The aquatic invasion

Assembling transboundary governance capacity for prevention and detection

Abstract

This case examines the transboundary governance architecture for addressing the problem of
aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes Basin. The analytical focus is on the contribution of
institutions and networks to transboundary cooperative capacity and the promotion of effective
working arrangements with respect to prevention and early detection. We utilize the four
indicators employed in this special issue – functional intensity, nature of compliance mechanisms,
stability and resilience and legitimacy – to assess the functions and operation of institutions and
networks. We find that the transboundary governance architecture for aquatic invasive species is
functionally intense, operating in the sphere of cooperation and often harmonization across both
informal networks and more formal institutions. This architecture also utilizes a range of
compliance mechanisms which have served to bring about greater harmonization of
requirements, particularly for preventing the introduction and transport of new invasive species
around the Basin. These efforts and activities are broadly seen as legitimate, due to concerted
consensus-building and public information campaigns conducted by the networks, as well as
enhanced participation in transboundary policy processes. The stability and resilience of this
architecture, buoyed over recent decades by institution-network connections, is however
being undermined by ongoing austerity measures.