Rapid Response for Aquatic Invasive Species

Learn more about early detection and rapid response for an aquatic invasive species infestation.

Early detection and rapid response are key pieces of aquatic invasive species management. The early detection is when a new aquatic invasive species (AIS) is observed and documented within a waterbody for the first time. The rapid response is the management response to the AIS observation once appropriate options have been assessed. When these steps are done soon enough and appropriately, there is still a chance for eradication of the AIS, if it was a pioneer infestation and did not spread significantly throughout the waterbody. Early detection and rapid response are often referred to as EDRR.

According to the US Department of Agriculture’s National Invasive Species Information Center, EDRR is “one of the most cost-effective and ecologically viable methods for controlling invasive species and is well worth the effort to protect natural and agricultural resources. Early interventions are more likely to be successful, while long-term management typically has higher associated costs.”

What is early detection?

Early detection is when an aquatic invasive species that was not previously in a waterbody, has been newly observed there. Ideally, this early detection happens when the AIS is still a small, pioneer infestation and has not yet spread significantly throughout the waterbody. The earlier an AIS is detected, the better the odds are of successful management and potential eradication from the waterbody. Unfortunately, because aquatic species are often less observed since they are underwater, early detection often does not happen early enough. When the detection does happen, it is usually because the AIS has spread enough to be noticed somewhere by a user.

Beyond visual detection, environmental DNA, or eDNA, is genetic material from skin, feces, et cetera, that is shed into a species’ environment such as water, soil, or air. Sampling for eDNA of aquatic invasive species involves collecting water which can then be analyzed for a specific species’ DNA or to identify multiple species. Sampling for eDNA has proven to be sensitive to detection of species and various life stages that otherwise may not be able to be identified visually and provides a time-efficient survey of a waterbody to determine species’ presence.

According to Stantec Consulting, “use of eDNA for invasive aquatic plant surveys offers the opportunity to develop a rapid screening approach to supplement and focus the use of more labor-intensive targeted survey methods in areas where eDNA has been detected. In addition to enhancing survey efficiency, the use of eDNA tools avoids the potential issue of surveyor bias for correctly identifying species and overcomes challenges of poor visibility reducing survey effectiveness."

DCR’s Lakes and Ponds Program utilizes eDNA sampling to proactively monitor for various aquatic invasive species on an annual basis. Through these annual sampling efforts, some early detections of AIS have occurred and allowed for rapid response efforts to begin. To learn more about eDNA for lake management, please visit our Environmental DNA (eDNA) in Lakes and Ponds webpage.

What is rapid response?

Rapid response is a coordinated approach for quickly containing and eradicating newly detected aquatic invasive species before they establish themselves throughout a waterbody. Rapid response should involve a qualified professional in carefully confirming the identification of the observed species, in addition to a thorough survey of the infested area as well as the remainder of the waterbody. A level of spread risk should also be understood based on the infestation location, expanse, waterbody use, waterbody goals, and species characteristics. Based on the information gathered during the previous steps, communication and educational outreach of the infestation should be conducted before assessing any potential quarantining options. Once quarantined, if possible, management options to hopefully eradicate the infestation can begin, if appropriately permitted.

Like early detection of AIS often not being as early as ideal, rapid response often does not happen early enough either. There are various reasons why the response may be less than rapid, such as the detection happening once the infestation has spread. In these situations, a rapid response likely would not be effective enough to eradicate the infestation. Additionally, permitting and approval processes often delay the ability to rapidly respond.

General rapid response steps

Below are the general steps to be followed in a rapid response to a new AIS infestation once it has been detected. Please note that some of these steps can occur concurrently.

1. Identification of the observed species

This step may involve providing physical samples, photos, or both to qualified professionals to ensure the species can be appropriately identified. There are two ways to make submissions to the Lakes & Ponds Program via the Report an Aquatic Plant Sighting webpage.

2. Quantification of the invasion
   1. Although an infestation may have initially been observed in one place, the AIS may also already be elsewhere within the waterbody. This step involves survey efforts to detect any additional growth of the AIS to better understand the full infestation scope. Survey efforts should be conducted by qualified professionals who can effectively identify the target species.
3. Species threat evaluation
   1. Many factors combine to create a site-specific level of threat for the waterbody. Factors such as maximum potential infestation size, spread potential to other waterbodies, recreational uses and potential impacts, and effective management techniques, amongst many others, should be evaluated.
4. Communication and education
   1. The presence of an AIS should be brought to the attention of the waterbody’s managing group, as well as the town’s conservation commission. Stakeholders and users should also be notified and provided with educational material or signage so they can adjust their recreational uses accordingly and safely.
5. Quarantine options
   1. Minimizing the spread of AIS may require some form of quarantine to keep users out of the infested area(s). Using signs and marker buoys is an effective and inexpensive example of doing this.
6. Early eradication management options

The sooner that controls are implemented to manage the AIS, the smaller the area that can be addressed. This usually also equates with less effort and less expense. Management options vary primarily based on size of the infested area. A reminder that many management options require permitting through the town conservation commission and MassDEP. 

Early eradication management options

More information on the methods listed below are explained within the GEIR and Practical Guide. If you would like to request a copy of this document please email the Lakes & Ponds Program at [e-mail].

The below listed methods are specifically for the management of aquatic invasive plants, but not all of the methods are necessarily applicable to all aquatic invasive plant species. For more information about management methods for a specific aquatic invasive plant, please refer to our Aquatic Invasive Species & Management webpage.

• Hand harvesting
  • Plants are removed by divers by hand
• Diver assisted suction harvesting (DASH)
  • Plants are removed by divers by hand and fed into a suction tube for above-water collection and dewatering
• Mechanical harvesting
  • Plants are cut with a blade and collected via conveyor system onto the harvesting barge for on-shore disposal
• Benthic barriers
  • Plants are covered with a weighted down material (similar to a tarp) to limit light availability and prevent growth
• Drawdown
  • Plants are exposed when water levels are lowered and are subject to drying and freezing as this is done in the winter
• Herbicide application
  • Areas of plant growth are specifically targeted for application utilizing an aquatic herbicide to impact the plants

Deciding which management method(s) to utilize is based on many individual circumstances, such as contiguous acres of infested area, density of infested area(s), presence of significant or sensitive protected species, management goals, budget, and permitting requirements. For assistance in understanding specific circumstances and how to prioritize, please email the Lakes & Ponds Program at [e-mail].