RECENT ANS ANNOUNCEMENTS

Reclamation awards $160,000 for the Veg Out prize competition

The Bureau of Reclamation has selected phase one winners for the Veg Out prize competition seeking sustainable solutions to manage aquatic vegetation in canals. Winning ideas will share in a total prize purse of $345,000. This challenge aims to reduce the cost and labor of aquatic vegetation management in canals throughout Reclamation while minimizing impacts on water quality and downstream users. The challenge seeks to identify, develop, and test novel, sustainable, scalable solutions that can be used across a range of canal types. FULL PRESS RELEASE, including list of phase one winners.

AIS in Commerce Summit

The AIS in Commerce Summit was March 8, 2023. You may view the PPTs of all of the presentations and a video of the event by clicking here.The next phase of this project is an important one

that is best achieved with participation from a wide variety of interests and in smaller groups so that we can discuss and develop strategies to address the diversity of challenges and issues associated with AIS in Commerce.  

You are invited to participate in one or more of the following workgroups to help brainstorm and discuss strategies: 

  • Outreach and Education
  • Voluntary Industry Standards
  • AIS Information Infrastructure and Access
  • Labeling and Recordkeeping
  • E-Commerce
  • Monitoring, Inspection and Enforcement
  • Regulatory Approaches

To express interest in participating in a workgroup, fill out this jotform by March 20, 2023:  

https://form.jotform.com/230166150474046.

Workgroups will assemble for the first time in late March/early April and will meet a total of four times between then and September for no more than 3 hours each time.All facilitation, note taking, and technology support for the virtual work group meetings will be provided. You may express interest in serving on more than one work group; please indicate this on your form. Note that there will be opportunities to provide feedback to all work groups throughout this process. 

Invasive Crayfish Hitchhiking in Aquarium Shipments

Over the last few years, documented cases of invasive animals have been detected when other aquarium related commodities have been purchased. In 2021, zebra mussels were detected in moss balls in pet stores in 46 states. In 2022, multiple states found that invasive crayfish were unintentionally shipped with goldfish or other aquarium fish and were subsequently detected in pet stores. 

Multiple Petco stores in Nebraska and Idaho in the last few weeks have reported invasive crayfish in tanks. A few of the specimens retrieved from a Nebraska Petco retail store were four inches or more in length. Although protocols and policies are in place at the supplier and receiver ends of the supply chain, there is still work that needs to be done to minimize the risk of hitchhikers within this pathway. It is uncertain how widespread this issue is at this time.  

Please keep an eye out for any potential hitchhikers in Petcos. The National Petco office has been alerted to this issue, but if any reports come up in your state, please contact Kerry Wixted (kwixted@fishwildlife.org).

UPCOMING MEETINGS

UPCOMING WEBINARS

U.S. Geological Survey

USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species (NAS) Database as we hold two open webinars to discuss upcoming improvements to the Database. During this webinar, the NAS team will present our ideas on modernizing the Database. Then, we will open the floor to comments and suggestions from our users and stakeholders on any new features they want to see on the website. Please use this link to sign up for either webinar time: March 23rd at 3 pm (EST) or March 24th at 2 pm (EST).https://forms.office.com/g/4picXW4pSp

Collaborative Conservation and Adaptation Strategy Toolbox (CCAST) Webinars:  

March 21th, 2023, 4 pm ET: Springs Monitoring for the Four Forest Restoration Initiative in Northern Arizona

The Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) aims to restore 2.4 million acres of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest across four national forests in Northern Arizona to improve forest resilience to climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.

Learn more about climate change and reduce the risk of increasingly frequent and severe wildfires. Treatments such as mechanical thinning and prescribed burns are anticipated to impact springs in the project area—keystone ecosystems of landscapes, and indicators of environmental change. However, there has been limited monitoring of the more than 20,000 springs throughout the Colorado River basin. The Springs Stewardship Institute is in year four of a five-year study monitoring how treatments affect spring ecosystems and influence aquifer recharge. The results will improve knowledge of spring ecosystems and inform future management considerations.

Canadian Council on Invasive Species: National Invasive Species Winter Webinar

Wednesday, March 22, 2023 @ 1:00 pm EST; In the Weeds: A Municipality’s Approach to Integrated Pest Management through Managing Yellow Floating Heart

Halifax Regional Municipality is changing its approach to managing invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species . In 2022, the municipality adopted its Integrated Pest Management Plan, which sets priorities for proactive management.  Since 2009, residents living around Little Albro Lake in Dartmouth have been voicing their concerns about the abundance of invasive yellow floating heart in the lake. Currently, yellow floating heart is contained to this Little Albro Lake, where in summer it covers more than 50% of the surface. To prevent the further spread of the invasive pond weed, and pursuant to its Integrated Pest Management Plan, Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is pursuing eradication of yellow floating heart. This presentation will discuss our Integrated Pest Management Plan as a whole, and how it has been applied to manage yellow floating heart, and its current proposals for eradication. The presentation will also discuss key lessons learned from this ongoing process, and how HRM will apply these lessons to future management of other invasive species in the municipality.

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 @ 1:00 pm EST: Don’t Let it Loose

In this webinar you will hear presentations about commonly released invasive species from the pet and aquarium trade and their impacts on Canada's landscapes and waters. Our feature speaker is Brian Heise, faculty member in the Department of Natural Resource Sciences at Thompson Rivers University, in Kamloops BC, who will present "Trouble outside the tank: negative impacts and control of invasive goldfish in BC". The goldfish, Carassius auratus, is one of the most popular aquarium fishes in the world, but can damage BC lakes and rivers due to its competition with native fishes for food, its predation on the eggs and larvae of amphibians, its uprooting and consumption of aquatic plants, and the parasites it could spread to native salmonids. To control goldfish BC should consider the use of boat electrofishing in the spring, and stronger policies regarding pet industry practices surrounding the release vs. return of pet fishes.

North American Invasive Species Management Association Webinar Series

April 19, 2023 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm CDT: Ventenata Identification, Impacts, and Management Options

Ventenata (Ventenata dubia) is one of the most recent troublesome invasive plant species to affect range, pasture, and wild lands of the Intermountain Pacific Northwest and Northern Great Plains of the U.S. This presentation will cover biology, ecology, and management of ventenata. Grass identification can be difficult, and this presentation will also discuss how to identify ventenata relative to other non-native annual grasses that are problematic on western range and wild lands. In areas where ventenata is just beginning to invade, identification is critical for early detection and rapid response.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

National Park Service – Yellowstone AIS Biologist

This is a GS-9 ($57,118 - $74,250/year) Permanent - Career Seasonal position (a permanent job with full benefits that has a two-week period with time off spent in non-pay status) located in Yellowstone National Park. Relocation expenses will be paid if the selectee lives outside the local commuting area. 



Job duties:

  • Manage and operate AIS watercraft inspection and decontamination (WID) stations.
  • Provide daily oversight, scheduling of seasonal staff, administrative duties, staff training, and lead seasonal staff.
  • Develop and implement monitoring protocols, conduct data and specimen collection, and analysis and reporting for early detection monitoring for AIS.
  • Prepare and implement AIS management plans, procedures and scientific reports (AIS rapid response, detection/ preparedness; AIS risk/vulnerability assessments; AIS and WID SOPs; AIS management strategic planning and park-specific AIS regulations).
  • NPS fee collection and government money handling duties (background check required).
  • Operate small watercraft (drug testing position), which requires applicant to obtain the Department of Interior Motorboat Operator Certification Course (DOI MOCC) certificate, after entering on duty.

U.S Fish and Wildlife Service

On behalf of the Carterville Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office we are pleased to announce that we are recruiting a permanent GS-0401-11 General Natural Resources Management and Biological Science position in Carbondale IL (R3-23-11889728-SM-SDHA). The successful candidate will support the delivery of the stations National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) including projects funded through 2022 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure and economic competitiveness. We were directly appropriated $455 million over five years in BIL funds for programs related to the President’s America the Beautiful initiative.

Learn more about Bipartisan Infrastructure Law . The position is open to the general public at the following link: https://www.usajobs.gov/job/713377000. Open & closing dates: 3/17/2023 to 03/30/2023.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department:

WFWWB09-2023-00557-AquaticInvasive Species (AIS) Specialist-Cheyenne, SALARY: $4,737.20 - $5,921.07 Monthly Location: Cheyenne,  Closing Date: 04/02/23 11:59 PM. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming?keywords=invasive

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is seeking to hire an Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist in Cheyenne, WY. The goal of the AIS program is to prevent the spread of AIS to and within Wyoming through public outreach, watercraft inspections, and monitoring. This position oversees multiple watercraft inspection stations in southeast Wyoming, hires, trains, and supervises AIS inspectors, conducts local outreach and education programs, conducts monitoring, summarizes data, writes reports, coordinates with local partners, and conducts eradication and control efforts. Human Resource Contact: Laura Curtis 307-777-4507 laura.curtis1@wyo.gov

SCA: Invasive Species Strike Team Member

Morris, Minnesota, United States

This position will be part of a four member crew comprising the Morris-Big Stone Strategic Weed Assault Team (SWAT). The crew will be dedicated solely to mapping and treating invasive plant species in high quality and highly threatened prairies across the project area. Work will take place on National Wildlife Refuge System Lands in Morris Wetland Management District, Big Stone National Wildlife Refuge/Wetland Management District, and Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge.

Expected Dates: June 12, 2023 - September 29, 2023

Invasive Species Strike Team Technician

Catskill Regional Invasive Species Partnership (CRISP)

Arkville, New York, United States (Hybrid)

We are seeking 4 motivated and reliable Invasive Species Strike Team Technicians to join us in controlling invasive species throughout the Catskills this season: Two Aquatic Strike Team Technicians and two Terrestrial Strike Team Technicians. These seasonal Technicians are anticipated to work 37.5 hours/week for 14 weeks, beginning mid-May. The Terrestrial Strike Team will focus control efforts on terrestrial plants and animals. The Aquatic Strike Team will focus efforts in and around lakes, rivers, and streams, working from boats or shore in waders or similar gear.

Biotech Crew Member (NPS Invasive Species Early Detection)

Great Basin Institute Ashland, Oregon, United States (On-Site)

The Great Basin Institute is working cooperatively with the National Park Service Klamath Network (KLMN) Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) program to recruit a Biotech Crew Member for invasive species early detection. The overall objective is to perform surveys of park roads and trails and make observations of invasive species within the Klamath Network parks: Crater Lake National Park (Crater Lake), Lava Beds National Monument (Lava Beds), Lassen Volcanic National Monument (Lassen), Oregon Caves National Monument and Reserve (Oregon Caves), Redwood National and State Parks (Redwood), and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (Whiskeytown), located throughout northern California and southern Oregon. Data collected will contribute to a multi year dataset aimed at detecting status and trends in park invasive species and is intended to provide decision-makers with location data of prioritized invasive species. Training and oversight will be provided for all duties. 

Invasive Species Member, Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex

American Conservation Experience

Shirley, New York, United States (On-Site)

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking TWO Shorebird Monitoring and Biology Support Members to contribute to the biology program alongside Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: May 22, 2023 Estimated End Date: September 22, 2023

Invasive Species Member Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuges

American Conservation Experience

Erskine, Minnesota, United States (On-Site)

American Conservation Experience, a nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking one Invasive Species Member  to contribute to work alongside Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuge Staff. During this term, the ACE members will work on meaningful conservation projects such as invasive species inventory and removal.

Start Date: May 2023 Estimated End Date: September/October 2023

Invasive Species Members- Modoc National Wildlife Refuge

American Conservation Experience

California, United States

Invasive Species Members- Modoc National Wildlife Refuge

American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with USFWS is seeking TWO Invasive Species Members to contribute to invasive plant management projects alongside Modoc NWR staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date:  May 8th, 2023, End date 14 weeks later.

Invasive Species Mapping Member Pixley National Wildlife Refuge

American Conservation Experience

Earlimart, California, United States (On-Site)

American Conservation Experience (ACE), a non-profit conservation corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), is seeking ONE Invasive Species Mapping Member to contribute to the invasive species mapping program project alongside Kern National Wildlife Refuge Complex Staff.

For more information about ACE, please visit: www.usaconservation.org.

Start Date: April 17, 2023

Estimated End Date: November 11, 2023

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

America the Beautiful – 2023

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), through anticipated cooperative agreements from the Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Agriculture’s U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is pleased to announce the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP).

Approximately $116 million will be available for 2023 through five categories of grants.

Competitive proposals will increase interagency, intergovernmental, and interstate collaboration and address more than one of the program priorities below. 

  • Benefit At-Risk Fish, Wildlife, and Plant Species. 
  • Expand Habitat Connectivity. 
  • Provide a Range of Ecosystem Services.
  • Strengthen Ecosystem and Community Resilience. 
  • Expand Public and Community Access to Nature. 
  • Engage Local Communities. 
  • Support Tribally Led Conservation and Restoration Priorities. 
  • Contribute to Local or Tribal Economies. 
  • Contribute to Workforce Development.  
  • Advance Sentinel Landscape Partnership Priorities.   



Important Dates:

  • Applicant Webinar: Thurs, March 9, 2023, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
  • Pre-Proposal Due Date: Thurs, April 20, 2023, by 11:59 PM ET
  • Full Proposal Due Date (by invite only): Thurs, July 20, 2023, by 11:59 PM ET

2023 Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program

California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) will accept applications for the 2023 Quagga and Zebra Mussel Infestation Prevention Grant Program: April 10, 2023 - May 19, 2023, subject to available funds.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

1. Grant applicant must own/manage any aspect of the water in a reservoir where recreational activities are permitted.

2. The reservoir must be open to the public.

3. Grant applicant must demonstrate that the reservoir is uninfested with dreissenid mussels. To demonstrate that the reservoir is uninfested, applicants must provide mussel monitoring data collected since March 2022. Monitoring data can be from surface surveys, artificial substrates, and plankton tows.

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, on behalf of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, is soliciting proposals for interagency agreement funding to support response to the ongoing European green crab emergency. Please visit https://rco.wa.gov/about-us/employment-and-contracts/ for more information about the available funding for public agencies. (Rolling deadline until funds fully allocated)

For more information on European green crab and the state response, please visit https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/invasive/carcinus-maenas

and https://wdfw.wa.gov/news/emergency-measures-deployed-control-invasive-european-green-crabs-washington-waters

RECOMMENDED READING

Passive transport of a zebra mussel attached to a freshwater fish: A novel Dreissena dispersal mechanism?

Ricciardi, A., & Hill, J. M. (2023). Passive transport of a zebra mussel attached to a freshwater fish: A novel Dreissena dispersal mechanism?. Biological Invasions, 1-4.

More than we bargained for: Zebra mussels transported amongst European native freshwater snails

Dickey, J. W., Brennan, R. S., Chung, S. S. W., Jeschke, J. M., Steffen, G. T., & Briski, E. (2023).  More than we bargained for: Zebra mussels transported amongst European native freshwater snails. NeoBiota, 83, 1-10.

Colombian Hippos and Species Management: Exploring the Legal Case Surrounding the Management and Control of the Colombian Hippos from a Species Justice Perspective

Doornbos, E. (2023). Colombian Hippos and Species Management: Exploring the Legal Case Surrounding the Management and Control of the Colombian Hippos from a Species Justice Perspective. Laws, 12(2), 29.

Identifying research in support of the management and control of dreissenid mussels in the western United States

Counihan, T. D., DeBruyckere, L., Bollens, S. M., Phillips, S., Thom, T., & Shemai, B. (2023). Identifying research in support of the management and control of dreissenid mussels in the western United States. Management of Biological Invasions, 14.

ANS IN THE NEWS

Pacific at risk from marine invasive species

March 21, 2023. Invasive species are the lead cause of extinction of endemic Pacific species, SPREP's 2013 State of conservation in Oceania report said.

Results in for invasive impact survey, pilot program announced

March 20, 2023. The Pennsylvania Invasive Species Council shared findings from the first statewide survey of impacts from invasive plants, insects, pathogens and animals, and announced that a pilot test of a regional invasive species management program will launch this summer.

Debate over plan to phase out Pacific oyster farms in Cornwall

March 20, 2023. A Duchy of Cornwall scheme to "phase out" Pacific oyster farms on its land to protect native species has sparked concern in the shellfish industry.

Customs officers confiscate 6 illegal giant African snails at Detroit airport

March 19, 2023. Customs officers at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport made an unusual – and potentially dangerous – discovery in a passenger’s luggage: Six giant African snails. The snails, which were alive, were found in the suitcase of a traveler who arrived in Detroit from the west African country of Ghana, according to a Friday news release from US Customs and Border Protection.

Saving the planet by eating one venomous lionfish at a time

March 18, 2023. To help reduce lionfish numbers, a number of organizations have encouraged the hunting and consumption of lionfish. The lionfish can become "delectable seafood fare," NOAA said, as long as they are prepared properly.

Central Arkansas Water plans to remove invasive species from Lake Maumelle

March 18, 2023. Central Arkansas Water says hydrilla is growing in Lake Maumelle. This plant can cause house cyanobacteria, which is toxic.

Gov. Moore requesting federal assistance in protecting the Chesapeake Bay from invasive fish species

March 17, 2023. Since 2012, the population and value of Maryland's most important commercial fish in the Chesapeake Bay have gone down, which hurts the economy of the state.

Stefanik, Thompson Call on USPS to Issue Stamp to Combat Invasive Species

March 17, 2023. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), co-chairs of the Invasive Species Caucus, today called on Postmaster General Louis DeJoy to direct the United States Postal Service (USPS) to issue a semipostal stamp to help combat invasive species.

Burmese python is one of the toughest invasive species in the world

March 17, 2023. The Burmese python problem in Florida is still one of the most challenging invasive management issues in the world, according to a new report from the US Geological Survey.

When Helpless Fish Need a Hero, She Answers the Call

March 17, 2023. Three hundred goldfish in a hospital basement, a suckermouth at the airport: When fish are in crisis, a Bronx beautician and a partner in Pennsylvania ride to the rescue.

Pet Nutria Owners Have Applied for Permit to Keep Animal Under Certain Conditions

March 17, 2023. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has worked out an agreement which will allow the New Orleans couple to keep its pet nutria.  

New Covid origins data suggests pandemic linked to raccoon dogs at Wuhan market

March 17, 2023.The samples were collected from surfaces at the Huanan seafood market in Wuhan after the first human cases of Covid-19 were found in late 2019.

How climate change and invasive species threaten tree frogs

March 16, 2023. A new study from the University of Florida investigates how climate change and the spread of invasive species can combine to create a dual threat to biodiversity.

Invasive snails are helping an endangered bird make a comeback in Florida

March 16, 2023. Since island apple snails invaded the Florida Everglades, an endangered species of bird known as the snail kite has bounced back from the threat of extinction. It's a rare case of a destructive invasive species having a positive impact, says Robert Fletcher, a professor of landscape ecology at the University of Florida who also directs a snail kite monitoring program.

Tourists 'devastated' as exclusive Aussie destination closed over invasive fungus

March 16, 2023. The majority of world heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, which is located in the Tasman sea about 700km northeast of Sydney, has been temporarily shut down due to the escalating risk of the highly transferable airborne fungus.

Earlier algae blooms, lingering toxins: Invasive species cause big changes to a lake’s microbial community

March 15, 2023. New research from University of Wisconsin–Madison scientists traces two tiny invasive species through their outsized effects on the water quality, algae blooms and toxic conditions in a Wisconsin lake.

Save the Planet by Eating This Big Ugly Fish

March 15, 2023. Not just any fish. Yang is obsessed with one type in particular. At the time, she called it Asian carp, although now it is often called “copi.”

Proper management of invasive species is critical

March 15, 2023. This in no way completes the discussion on aquatic invasive species, but I hope it gives you a better understanding of why Wyoming must manage to remain wild given the century in which we live so we can pass along that understanding and heritage to future generations.

Stop the spread of aquatic invasive species; become a watercraft inspector and protect Wyoming waters

March 13, 2023. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is offering trainings for members of the public to become certified Wyoming aquatic invasive species (AIS) inspectors. These trainings provide the skills necessary to inspect personally-owned and other watercraft.

China to address invasive alien species to safeguard biodiversity, build 4 more national parks: Minister of Natural Resources

March 13, 2023. China will intensify its efforts into preventing and controlling invasive alien species to safeguard its ecosystems and biodiversity and will make efforts to establish four new national parks in 2023.

Beyond eating bullfrogs: Utah asks anglers to remove these 3 burdensome species

March 12, 2023. In short, their message points out that bullfrogs are an invasive species in Utah and the best solution to the problem is to catch them — and eat them.

Invasive Zebra Mussels Seen Hitching on Quebec Lake Fish, Threats Possible Spread to Other Lakes

March 12, 2023. According to research, invasive zebra mussels in Quebec have been feeding on lake fish and could spread to other lakes.

A freshwater giant is a boon to Bolivian fishers, but an unknown for native species

March 9, 2023. Paiche or arapaima (Arapaima gigas) was introduced in Bolivia in 1976 by accident from Peru, and though initially rejected as an exotic species, is today prized by local fishers as a boon to the economy.

Advisory Committee Charts a Path Forward for Controlling Destructive Invasive Species

March 8, 2023. After being disbanded in 2019, newly appointed members of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC) gathered this week to discuss strategies to prevent, eradicate and control invasive species, which impose substantial costs on society and cause damages that impact the global economy, including an estimated $120 billion in environmental damages and losses annually in the United States.

State awards $3.6M for invasive species projects

March 8, 2023. The state of Michigan announced in March that 35 projects will share $3.6 million in grants through the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

How an invasive species may impact Colorado boating season

March 6, 2023.  In September 2022, CPW discovered a single adult zebra mussel on a piece of PVC pipe in Highline Lake. The lake has since been upgraded from "suspect" to "infested."