Busiahn, T.R., 1996. Ruffe Control: A Case Study of an Aquatic Nuisance Species Control Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Reprinted from "Zebra Mussels and Other Aquatic Nuisance Species." Ed. by Frank D'itri, Ann Arbor Press, 1996.

Ruffe Control: A Case Study of an Aquatic Nuisance Species Control Program

Abstract
The response of society to the problem of invading aquatic nuisance species should improve as we learn from experience, from our successes and our mistakes. One intent of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 (Act) was to make the response faster and more effective. The first "test case" for a pest control program under the Act was the nonindigenous nuisance fish, ruffe.

Since the presence of ruffe in North America was announced in 1988, a series of formal and informal groups have considered options for action, and decisions have been to act or not to act. I will review what I believe to be the most important decisions in light of what was known at the time the decisions were made.

Actions that were taken in response to the invasion of ruffe have met with limited success. Could we have done better?

Entire Paper
Control:T.R. Busiahn, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Lake Shore Drive, East, Ashland, WI 54806
Keywords: Ruffe, Prevention, Policy
Product Type: Publication, Proceedings
User Type: General