October 11, 2002
Friday - 12:40 am

Citing the threat posed by escapees from nearby fish farms and other invasive species, Gov. Tony Knowles on Thursday submitted the state's Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plan to the federal government. Required under the National Invasive Species

"We are very concerned about the impacts of such species as Northern Pike that have been introduced in southcentral lakes, and Atlantic salmon escapees from British Columbia fish farms that have showed up in Southeast rivers and as far away as Chignik."... Gov. Knowles

Act, Knowles submitted the state's plan to Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton, who serves as co-chair of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force.

"We are very concerned about the impacts of such species as Northern Pike that have been introduced in southcentral lakes, and Atlantic salmon escapees from British Columbia fish farms that have showed up in Southeast rivers and as far away as Chignik," Knowles said. "The economic well being and quality of life of all Alaskans is strongly dependent on our natural environment. This plan is an important initial step in working proactively to protect our important flora and fauna, and to keep them healthy and abundant."

Invasive species are fish or plants that are both non-native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Some, like the pike and yellow perch recently found in Kenai Peninsula lakes, are artificially introduced. Others, like Atlantic salmon, escape from fish farms. Still other species come to Alaska aboard shipping containers and in ballast water.

Such invasive species compete with native species and can have large environmental and economic consequences. National efforts to combat the spread of zebra mussels, for example, have increased to $1 billion annually.

"Alaska is fortunate to have relatively few invasive aquatic species compared to other states, in part due to our geographic isolation, northern climate, small population, and strict laws regarding the transportation of plants and animals," Knowles said. "This provides an excellent opportunity for Alaskans to take a proactive approach to preventing invasions. The emphasis of this management plan is on preventing introductions and identifying and responding to the highest invasive threats."

The main goals of the plan are to coordinate with the public and with federal, state, local, and tribal governments for the prevention and monitoring of invasive species and the development of an effective public information program:

Coordinate all Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Programs within Alaska and collaborate with regional, national, and international Programs;

• Prevent the introduction of new ANS into Alaska waters;
• Detect, monitor, contain, reduce, or eradicate populations of ANS as quickly as possible with a minimum of environmental impact;
• Educate the public and appropriate resource user groups to the importance of preventing ANS introductions and how the harmful impacts of ANS can be reduced;
• Identify, develop, conduct, and disseminate research on ANS that are identified as species of concern in Alaska;
• Take appropriate steps to ensure that federal and state rules and regulations sufficiently promote the prevention and control of ANS.

Alaska's plan was developed by the state's Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and received public, tribal, stakeholder, government and non-government agency review. Approval of the plan will make the State of Alaska eligible for federal grants to assist in actions to protect the unique resources in Alaska. The plan identifies actions where federal support would be used and seeks $517,500 in federal funding during fiscal year 2004 and $570,000 in fiscal year 2005.

For More information:

Contact: Dr. Robert Piorkowski, Scientific Program Manager, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, 907-465-6109.

Source of News Release:

Office of the Governor
Web Site

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