Ecological Risk and Management of Nonindigenous Aquatic Species

Nonindigenous aquatic species (NAS), commonly referred to as nonnative aquatic species, represent a significant and escalating concern for ecosystems around the world. These species, which include fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and plants, are defined as species that do not naturally occur in a certain watershed or exist beyond their historic geographic boundaries. Currently, the United States alone harbors over 1,300 known NAS, highlighting the extensive scale of this ecological issue.

The introduction and dispersal of NAS is closely linked to human activities, making their management and control a multidimensional challenge. Human actions such as the release of pets into the wild, barriers and flow modifications in waterway systems, and increased outdoor recreational activities facilitate their introduction and dispersal. Alongside these activities, suitable environmental conditions in the new habitats, influenced by land-use practices and climate change, amplify the survival and propagation chances of these species. This interaction between anthropogenic activities and natural environmental factors exemplifies how human influence interfaces with ecological processes to exacerbate the spread of NAS.

The presence of NAS poses a severe threat to native species and their ecosystems. By competing for resources, NAS can disrupt food webs, significantly decrease local biodiversity, and even lead to the extinction of indigenous species. Their introduction often leads to unforeseen alterations within ecosystem dynamics, such as nutrient cycling and energy flow, which can have long-term detrimental effects on environmental health. Moreover, the economic ramifications are profound; billions of dollars are expended annually on managing invasive species through control measures and restoring habitats, in addition to potential losses in industries like tourism, fisheries, and recreation.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of NAS introduction, success and proliferation is crucial. This Research Topic seeks to consolidate research efforts towards deciphering the ecological and socio-economic impacts of NAS, developing innovative approaches for monitoring and managing their spread, and fostering collaborative efforts among scientists, policymakers, and communities. Through comprehensive research and practical guidance, this initiative aims to mitigate the adverse effects of NAS, safeguard native biodiversity, and enhance the resilience of aquatic ecosystems in the face of ongoing and future invasions. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, we strive to create a robust framework for the sustainable management of nonnative aquatic species.

In this Research Topic, both original research and reviews on NAS ecology and management are welcome. Potential topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Detection of NAS and estimation of population parameters;
• Factors affecting NAS spread;
• Interactions among NAS and native species;
• Threats to ecosystem processes;
• Threats to ecosystem services;
• Management practices for NAS control;
• Impacts of climate change on NAS distribution, ecological impacts and societal consequences.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Nonindigenous aquatic species, Biodiversity loss

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.