Week highlights work against invasive species in Alaska

Week highlights work against invasive species in Alaska

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has designated the week of June 14-20, 2026, as Alaska Invasive Species Awareness Week, which highlights the work of groups such as the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership to manage invasive species in Alaska.

A growing number of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species are entering Alaska through multiple pathways. Early detection and rapid response are critical tools for preventing the spread of invasive species in Alaska and helping mitigate their negative impacts.

Examples of ongoing, collaborative invasive species management work in Alaska include trapping European green crab around Annette Island and early-detection monitoring in coastal communities from Ketchikan to Dutch Harbor. The crabs feed on mussels, oysters, clams, native crabs and juvenile salmon and destroy near-shore habitats that are important to native marine species.

AKISP members have also targeted European bird cherry and chokecherry trees (Prunus padus and Prunus virginiana). Their rapid spread into undisturbed forests combined with concern over their impacts to moose forage and riparian habitat makes them priority species for survey and control.

AKISP members work with regional Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas across the state to map and manage infestations while researching and promoting noninvasive planting alternatives. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service has also released an educational video to inform the public about the invasive chokecherry trees.

The Alaska Division of Agriculture signed a quarantine order effective Sept. 1, 2025, to stop the importation, transport and sale of these trees.

Surveys and efforts to control invasive northern pike in Southcentral Alaska continue. Pike are native to watersheds north and west of the Alaska Range but were introduced to watersheds in Southcentral Alaska, where they threaten native salmonid populations. The AKISP developed an Invasive Northern Pike Management Plan, which has been an important tool for prioritizing management work.

Alaskans and visitors can report an invasive species by calling 1-877-INVASIV (468-2748) or by using the Alaska Department of Fish and Game online reporter.

For more information, follow the AKISP Facebook page, sign up for the AKISP listserv, or visit the AKISP website. A statewide invasive species workshop will be held in Juneau, Oct. 27-29.

For more information on aquatic invasive species, including European green crab, contact Tammy Davis with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game at [email protected] or 907-465-6183.

For more information on terrestrial invasive plants, including European bird cherry and chokecherry, contact Gino Graziano, University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service at [email protected] or 907-786-6315.

For more information on northern pike, contact Parker Bradley, Alaska Department of Fish and Game at [email protected] or 907-746-6328.

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