Abstract
Over the past several decades, there has been a heightened national concern regarding the impacts of invasive species on our natural resources. Aquatic invasive species are now considered by some experts to be the second most important threat to biodiversity after habitat destruction. Cornell University researchers estimate the negative economic impact of non-native plants alone is approximately $137 billion annually. Unfortunately, this survey included pathogens, bacteria, and unrelated invasive species that impact land and water resources. It will be important for a University to invest its resources to come up with a real picture on the economic impacts of both land and aquatic invasive species for industries to develop initiatives and programs to help stop the transport of invasive species both nationally and internationally.
Comments
Abstracts of presentations given on Tuesday, 12 July 2005, in session 1 of the UCOWR conference.