The zebra mussel is clogging water supply facilities. The brown tree snake has extirpated forests birds on Guam and the Asian tiger mosquito is causing serious human health problems in some areas. Diverse stakeholders such as agricultural commodity groups and environmental organizations have common needs to address the invasive species problem. Those affected recognize that the problem is bad and getting worse. Global pathways for invasion are multiplying rapidly, while federal authorities and programs have significant gaps.
Immediate action is needed.
The threat of biological invasions is urgent, pervasive, and growing. Alien species first established years ago are emerging from obscurity to invade our farms, rangelands, marshes, waterways, and wild lands. Many widespread invaders are expanding their ranges into new areas. The number of alien species arriving in the U.S. is increasing, both through intentional importation and inadvertent introductions as travel and trade continue to expand. The U.S. is at particular risk.