Goal 2: Eradication Invasive Exotic Species By Implementing  EDRR

PRIORITY STRATEGIES

Strategy 2A1: Implement a systematic, prioritized, multi-species monitoring and inventory plan.

Current Activities:

• Continue to implement the Corridors of Invasiveness Vital Sign project for Plants (SFCN NPS)
• Continue to implement the Everglades Invasive Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring Program (FWC/UF)
• Continue to implement the early detection of new exotic fish species in adjacent canals vital sign project (NPS)
• Continue trapping program to detect new exotic forest pests (FDACS-DPI)
• Continue monitoring program to detect presence of any exotic psyllids and Liberibacter species that might prove harmful to Florida agriculture (FDACS-DPI)
• Continue to conduct Northern African python surveys (FWC/ USGS)
• Continue to monitor for the Mexican Red Bellied Squirrel (NPS/BNP)
• Continue digital area sketch mapping for Laurel Wilt within the ECISMA boundary (NPS)
• Continue NPS/USGS efforts  to develop reporting and response network for DOI lands in the South Florida Ecosystem (USGS/NPS)
• Fruit Fly Survey and Detection (FDACS)
• Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (FDACS)
• Nile Monitor Eradication Project (FWC)
• Development of comprehensive fish monitoring programs in Everglades National Park (NPS)
• Metagenomic survey in south Florida waters (USDA)
• Exotic Species Reporting Hotline and Database Maintenance (I've Got 1) (FWCC)

Gaps:

• Develop a system wide SFER regional monitoring network, by synthesizing ongoing IES monitoring networks by:
• 1a) Leveraging existing monitoring activities (current)
• 1b) Assessing gaps (needed projects)
  

• Evaluate existing surveillance protocols or programs and develop or augment programs, for example:
• Apply existing Burmese python eDNA method in systematic surveys of south Florida waterways to monitor possible range expansions
• Expand comprehensive aquatic species monitoring programs to the entire South Florida Ecosystem
• Expand the Corridors of Invasiveness Vital Sign project for Plants to the entire South Florida Ecosystem

• Develop improved methods for monitoring through research and statistical designs
• Increase capacity/coordination for conducting systematic reconnaissance for invasive species and responding to reports of potential new species from I've Got1 network and others

Strategy 2A3: Employ science and technology for development of early detection tools, e.g., surveys, traps, inspections.

Current Activities:

• Continue to develop and validate eDNA methods for detection of invasive reptiles (USGS)
• Development of eDNA for Nile Monitor detection and removal (USDA)
• Fruit Fly Eradication Methods Development (FDACS)
• Metagenomic survey in south Florida waters (USDA)
• Continue to improve the probability of detection of invasive reptiles (UF)
• Burmese python eDNA development and application (USDA-APHIS)
• Tegu trap evaluation/design (USGS)
• Psyllid traps (FDACS)

Gaps:

• Conduct mesocosm trials to detect eDNA levels in flowing water, soils, and other varying environmental conditions to inform eDNA sampling
• Conduct eDNA sampling
• To detect expansion of pythons into Loxahatchee NWR
• In area occupied by Northern African Python to assess success of eradication effort
• Aquatic species DNA (bring from Prevention)
• Investigate/Develop pheromone attractants for use in detecting/trapping incipient populations
• Metagenomic survey in south Florida waters, part 2
• Detector dog program expansion to other species
• Build capacity to conduct surveys

Strategy 2A5: Establish rapid assessment and response programs/processes/ cooperatives/tools that allow for nimble attempts at eradication.

Current Activities:

• Utilize existing FWC on-call expert and responder lists (FWC)
• Continue to implement the Corridors of Invasiveness Vital Sign project for Plants (SFCN NPS)
• Continue to implement the early detection of new exotic fish species in adjacent canals vital sign project (NPS)
• Strike Teams such as, ECISMA EDRR and FISST (FWS, FDACS/USDA, and NPS)
• Everglades Invasive Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring Program (FWC/UF)
• Continue to assess the effects of exotic fish on Everglades structure and function: risk assessment (ENP/USGS)

Gaps:

• Formalize cooperative EDRR activities including emergency response
• Develop on-call expert and responder lists.
• Assemble technical expert work groups for specific species of concern.
• Develop Response Action Plan (RAP) for each taxa, utilizing the ECISMA EDRR response protocol.
• Expand and enhance training programs for rapid responders.
• Reduce barriers to interagency EDRR efforts such as permitting issues for responders.
• Establish dedicated resources (funding and staff) for an EDRR Team to conduct rapid assessment and initiate rapid response.
• Update and provide access to EDRR guidelines, model response plans, and other resources.

Strategy 2B1: Rapidly assess the status and potential threat of newly detected invasive exotic species populations and develop a response/no response plan.

Current Activities:

• ECISMA EDRR Plan (ECISMA)
• Strike Teams (FWS, FWC and FDACS)

Gaps:

• Cooperatively implement rapid assessment process that is accepted by participating entities

Strategy 2C1: Initiate rapid response based upon the plan of action developed during the assessment phase.

Current Activities:

• Chameleon efforts (FWC)
• Eradicate the Gambian Pouch Rat (FDACS/FWC)
• Develop and implement a FWS Florida Invasive Species Strike Team (USFWS)
• ECISMA EDRR: Continue to eradicate Chrysopogon aciculatus from Air Force base property in Homestead (FDACS-DPI/ECISMA)
• Giant African Land Snail Eradication Program (FDACS)
• Continue developing response network including Authorized Agents for rapid response to new invasive reptile observation on NPS lands (USGS/NPS)
• ECISMA EDRR: Sacred ibis retrieval (ECISMA)
• MDFR Rapid Response and Invasive Species Removal (Miami-Dade County)
• Fruit Fly (FDACS)
• Exotic mangroves (NPS)
• Bay snook (FWC)
• Caiman and spectacled caiman (EIRAMP)(FWC/UF)
• FWC Exotic Species Rapid Response (FWC)

Gaps:

• The EDRR team will establish strike teams to implement the action plan, such as:
• Enhance the existing FWS Florida Invasive Species Strike Team
• Enhance NPS Strike Team for animals
• Develop Incident Command Structure and training courses for rapid response activities, modeled on successful programs elsewhere
• Continue/expand  support and funding for a formal interagency invasive species strike team