Enabling decisions that make a difference: guidance for improving access to and analysis of invasive species information

Wallace, R. D., Bargeron, C. T. & Reaser, J. K. (2020). Enabling decisions that make a difference: guidance for improving access to and analysis of invasive species information. Biol Invasions, 22:37-45. PDF.

Summary

Making well-informed decisions about invasive species management, particularly about early detection species, depends heavily on access to up-to-date information on the distribution, abundance, and impacts of species.  Many repositories currently exist for documenting this information including BISON (USGS Biodiversity Information Serving Our Nation), EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System), iMapInvasives, and USGS NAS (Nonindigenous Aquatic Species).  While these data storage hubs serve distinct roles and stakeholders, improved sharing and accessibility of data housed within them is critical to their long-term viability and optimal use. Data sharing across borders is particularly important for quickly identifying and responding to early infestations of range-shifting invasive species. In this paper, Wallace at al. identify barriers to greater sharing and describe a series of recommendations for overcoming them and increasing standardization and data quality across repositories.

Take home points

  • This paper suggests a set of data standards that the U.S. could adopt to support quality data collection & sharing, including standards for mapping, taxonomy, and impacts assessment. 

  • More coordination and cross-listing of occurrence data is needed to support EDRR efforts.

  • Existing occurrence databases could be improved by including information about impacts, management options, and management effectiveness for invasive species.

Management implications

  • More data sharing is needed, particularly from scientific studies, which often fail to archive data in open source repositories.

  • With the movement of species across political boundaries as climate changes, having centralized and sharable forms of data becomes increasingly important, especially when thinking about early detection and rapid response scenarios. BISON, EDDMapS, and iMapInvasives are the three largest repositories that exist today.

Keywords

Management Efficacy; Impact Study; Review; Invasive Plant