Surveillance of Invasion Hotspots in Southcentral Alaska

Project ID: F25AC00407

Federal Agency: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Partner Institution: University of Alaska Anchorage

Fiscal Year: 2025

Initial Funding: $650,000

Total Funding: $650,000

Principal Investigator: Schake, Katherine

Agreement Technical Representative: Dlugolecki, Lisa

Abstract: 

Project Description:

Recognizing that Alaska is relatively free of invasions compared to southern latitudes, and the high ecological, economic, and cultural value associated with these intact ecosystems, the goal of this work is to fill a gap in early detection surveillance in an area increasingly vulnerable to invasive species, using existing decision support tools and standing partnerships. Specific objectives to achieve this broader goal may include implementing early detection monitoring programs for specific taxa (eg. dreissenids), multitaxon surveillance of priority waterbodies or landscapes, field validation of environmental DNA (eDNA) methods, intensive bioblitzes of primary invasion pathways (e.g. shipments arriving to Port of Alaska), trainings for invasive species identification or sampling techniques, species identification services, data management for presence or absence records, data reporting interface enhancements, and social science about changing habits or ideas to improve detection rates and reduce invasion risk.

The USFWS worked with UAA on the development of this project. As the project moves forward USFWS will continue to engage with UAA to determine early detection survey locations, outreach strategy, and data collection procedures and reporting.