Invasive Species Hilton Head 02-09 2010

Capacity challenges and addressing Aquatic Invasive Species in Washington

State

Jeff AdamsMarine Water Quality Specialist &Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator [email protected]

Washington Sea Grantserving the Northwest since 1968

http://wsg.washington.edu/

• Housed in the University of Washington College of Ocean and Fishery Sciences

• 24 staff manage research and education activities, offer marine advisory services and operate full communications shop

• 676 academic, government, tribal, nonprofit, international, business and private partners in 2007

• Separate from the Land Grant institution (Washington State University)

Jeff Adams Washington Sea Grant [email protected] 360-337-4619

Washington Geography and AIS

• Puget Sound• large population• international border• large ports• recreation boating• significant aquaculture industry

• Outer Coast• natural migration• aquaculture• recreation

Jeff Adams Washington Sea Grant [email protected] 360-337-4619

Washington Geography and AIS

• Columbia Basin• agriculture• recreation• shipping• shared state/international borders

Jeff Adams Washington Sea Grant [email protected] 360-337-4619

AIS identified as a priority in Washington

• Puget Sound Action Agenda• Washington Sea Grant Strategic Plan• Biennial Science Work Plan• Washington Invasive Species Council

Jeff Adams Washington Sea Grant [email protected] 360-337-4619

Who’s working on AIS?

• WA Aquatic Nuisance Species Committee members

• Ballast Water Workgroup

• Tunicate Advisory Committee

• Washington Invasive Species Council members

• Tribes

• Local natural resource departments

• Researchers

• many more but what’s getting done

Jeff Adams Washington Sea Grant [email protected] 360-337-4619

WSG’s history with AIS• West Coast Marine Invasive Species Team (MIST)• European green crabs• Curriculum and publications• Ballast Water Specialist• Tunicates• Marine Water Quality hire with AIS experience and interests

Jeff Adams Washington Sea Grant [email protected] 360-337-4619

Janna Nichols

Challenges

• Losing Ballast Water Specialist

• Currently ~¼ FTE for AIS coordination

• Coordination with Land Grant

• Funding challenges statewide

Jeff Adams Washington Sea Grant [email protected] 360-337-4619

Tools

• Interest in pursuing AIS FTE

• Using students and volunteers

• Participating in partnerships

• Communications

Jeff Adams WA Sea Grant [email protected] 360-337-4619

Thank you!