Handling invasive species

Temperate grasslands are biodiversity hotspots holding the world record for plant species richness at small spatial scales. However, area and quality of grasslands have declined dramatically, and a large number of grassland species today occupy refuge habitats along road verges. Sustainable green infrastructure with species-rich road verges thus offers great prospects for compensating the loss of grassland ecosystem services. As linear habitats, road verges are prone to colonisation by non-native species, which is currently the greatest threat to species-rich road verges. Dominant non-native plants close to roads lead to increasing problems for traffic safety and road maintenance. Since these species cannot be eradicated, evidence-based methods for cost-efficient management and tools for prioritizing management are crucial. The aim of this project is to improve ecosystem functions and services of species-rich road verges through evidence-based control and monitoring of invasive plants at the landscape scale. The main objective is to develop a phenology-driven mowing regime optimized for the control of the invasive Garden Lupine (Lupinus polyphyllus) along species-rich road verges. Additionally, using remotely sensed data we will develop geospatial methods for cost-efficient landscape-scale monitoring and success control of local eradication measures. We will do three experiments to identify the optimal mowing point and evaluate the effects of different mowing regimes and of unconventional control measures for both the Garden Lupine and the native vegetation. We will develop a GIS-based method for cos tefficient monitoring of lupine populations and for evaluation of success of control measures. The project will develop tools and hands-on techniques that can be applied nationally through the Swedish EPA and The Swedish Traffic Administration, which will be summarised in a handbook for management and monitoring of Garden Lupine.

Lutz Eckstein, Karlstad University
lutz.eckstein@kau.se
Phone: +46547002278

3 998 659 SEK

This project will develop a cost-efficient program to control the invasive species Lupinus polyphyllus in Sweden. Invasive organisms have a wide range of negative effects on biodiversity and ecosystem function, and these negative effects are expected to increase with a changing climate. This calls for actions to prevent introduction of new, potentially invasive, species, as well as to control and reduce population sizes of invasive species once established. One important aspect of such efforts is that problems associated with a given invasive species often varies considerably between habitats and geographical regions. To use limited resources efficiently and develop successful management plans, it is thus necessary to gain a better knowledge of both under what conditions invasive species constitute a potential problem, and how different management actions influence the long-term population growth of targeted invasive plants. This project will use a two-fold approach to develop a cost-efficient management program. First, we will examine in what geographic regions and under what environmental conditions that Lupinus constitutes a potential problem, and when actions to control the species are at all needed. Second, we will assess how cost-efficient different management practices to reduce long-term population growth rates are. We will both explore the situation under current conditions, and future scenarios under different assumptions about climate change. The project objectives will be reached by using species distribution modelling as well as controlled management experiments replicated in multiple years and in different geographical regions and habitats combined with demographic modelling. Taken together, the results of the project will provide a solid basis for a cost-efficient control program, that is not only possible to implement episodically and at small spatial scales, but that is feasible to maintain over large areas and long time periods.

Johan Ehrlén, Stockholm University
johan.ehrlen@su.se
Phone: +46730660832

3 915 250 SEK

Based on the extensive body of knowledge on negative effects of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) on biodiversity, infrastructure and people’s livelihoods, regulations are in place to prevent existing and future spread of IAS (e.g., IPBES 2019, EU regulation No 1143/2014, SE regulation 2018/1939). Accordingly, EU member states need to take measures to stop the spread, implement monitoring and aim to eradicate species of union concern. These species and the species under evaluation by the Swedish authorities are, or will soon become, the focus of widespread control measures. Presently, invasive alien plants are controlled by a diversity of methods and result in biomass that must be disposed of either packed in plastic bags, transported to a waste disposal facility for combustion, or placed in land fill or deep burying. The current procedure involves non-sustainable and costly transport of biomass, which can be expected to increase. The aim of the proposed project is to develop environmentally friendly and economically efficient methods for the control and handling of clonal Invasive Alien Plants (IAPs). First, we will assess the potential for directing biomass of Invasive Alien Plants towards composting rather than landfill, and secondly evaluate a pig grazing method for on-site biological control, using Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica as a model system. From a risk analysis perspective, clonal IAPs, such as Japanese Knotweed, can regrow from very small rhizome fragments and quickly regenerate. Based on this capacity for regrowth, regulators are likely to require a strong basis of evidence that on-site biological control methods and composting do not result in spread of the IAPs, evidence that is currently lacking. The objectives of this project will be to: (1) Test heat treatment of rhizome material of Invasive Alien Plants to evaluate the potential for composting (2) Investigate below-ground grazing as a method for on-site biological control of Invasive Alien Plants.

Tina D'Hertefeldt, Lund University
tina.dhertefeldt@biol.lu.se
Phone: +462223775

2 679 415 SEK

Invasive alien species (IAS) is a major threat to biodiversity and effective management of IAS in the marine environment is impeded by lack of knowledge regarding their prevalence and vectors of dispersal. Management and mitigation of marine IAS is also notoriously difficult. The Pacific oyster is a marine IAS that established in Sweden in 2006. The species may cause negative as well as positive effects and is also of high commercial value. Consequently, management of the species is challenging. The ambition of this project is to facilitate management of invasive species with a commercial value to fulfil both ecological and socioeconomic objectives under the principles of circular economy and sustainability. We will do this by using the Pacific oyster as a case and develop a dynamic management model based on a zonation of the Swedish coast with specific management objectives and measures in each zone. For each zone, components of relevance to management will be included, e.g., oyster density and substrate, and the components will be structured into a framework leading to suggestions of management methods for each specific situation. All measures will be evaluated from a cost-benefit perspective to ensure economically sound management strategies. The project will provide vital information on the processes affecting range expansion of marine IAS in general, and the Pacific oyster in particular, and will provide a scientific basis for development of realistic management options. The general principles of the model can be used also for development of management strategies for other marine IAS of commercial interest. This tool can support a range of different authorities in their work to reduce the negative impacts of IAS on environment and society while optimizing the benefits, and ultimately support a sustainable development in relation to national and international legislation, national environmental goals, generation goals and agenda 2030.

Åsa Strand, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute
asa.strand@ivl.se
Phone: +46107886605

3 999 834 SEK

We propose a four-year interdisciplinary research project on marine Invasive Alien Species (IAS). We will use two invasive model species and a well-defined geographical area in order to be able to focus our research questions and to develop a high degree of detailed local and species knowledge. The project aims both to develop practical advice and descriptions of cost-effective in-situ methods for eradication and control of IAS for stakeholders and end-users as well as to increase knowledge and develop a new methodology to be used by authorities and stakeholders to advance the work of managing marine invasive alien species in Swedish coastal areas.

The new methodology builds on four key steps in a chain of management actions designed to:

1. Prevent primary introductions from marine shipping and secondary introductions from e.g. leisure boats by cost-adjusted restrictions and regulations e.g. for anchoring times and cleaning of hull etc.
2. Detect early stages of new IAS introductions through public awareness and citizen science.
3. Track and predict secondary introductions following primary introductions by high-resolution coastal models coupled with detailed knowledge of life-history traits and the dispersal biology of the IAS.
4. Implement cost-effective in-situ methods to eradicate, or as far as possible control IAS.

The research project will take place in close collaboration with an ongoing (2020–2023) national environmental monitoring project aimed at "monitoring for early detection of marine invasive alien species through ocean literacy and citizen science" (HaV Dnr: 1653-2020).

The results from the research project will be published in scientifically reviewed journals, in interim and final reports to the Swedish Maritime and Water Administration, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the Swedish Transport Administration, as well as end-user oriented reports describing practical advices and eradication methods.

Lena Granhag, Chalmers University of Technology
lena.granhag@chalmers.se
Phone: +46317721461

3 905 000 SEK

The overall aim with this application is to develop new methods for removal of the invasive brook trout and to evaluate the effect of removal on ecosystems. Invasions by non-native species worldwide are a major threat to global biodiversity leading to species extinctions and disruption of ecosystem services and functions. Considerable resources are deployed to manage invasive species. However, there are numerous failures in the permanent removal of invaders, particularly in complex natural systems. One possible explanation to the lack of success is that removal methods are phenotypically biased and might for instance favour more or less bold/active phenotypes in the remaining invasive population, which can influence the rate and impacts of the invasion.  However, there is little empirical evidence of how removal-driven changes in multiple phenotypic traits of surviving individuals of invasive species can affect ecosystem functioning and recovery. Here we will be using brook trout as a model species, an invader that has established self-reproducing population throughout northern Europe to test and validate different methods of removal. We will by establishing control population of known phenotypical distribution and a combination of brown trout (Salmo trutta) with (sympatry) and without (allopatry) brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)? be able to test and compare the efficiency of different methods across species and phenotypical traits. The response and recovery of the ecosystem will be investigated by evaluating the composition of the benthic invertebrates and diet of the fish as well as the potential impact that brook trout might have on the interaction between brown trout and the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. Our results will provide valuable insights into the resilience of stream ecosystem and help manager to restore and maintain the important and valuable ecosystem services and biodiversity connected to these habitats.

Johan Höjesjö, Gothenburg University
johan.hojesjo@bioenv.gu.se
Phone: +46317863636

3 506 105 SEK

Ballast water-mediated transfer of aquatic invasive species is considered a major threat to marine biodiversity, marine industry and human health. A ballast water is needed to comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) ballast water discharge regulations. These regulations resulted in the development of measures to support proper control and management of ships’ ballast water as well as ballast water treatment technologies to minimize discharge of viable organisms. To ensure their compliance with the regulations, we need rapid and robust analytical methods for the detection of viable organisms in the ballast water. Whereas various techniques for viability assessment in bacteria, algae, and motile invertebrates are available, there are no reliable methods for the detection of viable eggs, larvae, and dormant stages of benthic and pelagic invertebrates. However, these life stages are usually the most resistant and many invertebrates are invasive and prone to be transported with ballast water. Therefore, including eggs and larval stages in the test battery for the treatment efficiency of ballast water is essential for the prevention of the biological invasions in aquatic systems. We propose to develop a methodology for viability assessment in eggs and larval stages of crustaceans, mollusks, and rotifers. The method and sample preparation will be compatible with other existing approaches for viability analysis and shipboard sampling. Further, we will evaluate the method applicability using technologies approved for the treatment of ballast water and verify the treatment performance. Finally, we will implement our protocols for high-throughput analysis using commercially available detection systems and communicate our findings to the experts and stakeholders working with ballast water regulations and technologies.

Elena Gorokhova, Stockholm University
elena.gorokhova@aces.su.se
Phone: +4686747341

3 389 528 SEK

Introduction of alien species is a severe risk for biodiversity and ecosystem services, especially in aquatic ecosystems. The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is an invasive fish that spread by ships from the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea. It is a serious threat against native species due to its high reproductive capacity, ability to tolerate wide environmental conditions, and superior competitiveness compared to other bottom dwelling species. In 2008, the species was first reported in Sweden, in Karlskrona archipelago, and has since, invaded several coastal areas in Sweden and at least two freshwater systems. Negative effects are reported in the Great Lakes in North America and from Europe, but it is unclear what the effects will be in Sweden. Along with the increased spread of the species, the need for counteractive measures grows alarmingly. Our proposal will unite stakeholder needs and scientific practice to tackle the threat to ecosystem services caused by the invasive round goby. We aim to quantify the impact of round goby in Swedish waters and develop and test new methods to mitigate the negative effects. We focus partly on reducing dispersal into freshwater, which is of increasing risk due to the process of adapting Swedish hydropower to environmental law by constructing fishways, and partly on reducing population density (by a fishery or natural predators). We also investigate the potential for round goby commercial fishing. This work consists both of collating existing data and getting new knowledge through experiments and field studies. The goal is to develop cost efficient, realistic and ready to use management tools.

Ann-Britt Florin, SLU
ann-britt.florin@slu.se
Phone: +46104784122

4 000 000 SEK

Sweden is now facing its first ever biological invasion by a non-indigenous species (NIS) of fish (the round goby, Neogobius melanostomus) in a fully marine environment. This invasion event is unprecedented, and current knowledge severely limits any form of action to limit the range or the rate of the goby invasion. There are previously no successful eradications of the round goby, and there are no examples where marine invasive fish have been eradicated or limited by human ingenuity. The situation is also unique since the Swedish west-coast is a very different environment to the degraded and species poor Baltic Sea where the round goby is spreading rapidly. We cannot expect the invasion to occur identically in these two regions and we need new knowledge to analyze the situation. The purpose of the proposed studies is to provide Swedish agencies and the global research community with knowledge of how two important ecological processes can help to protect the marine coastal environments from rapidly becoming colonized by invasive fish. These two processes are (1) top-down control from predation, and (2) lack of niche space due to high biodiversity. This knowledge will be obtained through three separate scientific studies where we aim to: (1) observe to what extent predators such as cod (Gadus morhua) and eel (Anguilla anguilla) prey on round goby; (2) relate biodiversity measurements to the density of round gobies over time. If the two studied processes are shown to mitigate round goby numbers, conservation of both predators and biodiversity can be used as ecological “bio-control” tools to limit the spread of the species. We also expect this knowledge to add to the importance of protecting predators and biodiversity as conservation goals by themselves, and lead to combined conservation strategies that are both cost-effective and highly sustainable.

Leon Green Ekelin, Gothenburg University
leon.green@bioenv.gu.se
Phone: +46704761480

3 649 214 SEK