Pennsylvania Sea Grant: Know it, Report it, Stop it: Aquatic Invasive Species Response Training Webinar Now Available On Demand – PA Environment Digest Blog

Report on Training Initiative for Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response in Pennsylvania

Executive Summary

On October 15, 2025, Pennsylvania Sea Grant conducted a pivotal training webinar focused on the state’s Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) protocols for Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). This initiative directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), by building capacity to protect local aquatic ecosystems from the threats of invasive species. The training also advanced SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through its innovative educational approach and multi-agency collaboration.

Initiative Details and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The primary objective of the 60-minute webinar was to enhance the understanding and operational readiness of key stakeholders in implementing the Pennsylvania Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan. This plan is a critical tool for achieving targets under SDG 14 and SDG 15, which call for the conservation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and the management of invasive alien species.

• Host Organization: Pennsylvania Sea Grant
• Date: October 15, 2025
• Target Audience: Agency staff, resource managers, and conservation partners.
• Core Framework: The Pennsylvania Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan, approved by the Governor’s Invasive Species Council in 2014.

Training Methodology and Educational Impact (SDG 4)

In a unique effort to promote quality education and engagement (SDG 4), the webinar was structured as an interactive “choose your own adventure” session. This methodology guided participants through practical, real-world scenarios, reinforcing the importance of coordinated and timely action.

Key Training Components:

1. The formal steps of Pennsylvania’s Rapid Response process.
2. Procedures for action upon discovery of a suspected new invasive species.
3. Proper reporting protocols and communication channels.
4. Best practices for inter-agency coordination and management.
5. Information on funding and technical assistance programs.

This hands-on approach brought the AIS Rapid Response Plan to life, demonstrating how strategic decisions are crucial for protecting biodiversity and ensuring the health of water-related ecosystems, a key target of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Stakeholder Collaboration and Partnerships (SDG 17)

The training exemplified the power of multi-stakeholder partnerships (SDG 17) in achieving environmental goals. The event attracted 63 participants from a diverse range of agencies and organizations, fostering a collaborative network essential for effective EDRR implementation. Sara Stahlman, Extension Leader with Pennsylvania Sea Grant, emphasized that the plan serves as Pennsylvania’s “playbook” for coordinated action. Sean Hartzell of the Fish and Boat Commission also endorsed the training, highlighting its value for natural resource professionals and volunteers.

Outcomes and Contribution to Sustainable Communities (SDG 11)

The initiative yielded significant positive outcomes, contributing to the long-term environmental resilience of Pennsylvania’s communities (SDG 11). The protection of local waters from AIS is fundamental to sustaining local economies, recreation, and overall community well-being.

Participant Feedback Analysis:

• 80% of respondents reported a significant increase in their knowledge of EDRR protocols.
• 100% of respondents found the training useful and indicated their intent to apply the knowledge.

Intended Actions by Participants:

• Improve reporting of suspected invasive species.
• Educate local communities on AIS prevention.
• Initiate response actions with greater confidence.

By empowering local experts, this training directly strengthens the state’s capacity to protect its aquatic resources, ensuring they remain healthy and productive for future generations in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   This goal is central to the article, which focuses on protecting “Pennsylvania’s waters” and “aquatic ecosystems” from the threats posed by “aquatic invasive species (AIS).” The mission of Pennsylvania Sea Grant, a key organization mentioned, is to “enhance the use and conservation of Pennsylvania’s coastal, marine, and Great Lakes resources to create a healthy environment.”

2. SDG 15: Life on Land

   Although the article’s focus is aquatic, SDG 15 is highly relevant as it includes the protection of inland water ecosystems and biodiversity. Specifically, it addresses the threat of invasive alien species to all ecosystems. The article’s entire theme of implementing a rapid response plan for AIS directly supports the conservation of biodiversity within these ecosystems.

3. SDG 4: Quality Education

   The article details a “60-minute training webinar” hosted by Pennsylvania Sea Grant. The purpose of this webinar was to educate “agency staff, resource managers, conservation staff and other partners” on how to respond to AIS. The article highlights the success of this educational initiative, noting that it “significantly increased their knowledge” and empowered them to “educate their communities on AIS.”

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   The effort described is a collaborative one, involving multiple stakeholders. The article mentions Pennsylvania Sea Grant, “agency staff, resource managers, conservation staff,” the “Governor’s Invasive Species Council,” the “Fish and Boat Commission,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and Pennsylvania State University. This multi-stakeholder partnership is crucial for the successful implementation of the “Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems

   The article’s focus on “Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR)” is a direct action to manage and protect Pennsylvania’s aquatic ecosystems from the “impacts of aquatic invasive species.” The goal is to prevent their spread and protect the health of these water bodies, which aligns with strengthening ecosystem resilience.

2. Target 15.8: Prevent the introduction and reduce the impact of invasive alien species

   This target is explicitly addressed. The article is entirely about a strategic approach—the “Pennsylvania Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan”—to prevent the spread and mitigate the impact of AIS in water ecosystems. The training aims to make this response “quick and coordinated.”

3. Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed for sustainable development

   The training webinar serves as a tool to provide professionals with the specific knowledge and skills required to protect local ecosystems, a key component of sustainable development. The article states that participants intend to “use the information they learned to report species, educate their communities on AIS, and be more confident when initiating action,” demonstrating the acquisition of practical skills for sustainability.

4. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships

   The article showcases a partnership model involving a university-affiliated organization (Pennsylvania Sea Grant), government bodies (Governor’s Invasive Species Council, Fish and Boat Commission), and various other professional stakeholders (“agency staff, resource managers, conservation staff”). This collaboration is presented as key to an “effective response.”

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for Target 15.8: Adoption of national/regional strategy on invasive species

  The article explicitly mentions the existence and use of the “Pennsylvania Aquatic Invasive Species Rapid Response Plan,” which was “approved by the Governor’s Invasive Species Council in 2014.” This plan serves as a direct indicator of a relevant strategy being in place to control invasive species.

• Indicators for Target 4.7: Measurement of educational outcomes and participation

  The article provides specific quantitative data that can be used as indicators of the training’s success.

  • Number of participants in the training: “The training drew 63 participants.”
  • Percentage of participants with increased knowledge: “80% of respondents saying the webinar significantly increased their knowledge.”
  • Percentage of participants finding the training useful: “100% found the training useful or somewhat useful.”

• Indicator for Target 17.17: Number and type of stakeholders involved

  While not a formal number, the article implies an indicator of partnership strength by listing the diverse range of participants and collaborators. This includes “agency staff, resource managers, conservation staff,” and specific bodies like the “Fish and Boat Commission,” all working together under a unified plan. The participation of 63 individuals from these various groups is a measure of the partnership’s reach.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com