The USGS Southeast Ecological Science Center (SESC) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) database provides records of sightings and capture data of non-native (introduced) aquatic species over the entire the United States (Benson 1999). For areas within the SALCC region, the NAS currently contains records dating back to 1885 for over 200 nonindigenous plant and animal species. This project seeks to utilize these data along with new GIS-based data on current and future (e.g. SLEUTH) landscape and climate parameters to develop models of invasive species introductions and dispersal across the SALCC region. Both multi- and single species models will be considered in these analyses. We will then utilize a formal decision-analytic framework utilizing the results of NAS data analyses and modeling to help prioritize a set of monitoring, management and conservation strategies addressing potential future invasion pathways at the local and regional levels. This project will devote significant effort towards compiling GIS-based raster and vector data on land cover types, environmental parameters, and urban development throughout the SALCC with the NAS records. We will leverage other on-going efforts focusing on the Southeast U.S. and led by the USGS that will expand the number of environmental data types contained within the NAS. The compiled datasets will be provided to the SALCC at the completion of the project along with the modeling results and a structured, quantitative framework for utilizing these results in the optimization of invasive species control strategies. The specific conservation objectives and the set of potential control strategies that will form the basis of this framework will be developed in consultation with the SALCC staff and its members. The results will provide a valuable guide for future invasive species research foci and conservation actions across the SALCC.
