Managing aquatic invasive species as a wicked problem in the Great Lakes basin

Session: Systems Practice: A Solution to Address “Wicked” Problems?

Nicholas Mandrak, Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, [email protected]

Abstract

Wicked problems are so complex that they are difficult to define and challenging, if not impossible, to solve. This complexity is rooted in conflicting perspectives, objectives and management goals, which make the problem difficult to characterize and even more difficult to solve to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Wicked problems can be defined based on Conklin’s six criteria for assessing degree of wickedness, ranging from tame to wicked to very wicked. A disconnect between the perception and reality of wickedness profoundly effects how such problems are managed. Invasive species have been identified as wicked problems. Using Conklin’s criteria, I assessed the degree of wickedness for a range of established or potential invasive species established in the Great Lakes basin. The species had varying degrees of perceived ecological impacts, and included Alewife, Common Carp, Grass Carp, Orangespotted Sunfish, Sea Lamprey, Tench, and White Perch. The results of this analysis exemplify the wicked nature of managing the impacts of invasive fish species in the Great Lakes basin.A systems practice approach may be useful in managing the wicked nature of this problem.