ICAIS highlights new innovations, regulatory successes, and ongoing challenges for aquatic invasive species

The 23 rd International Conference on Aquatic Invasive Species (ICAIS 2024) highlighted ongoing advancements and continuing challenges related to aquatic invasive species (AIS).Keynote speakers touched on developments in genomics, artificial intelligence, and regulation that are improving AIS management, while also highlighting the continuing risks of environmental disturbance or social inequity in hindering progress.A few authors in this special issue touch on the benefits of inclusive language to increase support and collaboration, the critical role of communicating with and educating stakeholder groups (including online communities), and the benefit of gathering data alongside outreach.Two papers touch on the improvements in ballast water management as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) ballast water performance standards come into force, while also highlighting ongoing challenges.Improved tools can also help predict or manage AIS.Improvements in biopesticides and horizon scanning are described in this special issue.Finally, understanding the potential impacts of AIS is a critical part of management decision-making, and three papers examine those impacts.Although AIS will continue to cause harm globally, the advances highlighted in this special issue will help managers, scientists, and stakeholders to manage the risks more effectively.