The Observer, September 2004

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Council visits Homer to warn about alien invaders

Homer’s Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center was the site of a citizens’ council presentation on non-indigenous species on August 19.

Non-indigenous species are becoming an increasing concern around the world as plants, animals, and microbes are transported – sometimes intentionally, sometimes by accident – from their native environments to new ones where they can threaten local species.

Examples include the northern pike, which has invaded lakes in Southcentral Alaska, and the Chinese mitten crab and the European green crab, which have invaded West Coast ports.

The council’s chief concern is with non-indigenous species transported in the ballast water of incoming tankers, and released into Port Valdez. Research has shown they are reaching Valdez, but so far none is known to have established itself and begun reproducing.

Speakers at the forum included council Project Manager Lisa Ka’aihue, Deputy Director Marilyn Leland, and representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the University of Alaska campus in Homer.

For more information, check the council web site, www.pwsrcac.org/nis. For a presentation on the issue in your community, contact Community Liaison Linda Robinson at robinson@pwsrcac.org.