Implementation of a review and decision model for evaluating proposed introductions of aquatic organisms in Europe and north America

A protocol is presented that we recommend be used to evaluate proposed introductions of aquatic organisms in Europe and North America. The protocol requires establishment of an evaluation board or committee, promulgation of a formal proposal for each proposed introduction and evaluation of the proposed introduction employing a Review and Decision Model. The model is presented as a flow chart in the form of a decision tree. Recommendations would be arrived at by computer analysis of an opinionnaire completed by committee members and experts. The opinionnaire would generate, reject or accept statements and identify where significant gaps of knowledge occur. The presented protocol is a refined version of a previous protocol we suggested be adopted in the United States.