Search

Search Results

• 1. [Article] The Potential for Mitten Crab Colonization of Estuaries on the West Coast of North America

  Mitten crabs are invasive species that pose a risk to the aquatic environments of the Pacific Northwest and the economic and social activities that depend upon intact aquatic systems. The recent establishment ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Potential for Mitten Crab Colonization of Estuaries on the West Coast of North America Author: Hanson, Erik, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2005 Mitten crabs are invasive species that pose a risk to the aquatic environments of the Pacific Northwest and the economic and social activities that depend upon intact aquatic systems. The recent establishment of a large population in the San Francisco Bay and the potential for introductions from California, Asia and Europe pose a significant invasion potential for esturaires and rivers from Catifornia to Alaska. Title: The Potential for Mitten Crab Colonization of Estuaries on the West Coast of North America Author: Hanson, Erik, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2005 Mitten crabs are invasive species that pose a risk to the aquatic environments of the Pacific Northwest and the economic and social activities that depend upon intact aquatic systems. The recent establishment of a large population in the San Francisco Bay and the potential for introductions from California, Asia and Europe pose a significant invasion potential for esturaires and rivers from Catifornia to Alaska. Close

• 2. [Article] OSMB Final Report: Task 3. Containment Strategies for Eurasian Watermilfoil Infested Central OR Lakes

  In recent years, public awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) has increased considerably in Oregon and elsewhere in the western U.S.. News articles, boat inspection stations and AIS permit programs ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: OSMB Final Report: Task 3. Containment Strategies for Eurasian Watermilfoil Infested Central OR Lakes Author: Morgan, Vanessa, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2014 In recent years, public awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) has increased considerably in Oregon and elsewhere in the western U.S.. News articles, boat inspection stations and AIS permit programs have drawn attention to the threat of aquatic invasive species, especially animals like zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), and New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). However, invasive aquatic plants are also capable of causing severe impacts and may similarly be transferred between waterbodies on boats, trailers or other equipment. Heavy infestations can hinder recreational use by motorized and non-motorized boats, snag fishing lines, threaten the safety of swimmers and water-skiers, restrict delivery of irrigation water or quality of drinking water, and negatively impact aquatic habitats used by wildlife. One such plant, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), is wide-spread in much of the United States, but has only recently been found in four waterbodies in central Oregon’s Deschutes and Jefferson counties. This plant and many other macrophytes are capable of surviving when fragments or seed are carried to new waterbodies by natural or human-mediated means. While certain natural vectors like water currents and birds cannot be controlled, a containment strategy aimed at reducing secondary spread of EWM to new waterways via boat traffic would benefit aquatic resources in the region. Towards that goal, we examined boat launches at known infested waterbodies to determine: the extent of Eurasian watermilfoil, whether physical control techniques would reduce boaters’ direct encounters with this weed, and general awareness of AIS and support for local control of EWM by lake users. Title: OSMB Final Report: Task 3. Containment Strategies for Eurasian Watermilfoil Infested Central OR Lakes Author: Morgan, Vanessa, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2014 In recent years, public awareness of aquatic invasive species (AIS) has increased considerably in Oregon and elsewhere in the western U.S.. News articles, boat inspection stations and AIS permit programs have drawn attention to the threat of aquatic invasive species, especially animals like zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis), and New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum). However, invasive aquatic plants are also capable of causing severe impacts and may similarly be transferred between waterbodies on boats, trailers or other equipment. Heavy infestations can hinder recreational use by motorized and non-motorized boats, snag fishing lines, threaten the safety of swimmers and water-skiers, restrict delivery of irrigation water or quality of drinking water, and negatively impact aquatic habitats used by wildlife. One such plant, Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), is wide-spread in much of the United States, but has only recently been found in four waterbodies in central Oregon’s Deschutes and Jefferson counties. This plant and many other macrophytes are capable of surviving when fragments or seed are carried to new waterbodies by natural or human-mediated means. While certain natural vectors like water currents and birds cannot be controlled, a containment strategy aimed at reducing secondary spread of EWM to new waterways via boat traffic would benefit aquatic resources in the region. Towards that goal, we examined boat launches at known infested waterbodies to determine: the extent of Eurasian watermilfoil, whether physical control techniques would reduce boaters’ direct encounters with this weed, and general awareness of AIS and support for local control of EWM by lake users. Close

• 3. [Article] Report on the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program in 2002

  This report documents the efficacy of the first ten months of the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program, which was established by SB 895 during the 2001 legislative session. The Oregon Ballast Water ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Report on the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program in 2002 Author: Vinograd, Jordan, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2002 This report documents the efficacy of the first ten months of the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program, which was established by SB 895 during the 2001 legislative session. The Oregon Ballast Water Management Program was initiated to address the introduction of aquatic nuisance species via discharge of ballast water from ships. The Program reflects the Oregon Legislature’s recognition of the potential for aquatic nuisance species to cause economic and environmental damage to the State. Oregon Laws 2001, Chapter 722 (Appendix A), required that owners and operators of certain vessels entering Oregon waters must report the time and place ballast water was taken on and released during the voyage. Ballast water management procedures must be reported to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) at least 24 hours prior to entering waters of the state. Ballast water reporting forms required by ODEQ are the same as the forms used by neighboring states and the US Coast Guard (USCG). The law also required that the director of the ODEQ establish a task force to evaluate the success of the law and recommend appropriate changes to the 2003 Legislature. Staffing and coordination of the task force was tasked to Portland State University, subject to availability of funds. This report summarizes ballast water management activities in Oregon during the first ten months of the program (January through October 2002), and makes recommendations for amendments to Oregon laws 2001, Chapter 722 based upon compliance of the shipping industry with the law; advances in ballast treatment technologies, development of treatment standards; effectiveness of open-ocean exchange as a means of treatment; compatibility of the Oregon ballast water policy with those of the United States, west coast states and provinces; research advances; amendments to the National Invasive Species Act; and consistency of ballast water management with other invasive species management activities in Oregon. Title: Report on the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program in 2002 Author: Vinograd, Jordan, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2002 This report documents the efficacy of the first ten months of the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program, which was established by SB 895 during the 2001 legislative session. The Oregon Ballast Water Management Program was initiated to address the introduction of aquatic nuisance species via discharge of ballast water from ships. The Program reflects the Oregon Legislature’s recognition of the potential for aquatic nuisance species to cause economic and environmental damage to the State. Oregon Laws 2001, Chapter 722 (Appendix A), required that owners and operators of certain vessels entering Oregon waters must report the time and place ballast water was taken on and released during the voyage. Ballast water management procedures must be reported to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) at least 24 hours prior to entering waters of the state. Ballast water reporting forms required by ODEQ are the same as the forms used by neighboring states and the US Coast Guard (USCG). The law also required that the director of the ODEQ establish a task force to evaluate the success of the law and recommend appropriate changes to the 2003 Legislature. Staffing and coordination of the task force was tasked to Portland State University, subject to availability of funds. This report summarizes ballast water management activities in Oregon during the first ten months of the program (January through October 2002), and makes recommendations for amendments to Oregon laws 2001, Chapter 722 based upon compliance of the shipping industry with the law; advances in ballast treatment technologies, development of treatment standards; effectiveness of open-ocean exchange as a means of treatment; compatibility of the Oregon ballast water policy with those of the United States, west coast states and provinces; research advances; amendments to the National Invasive Species Act; and consistency of ballast water management with other invasive species management activities in Oregon. Close

• 4. [Article] Oregon Spartina Response Plan

  Four introduced, invasive species of Spartina (cordgrass) have been present in estuarine areas of the U.S. west coast for over a century. These Spartina species are ecological engineers- they cause severe ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Spartina Response Plan Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark, Isaacson, Dennis Year: 2007 Four introduced, invasive species of Spartina (cordgrass) have been present in estuarine areas of the U.S. west coast for over a century. These Spartina species are ecological engineers- they cause severe alternations in the hydrology and food webs of invaded estuaries that are detrimental to native wildlife and commercial and recreational uses. Oregon has been relatively free of these weeds, with only two known infestations. One infestation was eradicated by Oregon Department of Agriculture and the other is currently under eradication by The Nature Conservancy. Title: Oregon Spartina Response Plan Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark, Isaacson, Dennis Year: 2007 Four introduced, invasive species of Spartina (cordgrass) have been present in estuarine areas of the U.S. west coast for over a century. These Spartina species are ecological engineers- they cause severe alternations in the hydrology and food webs of invaded estuaries that are detrimental to native wildlife and commercial and recreational uses. Oregon has been relatively free of these weeds, with only two known infestations. One infestation was eradicated by Oregon Department of Agriculture and the other is currently under eradication by The Nature Conservancy. Close

• 5. [Article] Report on the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program in 2004

  This report was prepared for the Oregon legislature pursuant to HB 3620, which was passed during the 2003 session of the Oregon legislature to address management of ballast water discharged from ships. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Report on the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program in 2004 Author: Flynn, Kiirsten, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 This report was prepared for the Oregon legislature pursuant to HB 3620, which was passed during the 2003 session of the Oregon legislature to address management of ballast water discharged from ships. The bill removed sediment from the definition of ballast water, allowed discharge of treated ballast water, created a task force on ballast water management, and required this report. Includes List of Acronyms, charts, graphs and maps. Title: Report on the Oregon Ballast Water Management Program in 2004 Author: Flynn, Kiirsten, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 This report was prepared for the Oregon legislature pursuant to HB 3620, which was passed during the 2003 session of the Oregon legislature to address management of ballast water discharged from ships. The bill removed sediment from the definition of ballast water, allowed discharge of treated ballast water, created a task force on ballast water management, and required this report. Includes List of Acronyms, charts, graphs and maps. Close

• 6. [Article] Oregon Ballast Water Task Force Report on Ballast Water Management in Oregon

  This report provides information and analysis on the current ballast water regulations at international, federal, regional and state levels; ballast water discharge trends in Oregon; the shipping industry’s ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Oregon Ballast Water Task Force Report on Ballast Water Management in Oregon Author: Simkanin, Christina, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2006 This report provides information and analysis on the current ballast water regulations at international, federal, regional and state levels; ballast water discharge trends in Oregon; the shipping industry’s compliance with Oregon law; and current and emerging issues affecting Oregon’s ballast water legislation. The report also provides recommendations for strengthening Oregon’s management of shipping-related pathways of invasive species introduction. Title: Oregon Ballast Water Task Force Report on Ballast Water Management in Oregon Author: Simkanin, Christina, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2006 This report provides information and analysis on the current ballast water regulations at international, federal, regional and state levels; ballast water discharge trends in Oregon; the shipping industry’s compliance with Oregon law; and current and emerging issues affecting Oregon’s ballast water legislation. The report also provides recommendations for strengthening Oregon’s management of shipping-related pathways of invasive species introduction. Close

• 7. [Article] Prioritizing Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring in the Columbia River Basin

  The purpose of this report is to provide a framework for the prioritization of water bodies in the Columbia River Basin and the Greater Northwest region (surrounding areas in Oregon, Washington, California, ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Prioritizing Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring in the Columbia River Basin Author: Wells, Steve W., Counihan, Timothy D., Puls, Amy, Sytsma, Mark, Adair, Brian Year: 2011 The purpose of this report is to provide a framework for the prioritization of water bodies in the Columbia River Basin and the Greater Northwest region (surrounding areas in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming) for early detection monitoring for dreissenid mussels. Our ability to assess the relative risk of establishment and introduction of dreissenid mussels was confounded by significant gaps in the data necessary to rigorously predict where dreissenid mussels will become introduced and subsequently established. Consequently, local jurisdictions should evaluate the prioritized lists provided critically and make adjustments where local knowledge and additional information dictates. Further, since invasive species can be introduced and become established in areas identified with low to very low risk of establishment and introduction, monitoring these areas will increase the probability of detecting mussels before they become locally established. Title: Prioritizing Zebra and Quagga Mussel Monitoring in the Columbia River Basin Author: Wells, Steve W., Counihan, Timothy D., Puls, Amy, Sytsma, Mark, Adair, Brian Year: 2011 The purpose of this report is to provide a framework for the prioritization of water bodies in the Columbia River Basin and the Greater Northwest region (surrounding areas in Oregon, Washington, California, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and Wyoming) for early detection monitoring for dreissenid mussels. Our ability to assess the relative risk of establishment and introduction of dreissenid mussels was confounded by significant gaps in the data necessary to rigorously predict where dreissenid mussels will become introduced and subsequently established. Consequently, local jurisdictions should evaluate the prioritized lists provided critically and make adjustments where local knowledge and additional information dictates. Further, since invasive species can be introduced and become established in areas identified with low to very low risk of establishment and introduction, monitoring these areas will increase the probability of detecting mussels before they become locally established. Close

• 8. [Article] Feral Swine Action Plan for Oregon

  Feral swine are defined as free roaming animals of the genus Sus that are not being held under domestic management or confinement. Swine have spread from Europe and Russia to habitats around the world ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Feral Swine Action Plan for Oregon Author: Sytsma, Mark, Rouhe, Arick Christopher Year: 2007 Feral swine are defined as free roaming animals of the genus Sus that are not being held under domestic management or confinement. Swine have spread from Europe and Russia to habitats around the world via human introduction. Currently, feral swine populations are established on every continent except Antarctica. Unlike other large mammal invaders, swine have a high reproductive capacity and are omnivorous, which allows for a quick assimilation into most habitats. Once a breeding population is established in an area, the population can quickly increase and negatively impact the ecosystem. A successful invasion of feral swine is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to reverse. A feral swine pest risk assessment for Oregon, released in 2004, designated feral swine as a very high-risk species due to high potential for establishment, environmental and economic impacts, and disease transmission to wildlife, livestock and humans. Economic impacts on ecosystems and disease transmission to wildlife are difficult to assess, but restoration of ecosystems and losses to agriculture and livestock have been estimated to exceed US$800 million in the United States each year. Environmental impacts include facilitation of noxious weed invasions, shifts in dominant plant species, reduction of forest regeneration, and soil erosion. Facilitation of noxious weeds and erosion due to feral swine rooting are documented in Oregon. Feral swine in Oregon have not been implicated in disease transmission to humans, but the recent E. coli outbreak from spinach grown on a California farm that caused three deaths has been genetically traced to feral swine excrement deposited in spinach fields. The feral swine population in Oregon is currently small and dispersed. Few disturbances have been documented but state and federal biologists report regular occurrence of disturbances due to feral swine. Actions to prevent the effects of an invasion fall into three categories: management, control or eradication. Of the three categories, only eradication efforts have successfully slowed or reversed the effects of swine invasions. Case studies from California, Australia, Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands and the Channel Islands off the coast of California show that management and control efforts, while effective in the short term, have not successfully kept small feral swine populations from increasing to levels that are unmanageable and uncontrollable. A four-year feral swine eradication plan is proposed. The Plan includes recommended legislative changes to facilitate eradication, outreach and education, population assessment, rapid response, and eradication elements. A 0.5 FTE position is required at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement the plan. Eradication of feral swine in Oregon is estimated to require a four-year, $1.29 million effort. Follow-up control of new releases and escapes will require a maintenance effort estimated at less than $50,000 per year (excluding contingency funds for emergency response). These costs are small relative to the value of the $3.6 billion Oregon agriculture and livestock industries and the investment Oregon has made in riparian restoration efforts. Sustained control of feral swine in Oregon will require a longterm commitment that will include annual domestic swine marking, education, and monitoring. Title: Feral Swine Action Plan for Oregon Author: Sytsma, Mark, Rouhe, Arick Christopher Year: 2007 Feral swine are defined as free roaming animals of the genus Sus that are not being held under domestic management or confinement. Swine have spread from Europe and Russia to habitats around the world via human introduction. Currently, feral swine populations are established on every continent except Antarctica. Unlike other large mammal invaders, swine have a high reproductive capacity and are omnivorous, which allows for a quick assimilation into most habitats. Once a breeding population is established in an area, the population can quickly increase and negatively impact the ecosystem. A successful invasion of feral swine is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to reverse. A feral swine pest risk assessment for Oregon, released in 2004, designated feral swine as a very high-risk species due to high potential for establishment, environmental and economic impacts, and disease transmission to wildlife, livestock and humans. Economic impacts on ecosystems and disease transmission to wildlife are difficult to assess, but restoration of ecosystems and losses to agriculture and livestock have been estimated to exceed US$800 million in the United States each year. Environmental impacts include facilitation of noxious weed invasions, shifts in dominant plant species, reduction of forest regeneration, and soil erosion. Facilitation of noxious weeds and erosion due to feral swine rooting are documented in Oregon. Feral swine in Oregon have not been implicated in disease transmission to humans, but the recent E. coli outbreak from spinach grown on a California farm that caused three deaths has been genetically traced to feral swine excrement deposited in spinach fields. The feral swine population in Oregon is currently small and dispersed. Few disturbances have been documented but state and federal biologists report regular occurrence of disturbances due to feral swine. Actions to prevent the effects of an invasion fall into three categories: management, control or eradication. Of the three categories, only eradication efforts have successfully slowed or reversed the effects of swine invasions. Case studies from California, Australia, Hawaii, the Galapagos Islands and the Channel Islands off the coast of California show that management and control efforts, while effective in the short term, have not successfully kept small feral swine populations from increasing to levels that are unmanageable and uncontrollable. A four-year feral swine eradication plan is proposed. The Plan includes recommended legislative changes to facilitate eradication, outreach and education, population assessment, rapid response, and eradication elements. A 0.5 FTE position is required at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to implement the plan. Eradication of feral swine in Oregon is estimated to require a four-year, $1.29 million effort. Follow-up control of new releases and escapes will require a maintenance effort estimated at less than $50,000 per year (excluding contingency funds for emergency response). These costs are small relative to the value of the $3.6 billion Oregon agriculture and livestock industries and the investment Oregon has made in riparian restoration efforts. Sustained control of feral swine in Oregon will require a longterm commitment that will include annual domestic swine marking, education, and monitoring. Close

• 9. [Article] An Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Blue Lake, Fairview, Oregon

  Blue Lake, located in Fairview, is on the 1998 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality impaired water bodies for violating the upper pH standard (8.5) and supporting ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Blue Lake, Fairview, Oregon Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 Blue Lake, located in Fairview, is on the 1998 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality impaired water bodies for violating the upper pH standard (8.5) and supporting abundant aquatic weeds and alge. The lake is eutrophic and has high algal productivity, especially in mid to late summer. Curlyleaf pondweed, a non-native, invasive aquatic plant species, restricts access to and use of Blue Lake by humans. Human uses of the lake which have been impaired including boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming. Development of the current Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan was driven by the need for an integrated, adaptive management strategy which would address not only the control and prevention of invasive, nuisance plants but also their interaction with algal productivity and water quality, especially pH. The overarching goal of the Blue Lake Integrated Vegetation Management Plan is to control nuisance aquatic vegetation. Title: An Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan for Blue Lake, Fairview, Oregon Author: Pfauth, Mary, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2004 Blue Lake, located in Fairview, is on the 1998 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) 303(d) list of water quality impaired water bodies for violating the upper pH standard (8.5) and supporting abundant aquatic weeds and alge. The lake is eutrophic and has high algal productivity, especially in mid to late summer. Curlyleaf pondweed, a non-native, invasive aquatic plant species, restricts access to and use of Blue Lake by humans. Human uses of the lake which have been impaired including boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming. Development of the current Integrated Aquatic Vegetation Management Plan was driven by the need for an integrated, adaptive management strategy which would address not only the control and prevention of invasive, nuisance plants but also their interaction with algal productivity and water quality, especially pH. The overarching goal of the Blue Lake Integrated Vegetation Management Plan is to control nuisance aquatic vegetation. Close

• 10. [Article] Introduction to Common Native and Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska

  Freshwater aquatic plants are found in most lakes and rivers in Alaska. They range from tiny floating plants that can form mats on a lake surface to emergent plants growing two meters above the water. ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Introduction to Common Native and Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska Author: Morgan, Vanessa Howard, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2009 Freshwater aquatic plants are found in most lakes and rivers in Alaska. They range from tiny floating plants that can form mats on a lake surface to emergent plants growing two meters above the water. Aquatic plants are an important part of freshwater environments. They provide food and shelter for a wide variety of insects, fish, mammals, and birds; stabilize shorelines; and form an important link in nutrient cycles. To date, Alaska has had relatively few problems with invasive, non-native aquatic plants. However, invasive aquatic plants pose an increasing threat to human safety and the integrity of native aquatic communities. Actions taken to detect and prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants in Alaska are necessary in order to avoid the environmental and economic harm invasive plants have caused in other parts of the United States. The primary purposes of this manual are to aide the identification of freshwater aquatic plants that are likely to be seen in Alaska’s lakes, streams, bogs and marshes; and to help prevent the spread of harmful invasive plants. This manual was written for people who do not necessarily have a scientific background, but it also should be useful for professionals who need assistance in identifying common aquatic species. Title: Introduction to Common Native and Potential Invasive Freshwater Plants in Alaska Author: Morgan, Vanessa Howard, Sytsma, Mark Year: 2009 Freshwater aquatic plants are found in most lakes and rivers in Alaska. They range from tiny floating plants that can form mats on a lake surface to emergent plants growing two meters above the water. Aquatic plants are an important part of freshwater environments. They provide food and shelter for a wide variety of insects, fish, mammals, and birds; stabilize shorelines; and form an important link in nutrient cycles. To date, Alaska has had relatively few problems with invasive, non-native aquatic plants. However, invasive aquatic plants pose an increasing threat to human safety and the integrity of native aquatic communities. Actions taken to detect and prevent the introduction and spread of invasive aquatic plants in Alaska are necessary in order to avoid the environmental and economic harm invasive plants have caused in other parts of the United States. The primary purposes of this manual are to aide the identification of freshwater aquatic plants that are likely to be seen in Alaska’s lakes, streams, bogs and marshes; and to help prevent the spread of harmful invasive plants. This manual was written for people who do not necessarily have a scientific background, but it also should be useful for professionals who need assistance in identifying common aquatic species. Close