PNWER at Work > Working Groups > Invasive Species

​Washington State Quagga and Zebra Mussel
​Prevention and Readiness Summit

The Washington State Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Quagga and Zebra Mussel Prevention and Readiness Summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders. Participants included elected officials, federal state and local government representatives, tribes, public utilities, environmental and industry associations and other key partners. The summit’s goal was to strengthen support for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) quagga and zebra mussel prevention and rapid response preparedness capabilities. The outcomes were achieved through collaborative dialogue, shared learning, and active participation from all attendees. Learn more about the summit accessing the links below​.
Hybrid In-person/Virtual Event
Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 | 9:30am-4:00pm
Location: Davenport Grand
                 333 W Spokane Falls Blvd
​                 Spokane, WA
This summit is being sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

About

In an inter-connected world the threat of invasive species continues to grow. Few areas of the globe are removed from the constant stream of people traveling in and out by land, sea and air. Though unintentional, travelers everywhere bring with them the threat of invasive species. 

Invasive species are generally defined as species that are;
  1. ​alien to the local environment, and have been introduced by direct or indirect human action; and
  2. a danger to either the local environment, or human health, society, and economic activity. ​​

In new environments, with no natural predators, invasive species are able to grow and spread rapidly. Undetected, this growth can disrupt ecosystems and society. 

According to the World Conservation Union, invasive species are the second biggest threat to biodiversity. The estimated damage worldwide from invasive species is more than $1.4 trillion. The annual cost in the United States is estimated at $120 billion. A  Canadian study, which examined just 16 invasive species, estimated annual costs at between $13.3 and $34.5 billion. ​
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National, State & Provincial Resources

US & Canada National Environmental Leadership
State & Provincial Environmental Leadership
Non-Governmental Organizations Invasive Species Work
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Leadership

Justin Bush
​Aquatic Invasive Species Policy Coordinator

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife​ 
Co-chair
Martina Beck
Unit Head, Freshwater Applied Science and Programs
Aquatic Ecosystems Branch
Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Co-chair
Senator Van T. Burtenshaw
State of Idaho
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Banner photo by Tristan Ferne