Objective

Response efforts to control invasive species frequently require making decisions in the face of substantial uncertainty. Adaptive management, which emphasizes learning during the process of managing, can be useful in cases where uncertainty impedes the decision-making process. Here, we describe how technical and institutional learning led to reformulating decision-making elements, known as double-loop learning, and how uncertainty stemming from a lack of knowledge influenced the selection of alternative strategies in an ongoing adaptive management process for invasive Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella in Lake Erie.

Methods

When response efforts began, little was known about the population dynamics, ecology, and biology of Grass Carp within the lake. The availability of funding for sustained response efforts was also unknown. A network population model was constructed that relied heavily on values and estimates from limited data to project adult Grass Carp abundance in Lake Erie and evaluate the ability of various response strategies to achieve the desired objectives. After this initial assessment, the collection of new information was emphasized as response efforts increased to aid future assessments. With this expanded knowledge and including additional input from stakeholders, we modified the population model, evaluated new response scenarios, refined objectives, and examined the influence of uncertainty (parameter and expert opinion) on Grass Carp response efforts.

Results

Under uncertainty of population model parameters and expert opinion, the value-of-information analysis revealed that uncertainties in spawning deterrent efficacy, survival, and the underlying stock–recruitment relationship were important and could change the preferred decision. The efficiency of spawning deterrents influenced the preferred decision outcome among alternative strategies, particularly when >80% of fish were allowed to pass and spawn, indicating that a deterrent may not be worth implementing if passing rates are above this threshold.

Conclusions

We thereby demonstrate the benefits for invasive species management programs of implementing learning and resolving uncertainties within an adaptive management framework to improve decision making.