The Ethics of Introduced Species

Event Description

Prof. Shrader-Frechette focused on the controversy over introduced species such as zebra mussels, kudzu, brown tree snakes and other non-indigenous species (NIS) that have disrupted native ecosystems and caused billions of dollars in damage. She argued that there is no comprehensive, predictive theory of invasibility and adaptive dynamics that might guide ecological decision-making regarding NIS. She then laid out the legal and ethical reasons for severe restrictions on NIS.  

Commentator: Daniel Farber, Law School, University of Minnesota