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.

AIS have been entering Lake Huron and the Great Lakes at an increasing rate since the turn of the century. The Alpena FWCO actively monitors invasive benthic fish and educates the public about invasives that threaten the Great Lakes. The office is currently conducting activities targetting round goby and Eurasian ruffe and 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 fish populations. Surveys are conducted using bottom trawling gear, however other forms of sampling gear may also be used.

The station also provides assistance with invasive plant management in partnership with other agencies across northeast Michigan.

AIS education is an important tool to alert the public about problems associated with non-native species. Educational efforts also help others recognize invaders and let them know what they can do to help deter or prevent their spread. The Alpena FWCO is actively involved with AIS education.

Learn more about Asian carp - Visit asiancarp.us

Learn more about round goby - View information

Learn more about Eurasian ruffe - View information

Resource Materials

You can help prevent the spread of invasive species - Learn how

Defending Wild Places Video - How hunters and anglers can stop the spread of invasive species - View video

Useful Websites

ANS Task Force - http://www.anstaskforce.gov/

Protect Your Waters - http://www.protectyourwaters.net/

National Invasive Information Center - http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov

USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database - http://nas.er.usgs.gov/

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