RIVRLab Approachs and Objectives

A key focus in our research is biological control, using introduced specialist natural enemies as well as taking advantage of, or augmenting, currently established consumers to suppress environmental weeds and other pest organisms. All of the current projects are dedicated:
- to understand factors that are driving observed patterns of species invasions,
- to develop methods for successful management to restore native communities. Our investigations deal with the primary impact of the number of invasive species like: New Zealand Mudsnail, Arundo donax, Tamarisk and Cape Ivy.

The RIVRLab has been involved in numerous studies in the Santa Clara sytem, including evaluation of impacts of Arundo invasion and potential application of biological control of it and other invasive plants such as tamarisk and Cape ivy. We are in the process of developing a research station in the watershed to facilitate research on native and non-native species in the watershed.

In collaboration with the USGS, we are evaluating effectiveness of methods for controlling tamarisk, and for promoting recovery of riparian plants and associated wildlife. The recent introduction of the Saltcedar Leaf Beetle, Diorhabda elongata, for suppressing tamarisk in the Virgin River provides the opportunity to conduct intensive evaluation of the beetle's dispersal and establishment process...

The SCSWRC is a multi-disciplinary consortium scientists from the UC, the National Marine Fisheries Service that conducts research and restoration programs to promote conservation of endangered Southern Steelhead Trout, associated aquatic and riparian species. The Center is affiliated with the Coastal Research Center and administered through the Marine Science Institute at UCSB.

NEWS & EVENTS

	UCSB Press Release: California Sea Grant awarded new project led by Thomas Dudley associate research biologist with the Marine Science Institute, and Armand Kuris, professor of Zoology, Ecology, Evolution & Marine Biology. It is entitled: “Could the Release of Snail Parasites Halt the New Zealand Mud Snail?” Working with Dudley and Kuris will be Kevin Lafferty of the U.S. Geological Society.
	The L.A. Times: The NZMS introduction and spread is a hot topic among researchers and is becoming a publicly discussed issue, however the effect of these invasive snails on ecosystems still remain less well known than other invaders like Zebra and Quagga Mussels.
	The Christian Science Monitor: In arid West, a foreign legion of beetles takes on a thirsty invader. Scientists say the beetles released on Southwest riverbanks could tame the water-sucking tamarisk trees.

 

 

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