Angela Bobeldyk

Project Title: ”Meta-analysis of aquatic invasive invertebrates in freshwater ecosystems of the contiguous U.S.“

External Partnership: Jennifer Molnar (The Nature Conservancy)

Documentation and regulation of ‘injurious wildlife’ in the U.S. largely has focused on terrestrial plants (i.e., noxious weeds and agricultural pests) and vertebrate species (i.e., mammals and fish). Before Angela's project, no cohesive synthesis existed for documenting the number and location of aquatic invertebrate invaders in freshwater ecosystems. In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Angela built a comprehensive database to analyze the number and location of invasive aquatic invertebrate species (IAIS) in the contiguous U.S. In addition, the relationship between the number of known IAIS in an area to the state regulations concerning IAIS from existing literature was also assessed. This database helped to answer the following questions: How many invasive invertebrates are found in freshwater ecosystems of the U.S.? Does the distribution of invasions cluster in ‘hotspots of invasion’ associated with high travel and trade? As predicted, Angela's research has shown that the Great Lakes region will have more aquatic invasive invertebrates in freshwaters than other U.S. regions due to a high exchange of ballast water and extensive international trade. In addition, her research has shown that the number of state laws and regulations related to invasive species is highly correlated with the number of documented aquatic invertebrate invasions. Angela's research of invasive species has (1) allowed agencies such as The Nature Conservancy to develop better prevention and control efforts for aquatic invasions, and (2) has helped to inform the general public of the effects of IAIS on aquatic ecosystems.

Distinctive Outcomes: Since her involvement with CAC, Angela has landed the Knauss Science Policy Fellowship in Washington D.C. She currently has a permanent job at NOAA.