Apple snails: discussions of past problems and future solutions for an emerging pest in United States agriculture/aquaculture

Authors: Richardson, Brad; COWIE, ROBERT - University Of Hawaii; WILSON, BLAKE - Louisiana State University; HAYES, KENNETH - Pacific Center For Molecular Biodiversity; BYERS, JAMES - University Of Georgia; QIU, JIANGXIAO - University Of Florida; ROSSER, THOMAS - Mississippi State University; MISCHKE, CHARLES - Mississippi State University; BURKS, ROMI - Mississippi State University; LUCERO, JULIAN - Louisiana State University; RODA, AMY - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), National Wildlife Center

Submitted to: World Aquaculture Magazine
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/2024
Publication Date: 3/15/2024
Citation: Richardson, B.M., Cowie, R.H., Wilson, B.E., Hayes, K.A., Byers, J.E., Qiu, J., Rosser, T.G., Mischke, C.C., Burks, R.L., Lucero, J.M., Roda, A.L. 2024. Apple snails: discussions of past problems and future solutions for an emerging pest in United States agriculture/aquaculture. World Aquaculture Magazine. 55(1):46-48.

Interpretive Summary: Apple snails are prominent invasive species in many regions of the world, including the United States. In recent years, the Island Apple Snail has shown an increasingly detrimental impact on the rice and crawfish industries of the southeastern US. In an effort to better understand this species, and direct future research and management practices, a 3-day virtual workshop was co-hosted by APHIS and ARS in February 2023. The workshop featured experts and invited speakers discussing past issues and current strategies for the control of the species in various settings. Following each set of speakers, an open-forum Q&A session was provide for further discussions on a variety of topics ranging from human health concerns, to current invaded ranges, and ecological impacts. More than 150 individuals participated across the 3-day event, with representatives from state and federal agencies, universities, policy makers, NGOs, industry, and the public. A recording of the workshop can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/apple-snail-workshop.

Technical Abstract: Apple snails are prominent invasive species in many regions of the world, including the United States. In recent years, the Island Apple Snail has shown an increasingly detrimental impact on the rice and crawfish industries of the southeastern US. In an effort to better understand this species, and direct future research and management practices, a 3-day virtual workshop was co-hosted by APHIS and ARS in February 2023. The workshop featured experts and invited speakers discussing past issues and current strategies for the control of the species in various settings. Following each set of speakers, an open-forum Q&A session was provide for further discussions on a variety of topics ranging from human health concerns, to current invaded ranges, and ecological impacts. More than 150 individuals participated across the 3-day event, with representatives from state and federal agencies, universities, policy makers, NGOs, industry, and the public. A recording of the workshop can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/apple-snail-workshop.