Aquatic Invasive Species Issues

Round Goby Surveillance and Monitoring | Eurasian Ruffe Surveillance and Monitoring

Round Goby (Neogobius melanostomus). . Eurasian Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus)

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native aquatic plants or animals that, once they invade an area, may compete with native species for food and habitat resources. They may threaten native species diversity or abundance and disrupt the ecological balance of the invaded area.

Aquatic invasive species have been entering Lake Huron and the Great Lakes at an increasing rate since the turn of the century. There are at least 139 non-indigenous aquatic species that have become established in the Great Lakes since the early 1800's.

The Alpena NFWCO actively monitors invasive benthic fish and educates the public about invasives that threaten the Great Lakes. The office is currently conducting activities targetting the following invasive species:

• Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)
• Eurasian ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus)

For information on other aquatic invasive species, visit the ANS Task Force Web Site.

 

Surveillance and Monitoring

The Alpena NFWCO conducts annual surveillance efforts in nearshore areas of Lake Huron and the St. Marys River. Activities mainly target shipping ports and rivers to detect new populations of benthic invasive fish species and to monitor existing invasive fish populations. Surveys are mainly conducted using bottom trawling gear, however other forms of sampling gear may also be used.

Recent catch summaries: 2005 | 2006

Recent summary reports:
Results of Surveillance for Eurasian Ruffe and Round Goby in Lake Huron, 2006 (pdf 245 Kb)

Great Lakes Report on Surveillance for Ruffe, 2006 (pdf 1.22 Mb)

 

Aquatic Invasive Species Poster Presentation (pdf 109 Kb)

 

Education and Outreach

AIS education is an important tool to alert water users about problems associated with non-native species. Educational efforts also help water users identify invaders and let them know what they can do to help deter or prevent their spread.

The Alpena NFWCO distributes educational materials including posters, identification cards, and brochures to bait and fishing license vendors. We also provide invasive species displays at public events and invasive species presentations for local conservation and school groups.

 

Resources

Learn how you can help prevent the spread of invasive species

Learn what you can do if you catch an invasive species

Link to the ANS Task Force Web Site

Link to the I00th Meridian Initiative

Link to the National Invasive Information Center