding of the management problem and responses.

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Analysis of Factors Influencing Grain Traffic on the St. Lawrence Seaway

Journal of the Transportation Research Forum ◽

10.5399/osu/jtrf.48.2.2271 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 48 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Stephen Fuller ◽

Frank Millerd ◽

Francisco Fraire ◽

Maria do Carmo Alfonso

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Invasive Species ◽

Great Lakes ◽

The United States ◽

International Markets ◽

Aquatic Invasive Species ◽

International Commerce ◽

The Past ◽

Factors Influencing ◽

Central Regions

The St. Lawrence Seaway links central regions of North America to the Atlantic Ocean via the Great Lakes navigation system. Harmful non-indigenous aquatic invasive species have increasingly been introduced into the Great Lakes largely through the ballast water of inbound ships involved in international commerce. A variety of solutions have been proposed, with some advocating closure of the St. Lawrence Seaway to international shipping. Historically, it was an important artery linking grain surplus regions in Canada and the United States with international markets. However, during the past two decades the Seaway's role has diminished as a grain transport artery. The objective of this paper is to develop an increased understanding of this decline and to offer thoughts regarding the likely reversal of the forces that may have caused it. Analysis indicates declining imports by selected world regions and domestic transportation legislation is central to the decline.

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The effects of aquatic invasive species on recreational fishing participation and value in the Great Lakes: Possible future scenarios

Journal of Great Lakes Research ◽

10.1016/j.jglr.2020.04.003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 46 (3) ◽

pp. 656-665 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

T. Bruce Lauber ◽

Richard C. Stedman ◽

Nancy A. Connelly ◽

Richard C. Ready ◽

Lars G. Rudstam ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Invasive Species ◽

Great Lakes ◽

Aquatic Invasive Species ◽

Recreational Fishing ◽

Future Scenarios

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A management framework for preventing the secondary spread of aquatic invasive species

Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences ◽

10.1139/f08-099 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 65 (7) ◽

pp. 1512-1522 ◽

Cited By ~ 159

Author(s):

M. Jake Vander Zanden ◽

Julian D. Olden

Keyword(s):

Invasive Species ◽

Great Lakes ◽

Biological Invasions ◽

Dreissena Polymorpha ◽

Aquatic Invasive Species ◽

Suitable Habitat ◽

Bythotrephes Longimanus ◽

Isolated Populations ◽

Rainbow Smelt ◽

Secondary Spread

Biological invasions continue to accelerate, and there is a need for closer integration between invasive species research and on-the-ground management. In many regions, aquatic invasive species have established isolated populations, but have not yet spread to many sites that provide suitable habitat. In the Laurentian Great Lakes region, several Great Lakes invaders such as zebra mussel ( Dreissena polymorpha ), rainbow smelt ( Osmerus mordax ), and spiny water flea ( Bythotrephes longimanus ) are currently undergoing secondary spread to the smaller inland lakes and streams. This paper describes recent advances in forecasting the secondary spread of aquatic invasive species and presents a framework for assessing vulnerability of inland waters based on explicit assessment of three distinct aspects of biological invasions: colonization, site suitability, and adverse impact. In many cases, only a fraction of lakes on the landscape are vulnerable to specific invasive species, highlighting the potential application of this type of research for improving invasive species management. Effective application to on-the-ground resource management will require that research aimed at assessing site vulnerability be translated into management tools.

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