Improving the Efficiency of Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention: An interdisciplinary approach

The management of aquatic invasive species (AIS) occurs in a complex and dynamic context, requiring an integrated approach that connects science and management to increase efficiency and effectiveness. However, successfully developing such an approach requires methods from multiple disciplines to understand the interconnectedness and interactions that occur across scales and engage stakeholders in the process. In Minnesota, the watercraft inspection program plays a large role in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. It is one of the largest watercraft inspection programs in operation, functioning at both the state and county levels. The objectives of this work were 1.) to increase efficiency in watercraft inspection plans of the program, 2.) to improve our understanding of trade-offs in bi-level management, and 3.) to foster collaboration between AIS managers. In this presentation, I will provide an overview of tools we have developed to meet our objectives and highlight how interdisciplinary methods were useful in connecting science and management to support decision-making.