Cost and Strategy Trade-offs in the Control of the Invasive Species Spartina alterniflora

Since its introduction to China in 1979, the invasive species Spartina alterniflora has undergone artificial introduction, natural expansion, and subsequent transformation into an invasive species. In response to its ecological threats, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, along with the Ministry of Natural Resources Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Water Resources and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, jointly issued the Special Action Plan for the Control of Spartina alterniflora (2022-2025) in December 2022. To mitigate the harmful impacts of this invasive species, various government agencies and research institutions have actively explored and implemented diverse eradication and utilization techniques since 2003. However, significant regional differences remain in control costs and strategy selection, but systematic cost-benefit evaluations are still lacking. Based on nationwide S. alterniflora eradication project data from January 2013 to June 2024, this study systematically analyzes investment patterns, eradication costs, economic feasibility of different control methods and cost accounting models. The results indicate notable spatial and temporal disparities in control investments, with large-scale eradication efforts effectively reducing per-unit-area costs. Among the control methods, physical approaches have moderate costs and high ecological safety, making them suitable for long-term management. Chemical methods have the lowest costs and offer rapid short-term effectiveness but pose potential environmental risks. Biological replacement methods are the most expensive but cause minimal ecological disturbance and may contribute to wetland restoration. Furthermore, integrated control strategies enhance eradication effectiveness and demonstrate strong adaptability across different ecological conditions. This study also explores cost accounting methodologies for S. alterniflora eradication projects and proposes optimized management strategies to promote a sustainable balance between ecological restoration and economic investment. These findings provide theoretical and practical guidance for the management of invasive species in China's coastal wetlands.