What we track
Effective regional management of aquatic invasive species requires that species are consistently regulated across federal, provincial and state governments. Regulated species lists identify plants and animals for which certain activities are illegal in a jurisdiction – e.g., importation, sale or possession. Inconsistencies in these lists create legal gaps that can lead to an invasive species being released into the Great Lakes basin.
Blue Accounting is tracking regional consistency in restrictions against the list of Least Wanted AIS developed by the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers, as well as against species regulated at a federal level in Canada (Fisheries and Oceans Canada) and the U.S. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; U.S. Department of Agriculture). This data is paired with information on the activities that each jurisdiction regulates for these species, largely based on the analysis of Davidson et al. (2021).
Why it matters
Species regulations are the foundation of effective AIS prevention programs. These policies regulate the import, sale, transportation, possession, and release of invasive species and create the legal framework for work implemented by state/provincial agencies. Regulatory consistency between jurisdictions creates a level playing field for industry and consumers and helps proactively ensure that harmful species used as bait, in water gardens, in aquariums, or for other purposes will not be released into the Great Lakes basin.