The economics and law of invasive species management in Florida

Invasive species impact Florida's ecology and economy across multiple dimensions. This dissertation examines the impacts of five invasive species in Florida, and evaluates management responses that follow. It first discusses potential infestation of Lake Okeechobee by invasive zebra mussels over twenty years using a bioeconomic model. Next, it estimates invasive aquatic plants' impacts on freshwater fishing in Florida. Lastly, it analyzes the legal foundations for state control efforts with respect to invasive species.; Zebra mussels are a serious threat to Lake Okeechobee, which is vital to agricultural producers and anglers and provides numerous ecosystem services. A bioeconomic model in a stochastic dynamic simulation framework estimates the impact of zebra mussels on recreation, surface water users, and ecosystem services over 20 years. Without state intervention it is {dollar}349.34 million. Policy responses were simulated. The cost-minimizing choice is to invest in arrival prevention and early warning, which reduces costs by 70.91% and is the only policy choice with positive returns ({dollar}247.71 million) compared to no control of zebra mussels. Post-establishment eradication yields large losses. This study indicates that investment in arrival prevention is more cost effective than post-arrival eradication.; Invasive plants have significant negative impacts on water-based recreation. Despite the high impacts, little economic research has quantified these impacts in a way useful to invasive species managers. Economic research conducted on aquatic invasive species usually focuses on a single lake, or is too abstract for managers. Data are usually unavailable for larger-scale studies. This study uses unpublished data to estimate the impact of plant coverage on fishing activity on 13 Florida lakes using a bioeconomic model. Policy response simulations estimate the impacts over five years. The results suggest that the optimal management policy is maintenance control with respect to hydrilla, water hyacinth, and water lettuce.; The dissertation then examines the failure of the state's Citrus Canker Eradication Program (CCEP). The CCEP cases are precedent for subsequent pest eradication program challenges. The State's power to take property, due process, and just compensation are reviewed. Lessons for subsequent eradication programs are provided.