About the Delta Interagency Invasive
Species Coordination (DIISC) Team

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Delta Invasive Species

Purpose

The DIISC Team was formed in 2013 to foster communication and collaboration among California state agencies that detect, prevent, and manage invasive species and restore invaded habitats in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The DIISC Team includes state agency program managers and scientists, and benefits from participation by research and conservation groups and other stakeholders. The DIISC Team also has involvement from key federal agencies.

As outlined in the Invasive Species Coordination Framework, the goals of the DIISC Team are to establish a framework for:

  • Strategic planning
  • Coordinated implementation
  • Education and outreach
  • Data management
  • Research needs
  • Funding
A flowchart that begins with Delta Interagency Invasive Species Coordination (DIISC) Team with arrows that point forward to Agencies and Organizations Working in the Delta and then to Other Collaborations. From Delta Interagency Invasive Species Coordination (DIISC) Team there are arrows that point down to three categories and the tasks associated with each category. They are: Exchange Information (tasks: communication and collaboration, improve efficiencies and support strategic planning, encourage the sharing of scientific developments); Research and Management (tasks: identify management questions; make research recommendations; share monitoring efforts; support prevention, detection, and control; support restoration); and Leverage Funding (tasks: identify funding needs; define potential funding sources for research, strategic communication, and education and outreach; coordinate funding opportunities; leverage agency resources). To the right of Delta Interagency Invasive Species Coordination (DIISC) Team are definitions of the scope (all taxa relevant to the Delta) and the Delta (Legal Delta, Suisun Marsh, relevant tributaries, and Delta counties).

Background 

Invasive species are non-native species whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to economies, environment or human health. The Delta is among the world’s estuaries most-invaded by non-native species. At least 185 non-native species are currently present and new species will likely arrive.

The many historical changes to the Delta have made the area more hospitable to certain non-native species. These factors include changes in the timing and volume of flows, salinity levels and other water quality indicators, and reduction and shifting of habitat. Climate change is also expected to favor non-native species over natives.

Although many non-native species will likely remain in the Delta, harmful ecological, economic, and human health impacts from invasive species can be minimized by preventing new introductions and controlling existing ones. Since there is no singular lead entity for managing invasive species in the Delta, the DIISC Team provides a needed forum for the agency collaboration and communication that is essential to preventing and controlling the negative impacts of invasive species.

Meetings 

The DIISC Team meets quarterly. Contact Dr. Rachel Wigginton, at contact@deltaconservancy.ca.gov, for information on upcoming meetings. 

Meeting Notes